Using Logos In T-Shirt Designs: What You Should Know

Whether you're creating a design for your business, sports team, or simply for fun, it's important to understand the legal implications of using logos on your t-shirts. Logos are typically protected by trademark and copyright laws, which means you may need permission or a license from the owner to use them. Even for personal use, it's crucial to respect the intellectual property rights of others and avoid infringement. Printing methods, design placement, and size are also key considerations to ensure your t-shirt design is effective and professional.

Where to place the logo on the T-shirt

When placing a logo on a T-shirt, there are several locations to consider: the front, back, left chest, right chest, sleeve, pocket, Yoke (below the collar on the back), or the inner or outer neck label. Each placement has its advantages and disadvantages in terms of visibility, popularity, and the ability to include additional details. Here is a detailed guide on where to place the logo on your T-shirt design:

Left Chest

Placing the logo on the left chest is the most popular choice for company work shirts or polo shirts. It is a classic, sophisticated, and highly visible location that will help your company gain brand exposure. Well-known companies like Nike and Tommy Hilfiger use this placement for their logos. The logo on the left chest should be no larger than 4" by 5", and it is recommended to centre it between the left and right seams, approximately 4"-6" from the neck collar.

Right Chest

The right chest is similar to the left chest but less popular. However, its unusual positioning can attract the eye and make your design stand out. The measurements and placement guidelines are the same as for the left chest.

Back

If you want to draw maximum attention to your logo, consider placing it on the back of the T-shirt. This location is ideal for big events or marketing events, as it provides a large space for your logo. The back design can be either upper back or full back. The upper back placement is suitable for short combinations of words, while the full back is perfect for displaying more detailed designs. The logo on the back should be large, approximately 10-12 inches wide.

Sleeve

For a more subtle approach, you can place your logo on the sleeve of the T-shirt. This location has gained popularity in recent years and allows for a more discrete way to send your message. The logo on the sleeve should be simple and small, easy to comprehend, and placed approximately an inch above the hem.

Yoke (Below the Collar on the Back)

Placing the logo below the back of the collar is another discreet option that may be suitable for companies wishing to take a less aggressive approach with their branding. The logo in this location should be small, no more than a few inches in size.

Inner or Outer Neck Label

Some T-shirts allow for neck label customization, providing a more personal and practical design option. You can place your logo on the inner or outer neck label, ensuring it is visible and easily recognisable.

Pocket or One Side of the Chest

Placing the logo on the pocket or one side of the chest, usually the left side, is a classic and common spot for branding. It is direct, visible, and easy on the eyes. When reaching for a handshake, most people extend their right arm, covering the right chest and keeping the left side visible. Therefore, left-side logos are guaranteed to stay visible during most daily interactions. The logo design on the pocket or chest should be approximately 3" to 4" wide.

Understanding copyright and trademark laws

When creating a T-shirt design, it is important to understand the legal boundaries to avoid infringing on intellectual property rights. Here is a guide to help you understand copyright and trademark laws and how they pertain to T-shirt designs:

Copyright Law

Copyright is a form of intellectual property protection granted by law to the creator of original works of authorship. This includes literary, dramatic, musical, and artistic works. Images, graphic designs, and logos are also protected under copyright law once they are fixed in a tangible form of expression. The key components of copyright include:

• The right to reproduce the work
• The right to create derivative works
• The right to distribute copies of the work to the public
• The right to perform the work publicly
• The right to display the work publicly

It is important to note that copyright infringement can occur if you reproduce a copyrighted logo without permission. However, certain limitations, such as fair use, may apply in specific scenarios, including education or parody.

Trademark Law

Trademarks, on the other hand, are legal tools that help distinguish and protect the brand identity of a business or individual. This includes brand elements such as logos, slogans, and other distinctive symbols. As the owner of a trademark, an entity has the exclusive right to use their trademark in commerce, particularly in association with the goods or services listed in their registration.

Understanding the Distinction

The main distinction between copyright and trademark is that copyright protects original works of authorship, while trademarks protect brand identities. Logos can be protected by both copyright and trademark laws. If a logo is trademarked, it generally needs to be used commercially to infringe on the trademark. Personal use usually does not qualify as such.

Similarly, while a logo may be protected by copyright, unless you are reproducing or distributing the logo in a way that could be seen as competitive with the original copyrighted good, you may not be infringing on the copyright. However, it is always best to err on the side of caution and seek permission from the copyright or trademark owner before using their logo in your T-shirt design.

Practical Steps for Using Logos Legitimately

When using a logo on a T-shirt, it is crucial to navigate copyright law carefully to avoid legal consequences such as being sued for infringement. Here are some practical steps you can take:

• Seek permission from the copyright owner: Identify the owner and contact them directly to request permission.
• Understand the licensing agreement: If granted permission, carefully read the legal document detailing how you can use the logo.
• Find royalty-free and public domain images: Some images, such as national symbols and the likenesses of political figures, are not protected by copyright or trademark and can be used freely. Additionally, royalty-free images can be used with a one-time fee, and public domain images have no copyright restrictions.

In conclusion, when using logos in your T-shirt designs, it is important to respect the intellectual property rights of others and navigate copyright and trademark laws carefully to avoid legal consequences.

