Table of Contents
Introduction
When it comes to designing team shirts, one of the key considerations is where to place the logo. The location of your logo can impact visibility, aesthetics, and the overall impression of your team's branding. Common logo placements include the full chest, left chest, and sleeve areas. Each has its own advantages and potential drawbacks. This guide will help you understand the pros and cons of these printing locations so you can make an informed decision for your custom business apparel or sports team uniforms.
The Importance of Logo Placement
Logo placement on apparel isn’t just about aesthetics; it affects branding impact, wearer comfort, and even the printing method you can use. For instance, detailed logos often work better on larger spaces like full chest, while smaller logos suit left chest or sleeves. Considering printing options like screen printing, embroidery, and DTG (direct-to-garment printing) will influence your choices.
Logo on the Full Chest
Pros
- High Visibility: A full chest logo offers maximum visibility and impact, making it ideal for eye-catching, larger designs.
- Brand Recognition: Larger logos help increase brand recognition from a distance — great for sports events or corporate branding.
- Design Flexibility: You can use more colors and complex designs, especially with DTG printing or screen printing.
Cons
- Cost: Larger prints can cost more, particularly with certain printing methods and larger order sizes.
- Comfort Concerns: Large ink or embroidery on the chest might feel heavy or restrictive, especially during physical activities.
- Not Ideal for Formal Looks: For professional or business casual attire, full chest logos can feel too bold or informal.
Logo on the Left Chest
Pros
- Professional Appearance: The left chest is a classic location for logos on polo shirts, work shirts, and dressier team apparel, crafting a clean and professional look.
- Comfort: Smaller logo placements usually feel lighter and less intrusive, which boosts comfort for longer wear.
- Versatility: Works well for custom polos, crewneck sweatshirts, and more casual or business apparel.
- Embroidery Friendly: This location is ideal for embroidery, offering a premium stitched look on custom embroidered apparel.
Cons
- Limited Size: The left chest area offers less space, so logos need to be simplified or scaled down.
- Less Attention in Some Settings: Because the logo is smaller and off-center, it may attract less immediate attention in crowded or fast-moving environments.
Logo on the Sleeve
Pros
- Unique Style: Logo placement on the sleeve creates a trendy and sporty vibe, differentiating your team or company from others.
- Additional Branding: Sleeve branding can complement front or back logos, increasing brand impressions from multiple angles.
- Good for Smaller Logos: Ideal for secondary logos or sponsor names, especially on short sleeve t-shirts or long sleeve tees.
- Comfort and Breathability: Sleeves can showcase logos without impacting the chest area’s comfort or appearance.
Cons
- Visibility Limitations: Sleeve logos can be less visible from the front and generally harder to read from a distance.
- Design Restrictions: Sleeve width limits logo size and detail; intricate designs may lose clarity.
- Not Always Suitable for Formalwear: Sleeve logos tend to project a casual or athletic image, less fitting for formal business apparel.
Considerations for Printing Methods
Your logo placement can influence or be influenced by the printing method you choose. For example, screen printing works well for bold, solid-color logos on the chest, while embroidery excels for smaller logos on the left chest or sleeves adding a textured, professional look. Meanwhile, DTG printing provides excellent full-color, detailed prints perfect for chest designs but less common on sleeve areas due to size constraints.
Team Shirt Examples & Apparel Types
Popular apparel choices for teams and businesses include short sleeve t-shirts, custom hoodies, and custom polos. For sports teams, custom jerseys often feature bold full chest logos for maximum impact, with possible sleeve or back additions. For workplace branding, smaller logos on the left chest produce a polished appearance without overwhelming the shirt’s design.
Practical Tips for Choosing Logo Placement
- Assess Your Audience: Consider how your team or workers will use the shirts and what impression you want to create.
- Think About Visibility: Do you want the logo to be visible from afar, or is subtle branding preferred?
- Match Apparel Style: Coordinate your logo placement to fit the style of shirts, hoodies, or jackets your team prefers.
- Consult Printing Experts: Discuss your logo design and placement with professionals who can advise on the best printing methods and feasibility.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I have logos printed in multiple locations on the same shirt?
Yes, combining placements like a left chest logo with a larger back or sleeve print can boost branding impact. Just note this may increase overall costs depending on the printing techniques used.
2. Which logo placement is best for durability?
Embroidery on the left chest or sleeves tends to be more durable and maintain its quality over many washes compared to printed large chest designs, which can crack or fade over time depending on ink and fabric.
3. Are there printing methods better suited for sleeve logos?
Embroidery and screen printing transfers work well on sleeves. DTG printing may be less common due to limited space and fabric stretch.
4. How does logo placement affect ordering costs?
Larger prints on the full chest usually cost more, especially for bulk orders. Smaller logos on the left chest or sleeves typically cost less.
5. Can I get advice on choosing shirt types and logo placements?
Absolutely. You can contact us to get started with your order and receive expert help on the best apparel and print placements for your needs.
Conclusion
Choosing where to print your logo on team shirts—whether full chest, left chest, or sleeve—depends on your branding goals, budget, apparel style, and printing method. Full chest logos offer big impact but can be more costly and less formal. Left chest logos provide a classic, professional look with great durability, especially with embroidery. Sleeve logos add a modern, sporty touch but are best suited for smaller supplementary branding.
For the best results, consider the use case and seek advice from a trusted custom apparel provider like Underground Printing. With various options for custom t-shirts, custom polos, sweatshirts, and more, you can create a perfectly branded look for your team.
Ready to create your custom team shirts with the perfect logo placement? Get started today or reach out to our experts for personalized assistance and enjoy fast turnaround and competitive bulk pricing.