Logo Sizing?

You’re creating artwork for your custom embroidered polo shirts and hats. What size should your logo be for a left chest logo? How about for the back of a hat? Here’s a sizing list:

Left/ right chest logo – 3.5” – 3.75” (may be 3.25” to 4” depending on the logo)

Hat Front - 4” wide x 2” high (some vertically orientated designs may be up to 2 ½” high)

Hat Back – a web address, location or short tag line arced around the keyhole opening works best

Hat Side - 2” x 2”

Visors - 4” wide x 1” high

Jacket Back - 10” to 12” wide or high (can be more for larger jackets)

Shirt Back - 6” wide (web address)

Names - size to work with corresponding logo

Children’s - size in proportion to garment

Embroidered Polo Shirt Shrinkage

Follow these tips to reduce custom embroidered polo shirt shrinkage:

1. Select polo shirts made from a cotton/polyester blend, 100% polyester or a preshrunk cotton fabric.

2. Avoid washing in hot water and drying in a hot dryer. Dry fewer shirts at a time to lessen dryer time or line dry.


How much will 100% cotton polos shrink? 100% cotton polos can shrink 10% - 20% of the shirt size. Therefore, expect more shrinkage with larger sizes.

Artwork Check

You created artwork to use for your custom embroidered polo shirts. Have you checked it carefully to be certain it will work for embroidery? Are all elements in the design centered? Do you have too much text? Is your text too small? Do you have too much detail? Is your business name large enough?

Most left chest logos are 3.5 - 4” wide or high depending on which dimension is greater. When your artwork is correctly sized is it readable from a short distance? Remember, if it’s difficult to read when printed, it will be harder to read when embroidered. Having artwork that works well for embroidery is essential to creating a readable embroidered logo. If you’re not sure if your artwork will work, ask your embroiderer!

Prevent Fading of Custom Embroidered Polo Shirts

If you’ve had trouble with Custom Embroidered Polo Shirts fading here are some tips to prevent this:

1. Choose a lighter shirt color. Dark colors will loose more dye when washed.

2. Choose a blend or 100% polyester fabric. Cotton fibers will loose more dye when washed.

3. Turn items inside out before washing. Wash in cold water and use a low temperature dryer for minimal time.

Distance to View Embroidered Logo?

You’re having custom polo shirts embroidered and a sample is being sent to you so you can approve it before your order is processed. At what distance should you view your sample? Three feet. Yes, you can examine the embroidery closely to check the stitching quality but when looking at your sample from a readability viewpoint check your logo from a close distance as if your logo was worn by someone you're meeting. This is when your embroidered logo will advertise for you so it must look good and be readable!

Unnecessary Details

We've discussed what information you need to give when ordering Custom Embroidered Basic Polo Shirts. Are there details that you don't need to specify when having your logo embroidered?

Logo Size - you can mention the general size of the logo (whether it is heart-sized or full back for example) but you don't need to give the exact measurements.

Text Size - you don't need to indicate the font point size or whether it is bold.

Information To Order Embroidered Shirts?

You’ve decided to order Custom Embroidered Polo Shirts. What information do you need to place your order besides sizes and quantities? Here are some details to consider:

Size – Who will wear the shirts: men, women or children? Do you need tall or extended sizes?

Style – What general style do you need: polo shirts, button down dress shirts, ladies knit or camp shirts? Do you need different neckline options?

Color – Need an unusual color?

Details – What details do you want: pockets, contrast trim, long sleeves, coordinating short and long sleeve styles?

Fabric – Do you need a particular fabric: cotton, blend or 100% polyester? Do you want a performance fabric such as wrinkle-free, dry fit or moisture management?

Fit – Need a fitted style that has spandex or darts for the women?

Feel - Want a very soft fabric?

Past Issues – Fading, or shrinkage? Too hot? Sizing problems?