Your Embroidered Logo: Will a Picture Work?

Your former embroiderer retired and you"re unable to obtain your existing embroidery machine file. You want to order shirts from a new embroiderer but, you don't have a digital file of your logo because your original embroiderer created your logo without using artwork.  Wondering if a photograph of your existing shirts will work?

Possibly. If your design is very simple (just text for example) and you can take a clear picture from directly above then a photograph might serve as a template for your embroidery set-up. But, if your design is more detailed and your image is unclear or distorted then it may not work for your set-up. In that case it might be better to have artwork created from a photograph.  Then you can spend time carefully proofing and revising your artwork before continuing with your embroidery set-up.

Your Embroidered Logo: Advertise Wherever You Go!

Running errands? Don't forget to wear your sweatshirt embroidered with your business logo. Stopping at the grocery store? Bring your grocery bags printed with your logo. Going to the football game? You'll need your embroidered beanie and fleece blanket. Catching a soccer match? Wear your embroidered polar fleece jacket. Don't miss an opportunity to advertise your business wherever you go!

Your Embroidered Logo: Design Your Business Logo

Designing your own business logo? Keep it simple, unique, memorable and appropriate for your business. Here are some tips:

• Need inspiration?  View logo images online.  Don't copy anything but note how well-known logos are constructed, how much detail they contain and why certain logos catch your attention. 
• Design your logo at the correct size for an embroidered left chest logo. Work within a 2.5" - 4" wide / high space and you'll be less likely to create a logo with too many details, incorrect proportions and text that's too small. Many people make the mistake of designing on a larger scale and when their logo is downsized they realize they've included too much information and some of the text is too small.
• Pick a font for your business name that works for an embroidered logo. Avoid fonts with narrow columns or cut-out areas.Want to make a bold statement? Pick a bold font. A refined impression? Choose a readable script. High tech? Pick a modern-looking font. Unless your business name is short you'll want it to extend the full length of your logo width (2.5" - 4" wide). Have tag line text? Choose a simple font such as a block that works with your business name font.
• View your logo against other background colors in addition to white before finalizing your logo colors unless you plan to only wear white shirts.
• Design your logo, print it to scale, tape it on to a shirt and stand three feet away.  Is it readable? Does it appeal to your customers? Does it represent your type of business and how you do business?

Make changes, put your logo aside for a few days then review it again.  Get additional opinions from people who will provide an honest answer.

Your Embroidered Logo: When Printing is Better Option...

While most items look great with an embroidered logo there are times when having your logo printed will produce a better effect.  Let's say you want a small quantity of T's decorated with a large multi-colored design. The design is too large to be embroidered on a light-weight T-shirt so printing is a better option.  But, it will be expensive to have a multi-colored design screen printed on a small number of T's and it may be hard to locate a printer who will print a small quantity.  Is there another option? Yes - direct garment printing!

Direct garment printing is a process that allows you to have a few shirts printed without having to pay for screen charges and meet typical screen printing quantity minimums. The resulting print looks like screen printing except depending on the type of garment printer, white ink might not look as white when printed on dark-colored shirts. The per shirt cost will be slightly more than a screen printed shirt but there won't be any screen charges which would be expensive for a multi-colored screen printed design. To find a decorator who offers this type of printing ask the printer if they have "direct garment printing".

Your Embroidered Logo: Change It Up!

Need a change? Wearing the same embroidered shirts for a period of time has brand recognition benefits but changing your look can give you and your logo an updated appearance. Here are some easy ways to give your logo a fresh look:

• If you always wear the same shirt color switch to a different color or a shirt with a pattern or texture 
• If you always wear polo shirts switch to a button down style
• Have your logo embroidered in one color if your design can be simplified into one color
• Choose a garment with a trim color that matches a color in your logo
• Allow employees to choose their own garment colors
• Have your logo embroidered on other items such as sweaters, fleece jackets and hats
• Brighten the thread colors in your logo and have your logo embroidered on a sharply contrasting shirt color
• Go subtle and have your logo embroidered in tone-on-tone thread colors.

Small changes can make a big difference!

Your Embroidered Logo: Ogio!

Ogio polo shirts: cutting edge good looks paired with top performance fabrics. Stay-cool wicking technology keeps you cool while modern detailing gives you a fashion forward look.

