Your Embroidered Logo: Order Samples?

Trying out a new embroiderer? Concerned about the quality of your embroidered logo? Unsure if you like a particular shirt style? Want to checkout the sizing of a style?

Ordering custom embroidered pocket polo shirts can be difficult. The quality of the shirts and embroidery along with the service, turnaround time and cost must meet your needs. If you start by ordering a sample you can avoid problems and feel confident when placing your order. But, you'll need extra time to receive your sample and you may pay additional embroidery and shipping fees.

Let's say you decide to order a sample. You'll need to decide if you want a blank sample shirt, an  embroidered swatch or an embroidered shirt. A blank sample shirt (or shirts in different sizes) will allow you to check the style, color and sizing. If you need to determine sizing for a group you may want to order a shirt in every size or possibly every other size.

If you're familiar with the shirt style but want to check the quality of your embroidered logo then an embroidered swatch may be sufficient. Many embroiderers offer this service for free or for a small fee so this may be your cheapest option. But, if you need to see exactly how your embroidered logo looks on a shirt then ordering an embroidered shirt is your best option!

Your Embroidered Logo: Border Color?

You want to order black custom embroidered polo shirts but you're wondering if your logo will show up well because your design has a black outline. Can the outline be changed to another thread color?

The outline color can be changed but it probably won't look right. Adding a black border to a logo adds emphasis to the design.  Adding a border in a lighter color will most likely change the appearance of the design rather than just highlighting existing elements.

If the colors in your design contrast well against the black border and your design is fairly bold then your logo will look fine when embroidered on black shirts. You'll still see the black outline but it won't be very noticeable.  But, if you want the outline in your logo to help make your design "pop" then choose a lighter shirt color that contrasts with the colors in your embroidered logo.

Your Embroidered Logo: Add Variety to Your Logo Wear

What makes a good custom embroidered hat design? Keep it simple and bold.  Focus on one element in your logo - possibly an image - enlarge it and center it on one of the front panels.

What makes an effective logo on a heathered shirt fabric? Use a bold, simplified design in a contrasting thread color. Eliminate small detail because it will be especially hard to read against a multi-colored background.

What's a good way to make a one-color logo more interesting? Pick a custom embroidered performance polo shirt that's available in multiple bright colors and have your logo embroidered in contrasting colors.

Your Embroidered Logo: Branded Image

Want to create a branded business image? Pick a variety of decorated garments that work together to create a unified look that represents your business. Consider wearing embroidered button down shirts, long sleeve polo shirts or turtlenecks paired with sweaters and polar fleece for the cooler months. Choose apparel colors that work with your logo and give variety to your appearance while still maintaining a uniform look. Don't forget to accessorize your outfits with embroidered hats and bags which can also be given to good customers and friends.

Your Embroidered Logo: Slub T's?

Checking out some of the new T-shirt options?  Wondering what "slub cotton" T's are? Slub cotton contains small lumps of fabric (slubs) and imperfections that give it a textured feel and appearance. This uneven look is created by having the fabric knot or twist or by using fibers of different lengths during the weaving process.

Creating a cotton fabric with a rough, irregular look gives it a unique, casual appearance that's great for custom embroidered T-shirts.  If you're looking for a casual T with a unique, vintage look then slub T's may be a good choice for you!

Your Embroidered Logo: Collar Design?

You've decided to order embroidered button down shirts. You're considering having your logo embroidered on the left front collar for a change but you're wondering how that will look. Will your current logo work or will you need a modified version?

The collar is limited to a small design space (approximately 2 3/4" wide x 1 1/4") high so you'll most likely need a simplified version of your logo. You can use your business name but you'll want to eliminate any small text. Why can't you just downsize your left chest logo? Most likely you can't decrease the size enough and have it still be readable and look good. What if you have an image in your logo? Using just the image or a simplified version might create the most distinctive design and therefore work best to help advertise your business.  

Your Embroidered Logo: Still More Updates!

Are there particular elements in your logo design that don't work? Is the image too large, the text detailed or unreadable? These problems can often be fixed by resizing or eliminating an element. Detailed images can be simplified and downsized and small, hard-to-read text can be eliminated. Why not just increase the size of your logo? If your logo is less than four inches wide that may work. But, don't make it much bigger or your logo will look too large and it may not fit on smaller sized shirts.

When you think your logo is finally ready put it aside for some time and review it again. Get feedback from people who will give their honest opinion. Is your logo unique, balanced, memorable and appropriate for your business? Will it appeal to your potential customers? When its embroidered on your custom embroidered polo shirts will it represent what your business does and how you do it?