Custom Embroidered Shirts: Budget Talls?

Tired of coming untucked? Looking for a budget-friendly polo in tall sizes? Port & Company's KP55T is an inexpensive polo available in sizes LT-4XLT in twenty-two colors.  This tall sized shirt coordinates with the KP55 standard-sized polo and the KP55P pocket polo so everyone in your group can look great and maintain a uniform appearance. Yes, you can get the fit you need without having to wear a different style or colored shirt!

Your Embroidered Logo: Developing Your Design

Starting a business?  Having your logo designed by a graphic artist?  That's the best way to get a great design that gives you a professional image and helps brand your business. Look for someone who has a style you like and a personality you can work with. Be careful to find an artist who will listen to your needs and work with you through revisions.

First, know how your logo will be used (web site, letterhead, email signature, embroidery) and the file types and sizes you may need. Have an idea of what you want in terms of style, elements and colors but be open to suggestions. Be sure to inquire about pricing (including edits) and turnaround time.

Take the time you need to develop a great logo while you're in the design process. Test run potential "winners" by viewing them in their intended location such as seeing how your design looks as letterhead on your business invoice or if it works as a logo on your website. Be careful that your logo colors contrast well against intended background colors and can be sized to meet different application needs.

Once you've made your final decision put your design aside for a couple of days and revisit your selection later. If it still looks great, is unique and memorable and speaks for your business then you've created a great logo that will make a strong impact toward establishing your business image!

Your Embroidered Logo: Simplify

What's one of the biggest challenges faced when having your logo embroidered?  Simplifying artwork.  Many logos are designed at a scale that is often twice the size of the typical left chest embroidered design. While your design may look great in print at six inches wide some of the important detail such as tag line text may become too small when downsized for embroidery.  What should you do? Be aware of sizing issues while designing your logo. If there is a large size difference between your business name and tag line then most likely your tag text is too small to be embroidered at that size. In that case you can either enlarge, simplify or eliminate it to make your logo embroidery friendly.

Your Embroidered Shirts: Pricing?

You've received quotes for custom embroidered polo shirts and you're comparing pricing.  One shop has a low per shirt price but set-up, embroidery and shipping are extra.  Another decorator has a high per shirt price with everything included.  A third embroiderer quotes a total for the entire job. Who offers the best pricing?

Its usually best to figure out a per shirt price so you can easily compare pricing.  That fee should include the shirt, embroidery, embroidery set-up and other possible charges such as shipping, artwork and taxes. That way if the total number of shirts changes you'll know what the cost is. If you plan to reorder in the future you'll also want to know if your design will be kept on file, if there is a minimum order requirement and what the per shirt cost will be.

Embroidered Shirts: Request a Quote!

Need a quote for your next embroidered polo shirt order? Unsure what information to include in your request? Here are some suggestions:

• Shirt style and color 
• Approximate quantity
• Logo placement
• Required turnaround time  

Don't forget to add your artwork and any questions you may have. If you haven't chosen a specific style its best to give a description of the type of shirt you'll need and other important considerations such as "moisture-wicking fabric desired" or "tall sizes necessary".

Its also good to mention details such as logo size needs,  PMS color matches and other details that may affect the cost and production time.  Keep your quote request simple and easy to understand and you'll receive a quick reply!

Embroidered Polos: The Perfect Thread Color?

Have a single color logo that you want embroidered on different colored polos? You can vary the thread color to suit the shirt color but what if you prefer a single thread color that works for a variety of shirt colors ranging from light to dark? What one thread color is readable against many different colored backgrounds? GOLD! Gold thread will work with a variety of colors from white to black while giving your logo a classy look.

Embroidered Shirts: The "Right" Shirt?

Assigned the task of ordering shirts for your group? Last year's shirt didn't work and its up to you to find a better option quickly. Terrified by the idea of picking out the "right" style that will please everyone including your boss? How do you proceed?

Collect information about past orders.  What was wrong about last year's shirt?  Was the color too light?  Did the fabric wrinkle easily? Was it unflattering? Too "cheap" looking?

Develop an idea of what works for your group. Don't forget to consider basic features such as fabric type, availability in needed color and sizes and budget requirements. Consider what other qualities will make this year's shirt a "hit". Will a moisture-wicking fabric keep everyone cool? Will your logo look great against that new shade of green? Will a preshrunk cotton reduce sizing issues?

Make a list of your needs and ask your embroiderer to suggest some styles. If you're unsure about different options such as fabric types your embroiderer will be able to answer your questions. Narrow your possibilities to three choices, get a second opinion if necessary, review your top priorities and choose your shirt!