Style features include a heat transfer label for tagless comfort, debossed metal buttons and distinctive stitch detailing. Choose from colors like "gridiron green", "nitro yellow" and "bolt blue". For example, checkout Ogio's OG119, the "Leveler", in "blacktop". Its variegated mini stripe coloring, angled placket detail, asymmetrical back yoke and reflective heat transfer label give this shirt ATTITUDE.

You'll love the fit and feel of these sharp performers. Boost your professional edge wearing Embroidered Ogio Polo Shirts!

Your Embroidered Logo: Locate Your Favorite Hat?

You love your navy blue baseball hat! You've had it for years.  Now its time to buy custom embroidered hats to advertise your business. It'd be great if you could get the same style hat as before but you'll settle for a similar style. How do you find your perfect hat?

If you know the manufacturer and style number it should be easy to see if the style is still available. But, what if you don't have that information and the product tag only gives the RN or manufacturer's number?  Considering that the style may not longer be available it might be easier to look for a hat with similar features. But, there are hundreds of different hat styles. What should you check when exploring new styles?

Profile - Is the front profile low, medium or high?

Construction - Is the hat "constructed" (stiff ) or is it unconstructed (not stiff ) in the front?

Closure - What type of closure is used? Hook and loop (Velcro)? Buckle?

Flex Fit - If there's no closure is the headband flexible so it fits a variety of head sizes or is it sized to fit a certain head size?

Material - What type of material is the hat made from? Twill, nylon, bamboo, mesh, performance fabric or some thing else? Is it garment washed, pigment dyed or distressed? Does it have patterned material like camouflage or is it made from high-visibility, reflective safety material?

Detailing - Does it have color detailing? A contrasting underbill? Contrast stitching or some other type of decoration?

Can't find your exact hat? Decide what details are most important to you, try a sample hat and place your order for embroidered hats!

Your Embroidered Logo: In White Thread?

Logos in white thread are "in" but is white the best thread color for your logo? Not necessarily. If your logo was originally created using more than one color and the areas of color overlap then simplifying your logo to one color won't work without loosing some of the logo's clarity.  In addition, you may loose some of its visual dimension, interest and impact depending on the elements within the design.

What about the look of white thread? Embroiderers consider white thread to be the least forgiving thread color because the human eye sees every individual strand or imperfect stitch. If you compare a logo in white thread with the same logo in a darker thread color the darker example will look better because your eye doesn't see as many of the imperfections.

When do all-white logos work? If your logo is simple an all-white logo can provide a refreshing change. If the garment fabric is multi-colored such as a checked shirt then an all-white logo may be easier to read. Finally, if your logo has been the same for a long time it might be good to have a new look.

Your Embroidered Logo: Design

Planning to design your business logo? Need inspiration? Time to pull out your business card? No. Instead google images of well known business logos. Study how different design elements such as the general shape, amount of detail, proportions and number of colors are used. Pay special attention to how the different elements work together to create a single logo. Take note of what you like and what is appropriate for your business and will appeal to your potential customers. Don't copy but use your inspiration to create your own unique, memorable design!

Your Embroidered Logo: Lettering Check

Looking for an embroiderer?  Pay close attention to how they handle text. Check:

• Lettering spacing - letters are cleanly spaced and spacing reflects the the artwork
• Connector threads (single threads between letters) - are barely visible
• Letter heights - Letter heights are even
• Outlines - Outline of letters are even and not jagged
• Thread secure - is secure and bobbin thread (usually white) isn't visible

The quality of an embroidered logo is usually judged by its text.  If your embroidered text looks bad  it will reflect poorly on your business image.

Your Embroidered Logo: Background Color?

How many colors are in your embroidered logo? Two, three? The typical business logo has one to three thread colors. But WAIT, don't forget the shirt color! Unless you plan to wear white shirts most likely you haven't seen how your logo looks against different background colors.

Its important to think what background color will work best for your logo. Whatever you pick can have a big effect on how your logo is perceived. Pick a highly contrasting color and your embroidered logo will stand out well. Pick a slightly different color and your logo will make a more subtle statement. Pick a color that's similar to a color in your logo (many people do this because they associate that color with their business) and your logo will be hard to read. Its your choice. A subtle look can make a classy statement but when you want to be clearly seen think "high contrast".

Your Embroidered Logo: Well-Designed?

