Where to put your logo, and how big to make it

The ranges below are typical starting points, measured across the widest part of the logo. Tall or round logos are usually sized by height instead.

Large back designs carry many more stitches than chest logos, which affects production time and cost.

The left chest is the classic position for a business logo because it sits over the heart and is visible in conversation. We generally centre it between the placket and side seam, a short distance below the shoulder seam, adjusting for ladies' and children's cuts. On shirts with a pocket, the logo can sit on or just above the pocket.

The right chest is ideal for a staff name, title or second brand. Sleeves suit secondary marks, while the nape and back are best for company names that need to be read from behind, especially on workwear and jackets. Zips, pockets, seams and reflective tape can limit space, so check our jacket embroidery notes for outerwear.

Caps have a curved, structured front, so the usable area is smaller than it looks. Structured caps support larger and 3D puff logos; unstructured caps work better with flatter, slightly smaller designs. Front logos are usually centred between the seams, a little above the peak.

Side and back positions are useful for icons, flags, websites or names. Beanies are normally embroidered on the folded cuff, where the height is limited to the depth of the fold. More on cap embroidery.

On bags, construction matters as much as size. We stitch on panels we can reach without stitching through linings, pockets or padding where it would weaken the bag; on some designs the front pocket or flap is the only practical area.

Towels have a deep pile, so we use a topping or a bolder design to stop stitches sinking. Names and monograms are often placed on the plain border or in one corner so they show when the towel is folded or hung. See towel and bathrobe embroidery.

• Check readability. If your logo includes small text or a tagline, it may need to be larger than the typical range, or you may prefer an icon-only version.
• Keep it consistent. Use the same size across all staff garments for a uniform look, adjusting only for very small sizes such as children's wear.
• Think about the wearer. A large chest logo can look oversized on small sizes and fitted ladies' cuts.
• Hold up a paper cut-out. Print your logo at the proposed size and hold it against a garment; it is a quick, honest test.

Our artwork and logo guidelines explain the detail limits that also affect sizing.