Your embroidered business logo should be readable, directed to your potential customers, unique and memorable. But, will that alone give it a professional appearance? No.  It must be well-designed. It should be balanced with the primary focus given to your business name. What is a "balanced" logo?  A logo with a unified look with a good division of space, color and shape between the design elements.

When you look at your logo does your business name command primary attention with the secondary elements such as a tag line or image serving a supporting role? Or, does it have an amateurish, unorganized look with incorrectly sized elements in colors that don't work together?

If your logo has a poor appearance analyze it to understand what the problem is. Delete, resize and reposition elements and adjust the colors (don't forget to consider the background color) until you have an embroidered logo that works for your business and gives your embroidered button down shirts a top-quality, professional appearance!

Your Embroidered Logo: Style Focus - Long Sleeves with Features

Want a polo with a cotton feel and performance features? Try the Port Authority K800LS long sleeve polo shirt.  This 6.5-ounce, 100% cotton polo with an anti-curl collar resists pilling, fading, shrinking and wrinkling.You'll love this shirt's classic good looks and performance features.

Looking for a long sleeve polo shirt with tactical details like mic clips? The CornerStone CS410LS is a 6.6-ounce, moisture-wicking 100% polyester polo.  This polo has reinforced pen pockets, a tag-free label, snag-free fabric, a drop tail to stay tucked in and mic clips at the center placket and shoulders. Its available in sizes XS - 4X in six colors. Add your logo and you'll have custom embroidered long sleeve polo shirts with a professional look!

Your Embroidered Logo: Changes?

Last time we discussed what changes can be made to your artwork to make it work for embroidery.  Wondering what changes can't easily be made?

Change the font - a font in your artwork can't be changed to another font unless you provide artwork for the new font. But, if there is very small text in a detailed font sometimes that font can be switched to a more common font so the text is more readable at a small size.

Downsize the logo to whatever size is needed - depending on the amount of detail and the required size you may be able to downsize your logo.

Add a border or shadow - a border or shadow can be added if there is enough room in the design.

Not sure what changes can be made to your artwork?  Ask your embroiderer.  They can correctly size your logo and let you know if any changes are needed.

Your Embroidered Logo: Modifying Artwork?

You had a new business logo designed recently but you've never used it to purchase embroidered shirts. You realize your logo might need modifications to make it "embroidery-friendly" but what does that mean? What types of changes can be made?

Resize artwork?  - Artwork can be resized but it may be impossible to embroider small details.  Instead it may be better to simplify or eliminate those details.

Change colors? - The colors in your embroidered design can be different than in your artwork. If you change the colors make sure they look balanced and show up well against the garment color.

Eliminate elements? - Design elements such as small text, shadows and borders can be eliminated. If you eliminate shadows and borders make sure you can easily read your logo without modifying the colors.

Resize elements? - Design elements can be resized if there is enough room within the embroidery area. For example, small text can be enlarged to make it more readable.

Kern text? - Unwanted space can be eliminated between individual characters of a word so the connector threads aren't visible.

Divide text? - Small text can be divided into two lines and increased in size so its more readable.

Remove white background? - The white background of a jpeg image can be easily removed. If you have white elements in your design note that those elements are to be in white thread so they aren't removed.

For more tips on how to make the most of your embroidered logo see Embroidery News.

Your Embroidered Logo: Fit Everyone!

Hate being that guy wearing a navy blue shirt when everyone else is wearing light blue or stone - especially when its hot outside and all the sun's rays seem drawn to your shirt? If only the company embroiderer provided a better selection of tall sized button down shirts...

Its one year later. You've just received this year's embroidered shirts.  You take a look. Wait - instead of the typical navy shirts you've got light blue and stone!  Is this a size mix-up? You try them on and they FIT! The tags say XLT! Now you can wear big and tall embroidered button down shirts in colors that match your fellow employees! Now you can wear shirts that fit and you "fit" in with your group.

Your Embroidered Logo: Ready For an Update?

Time to order embroidered shirts for your business. In the past you've used your business name in a readable font. But now you're ready for a change. You told your embroiderer you need new artwork.  But wait... what does that mean? Are you looking for a slight update? Possibly a more modern-looking font? A brighter thread color? Or, are you ready to have your logo designed by a graphic artist?

Most embroiderers are happy to set-up your business name in an embroidery or true type font but having your logo designed requires the expertise of an experienced graphic designer. Are you ready to translate your business into an image that represents your business and speaks to the people you market to?

If yes, expect to work through numerous revisions while you refine a logo that exemplifies your business, is simple, memorable, unique and appeals to your potential customers. Create a version of the image that works in the formats you need - letterhead, email signature, web site logo, social icons, embroidered shirts - whatever media you use to represent your business locally and online. Develop a logo that represents what you do and speaks to your potential customers and you'll have an effective way to advertise your business!

For more tips on how to make the most out of your embroidered business logo see Embroidery News.

Your Embroidered Logo: Placement

Worried that your embroidered logo won't be placed correctly on your shirts? Most embroiderers follow a standard placement guide for left chest (heart placement) logos depending on the garment size, style, and whether its for a man or a woman. What are some of the considerations when deciding on logo placement?

Unisex Sizing - Many budget-friendly styles are only available unisex sizes. Also many companies only order a men's cut to simplify the ordering process. When unisex sizing is used the embroidered logo is usually placed in the "ladies" position (generally higher and closer to the center of the shirt).  This placement looks good on everyone whereas the lower, "men's" location may be too low for some women.

Right Chest - While most customers prefer a left chest placement its perfectly fine to choose right chest placement. Why might you want the right chest? If the shirt has a pocket and the logo is "tall" or you put items in the pockets that extend above the pocket.

On the Pocket - Usually there isn't enough room on the underside of the pocket to embroider on the pocket unless it is removed from the shirt before being embroidered.

Ladies Tanks - When the space is limited in the "strap" area the logo is lowered slightly.

For more tips about how to get the most from your embroidered logo see Embroidery News.

Your Embroidered Logo: Downsize Artwork?

Often we receive artwork that's sized considerably larger than the standard left chest embroidered logo. Then the question is - can the artwork be sized to the appropriate size for embroidery? Possibly.

If the design is simple and doesn't contain elements that vary greatly in size then it may work at a smaller size. But, sometimes the smaller elements become too small to be embroidered. When that happens the smaller elements must be enlarged or eliminated from the design.

Your Embroidered Logo: Timing

Its spring. Your new business will have its grand opening next week. You're almost ready but you haven't ordered your embroidered shirts yet.  A graphic designer has been designing your logo.  He emailed to say it will be completed soon so you should be good.  Time to order embroidered shirts!

You locate an embroiderer, choose a shirt style and place your order.  Your order should be ready in a few days, right? Possibly. If your artwork is complete and embroidery friendly, the shirts you ordered are easily obtainable and your embroiderer isn't too busy with previously scheduled work then its likely you'll receive your shirts on time. But, what if your artwork isn't ready? Your design must be adjusted to work for embroidery? The shirts are located a few days away? Your order must be shipped to you?

Allow enough time to order custom embroidered apparel. Some first time orders can be processed quickly while others require more time. Most decorators don't want to turn down work (especially if they've already invested time in the order) but it can take more than a few days to complete an order. Allow plenty of time and you'll have your embroidered shirts when you need them and be totally happy with them!

Your Embroidered Logo: Cool and Comfortable!

You're about to give a presentation at a trade show booth. You have a sharp speech prepared but your embroidered shirt looks like you prefer the distress look. Its covered in wrinkles and you're getting hotter by the minute!

Next time choose a moisture-wicking, wrinkle resistant polo. There are many 100% polyester performance polos to select from.  Many shirts have additional features like a snag-resistant finish, tag-free collar and color-blocking details. If 100% polyester isn't your preferred fabric then pick a moisture-wicking blend with a more traditional look and feel. Wear your moisture-wicking polo and you'll feel cool and comfortable and look great!

Your Embroidered Logo: Be Distinct!

Contrasting Thread: Multi-colored garment colors like "heathered navy", "space-dyed purple charcoal" and "black camo" look best with a simple design embroidered in  a bright, contrasting thread color.


Artwork Check: Give your artwork file a specific name - your business name works best - before sending it to your embroiderer.  If you don't and it has a general name like "logo" or "shirts" it will be harder to identify. Make sure all the detail in the file can be read. If its too pixelated to read your embroiderer won't be able to complete your set-up.


Easy But Effective Logo:  Starting a business?  Feel its too soon to have a logo created but you want to wear embroidered shirts to advertise your business? Consider having your business name embroidered in a distinctive font and use a bright thread color that contrasts well with the garment color.

Your Embroidered Logo: Too Much Thread?

Your graphic artist designed a great logo for your new business. Its an oval-shaped gold seal with your business name in a nice, distinctive font.  Your logo looks great in print and online.  But, is it too much for embroidery?

Would it be better to use your business name without the oval seal? Possibly. You can include the seal but it will be a large patch of thread.  Patch-like logos look great on items like custom embroidered jackets but can be too much for lightweight apparel like polyester polos and woven shirts. What should you do? Consider having two versions of your embroidered design. Use the full design for heavier items and just your business name for more delicate items. That way your logo will always look good!

Your Embroidered Logo: Stitch Count?

What's "stitch count"? You've probably heard that term if you've shopped for custom embroidered items. It refers to the number of stitches in an embroidered design.  Many embroiderers price embroidery based on the stitch count. The greater the number of stitches, the higher the price.

Does having a large stitch count indicate a better quality design? Not necessarily. While having a high stitch count may be required to create the detail in a design it can also indicate an inferior, "bullet-proof" design that may be uncomfortable to wear and won't lie flat on the garment especially after the item is washed.

Can the type of item being embroidered effect the stitch count? Yes, items like plush towels may require a higher stitch count to provide good design coverage while light weight items like thin T-shirts may require a lower stitch count.

Your Embroidered Logo: Artwork Questions

Unsure about sending an artwork file to your embroiderer when you can't open the file? If you can't view a high resolution file then send a jpeg with it and include a note saying that the two files should be of the same design.


Wondering if you can "grab" an image from the internet to use as artwork for your embroidery set-up? Unless the logo is very simple the image is likely to be too pixelated to use.

Your Embroidered Logo: What Size?

Aprons:  You've decided to purchase custom embroidered aprons for your staff.  What size should your logo be?  If your logo is fairly big, say 8" wide, it will be easily seen and make a definite statement but the set-up cost can be expensive.  If you plan to have shirts embroidered with the same logo and you're on a limited budget then a left chest-sized logo that works for both aprons and shirts may be the best choice.

Names: You've decided to have each employee's name embroidered on their shirts.  What about the sizing? Your embroiderer will size the names to the proper size. But, if you have a specific size preference then your embroiderer should be happy to follow it.

Sleeve Logos: Sleeve logos are usually smaller than left chest sizes logos because of the curvature of the sleeve.  A detailed left chest logo may be 4" wide but that size is too wide for most sleeve logos to be seen at one glance. Often a sleeve version of left chest logo can be created by eliminating the tag line and slightly down-sizing the logo.

Hats: Hat logos are usually restricted to 2.25" - 2.5" high.  This sizing works fine for most horizontally orientated logos but may not work for a vertically orientated logo.  In that case the logo must either be simplified or rearranged to work for the available space.

Your Embroidered Logo: Does It Speak For You?

Does your new logo design work?

• Is it dynamic? Simple?  Distinct and memorable?
• Does it represent your business?
• Does it appeal to the type of customer you market to?

A well-designed logo describes what you do and how you do it in a simple, memorable way that is appropriate for your business.

Want a sharp image? Check out Ogio's Axle polo, style #06113. Its fashion-forward details include a contrast-color placket with three snaps and two chest pockets with debossed snap closures. Its made from five-ounce, 100% poly tricot with stay-cool wicking technology, is tagless and is available in five vibrant colors including "piston purple" and "teal spark". Wearing embroidered Ogio polo shirts will help give you a cutting-edge appearance!

Your Embroidered Logo: Checking Your Proof

You've just received your digital embroidery proof. It seems okay but its hard to visualize how it will look embroidered on a shirt. How can you tell if it will look good?

Background -  Is the background color the same color as the shirts you ordered? If not, your logo might look completely different so you should request to see a proof against the "shirt" background.

Size - You should know the actual measurements of the design rather than judging it by how it looks on your computer screen. How can you check the size if you can't print the proof at the correct size? Cut a piece of paper to the right dimensions, tape it to a shirt in the proper location, stand three feet away and visualize your logo.

Fabric Type - A logo can look very different depending on the type of fabric its embroidered on. Elements such as small text can be clearly readable on some fabrics while unreadable on others.  If you're uncertain how your design will look its best to request an embroidered sample shirt so you can see exactly how your design will appear.