Printing techniques

There are several printing techniques that you can use to put a logo on a T-shirt. Here are some of the most popular ones:

• Screen Printing / Silk Screen Printing: This technique uses a stencil to transfer ink onto the T-shirt. It is suitable for large quantities and promises high-quality prints. However, it is not ideal for complex and intricate designs, and the setup cost can make it more expensive for smaller orders.
• Heat Press Printing: This method uses a heat press machine and transfer paper to transfer the design onto the T-shirt. It is effective for complex and intricate designs but is not suitable for dark clothes. The high heat can also damage the cloth.
• Direct-to-Garment Technique (DTG): The DTG technique uses a DTG printer, similar to a paper printer, to spray ink directly onto the fabric. It is suitable for multiple designs but has a high investment cost and lower design durability.
• Dye Sublimation / All-Over Printing (AOP): This technique is suitable for light-coloured synthetic materials, especially white polyester shirts. It uses heat to transform dye-based ink into gas, bonding it with the fabric to create vibrant and durable prints. However, it cannot be used on cotton as it causes "bleeding", resulting in dull and blurry prints.
• Direct-to-Film Printing (DTF): DTF is similar to DTG but does not require garment pretreatment. It works on various fabrics and offers bright and beautiful prints. However, the print may feel plastic-like, and the technique is more complex than DTG or dye sublimation.
• CAD Heat Transfer Vinyl Printing: This technique is commonly used for printing player names and numbers on sports jerseys. It requires a CAD cutting machine for precise lettering and can be applied anywhere on the garment. However, it can only be used for text-based designs, and the process is time-consuming due to the precise cutting required.
• Embroidery: Embroidered logos offer a sophisticated and timeless look and are highly durable. However, embroidery has strict design requirements, limited colour variations, and a smaller product range. It is also more expensive than other printing methods.
• Discharge Printing: This technique is used primarily on dark-coloured garments. It applies a discharge ink that deactivates the dye in the fabric, resulting in a soft print that becomes part of the fabric. Discharge printing is resistant to cracking, fading, or peeling and achieves a stylish, washed-out look. However, colour outcomes are less predictable, and slight variations can occur between shirts.

Colour palette

When designing a logo for a t-shirt, it is important to consider the colour palette. The colour palette you choose should represent your brand's personality and be tailored to your target audience. It is recommended to stick to your brand colours or a palette that aligns with your brand identity.

There are two types of colours to finalise when designing a t-shirt: the fabric colour and the print colours. The fabric colour is the base colour of the t-shirt, while the print colours are used for the graphics or images on the t-shirt. It is important to remember that print designs are based on the CMYK colour model, not the RGB model, so the colours on your laptop screen may differ from the printing ink colours. If you are working with a graphic designer or using Photoshop or Illustrator, you can change the colour modes to CMYK. Alternatively, you can ask your printer to help you convert your RGB designs to CMYK.

When choosing a colour palette, consider your target audience's age group and interests. While it may be tempting to choose a trendy colour, it is generally better to stick to colours that represent your brand. For example, a fitness brand might use colours that are energising and vibrant, while a luxury brand might opt for more elegant and sophisticated colours.

Additionally, the colour palette you choose should complement the design and placement of your logo on the t-shirt. If you are placing your logo on the left chest area, as many brands do, consider using a smaller design with simple, high-quality elements that are easy to see. For this placement, the recommended print size is 2.5-5 inches (6-12 cm) wide and 2.5-5 inches (6-12 cm) tall.

If you opt for a full front or back logo placement, you have more room for a larger, more detailed design. For these placements, the recommended print size is 10-12 inches (25-31 cm) wide and 10-14 inches (25-35 cm) tall for the front, and 10-12 inches (25-31 cm) wide and 6-15 inches (15-38 cm) tall for the back.

Remember to consider the overall design and placement of your logo when selecting your colour palette to ensure that your t-shirt design is well-balanced and visually appealing.

Design concept

When designing a logo for a t-shirt, there are several important factors to consider. Firstly, it is crucial to understand the legal implications surrounding intellectual property rights and trademark and copyright laws. Using an existing brand logo without permission can result in legal issues, so it is essential to seek authorisation from the trademark owner or consider purchasing a license for the design.

With that in mind, here are some design concepts to consider:

• Placement: The location of the logo on the t-shirt is key. Common placements include the left chest, centre chest, full front, upper back, full back, and sleeve. The left chest is a classic and common spot for branding, especially on the left side, as it stays visible during most daily interactions. The centre chest is another option, allowing for a slightly larger design. For larger designs that require more space, the full front or full back of the t-shirt can be utilised. If you want to include a smaller, complementary logo, the sleeve is a great option. Finally, the upper back is ideal for one-to-two-word combinations, enterprise or event names, and titles.
• Size: The size of the logo should be proportional to the t-shirt and other design elements. For the left chest, a logo size of 2.5-5 inches (6-12cm) wide and 2.5-5 inches (6-12cm) tall is recommended. For the centre chest, a size of 6-10 inches wide and 6-8 inches tall is suggested. Full front and full back designs can be larger, measuring around 10-12 inches (25-31cm) wide and 10-14 inches (25-35cm) tall. For sleeve logos, a size of around 4 inches (10cm) wide and 3.5 inches (9cm) tall is ideal.
• Design Type: The type of design should be considered, taking into account the amount of detail and complexity. For the left chest and centre chest placements, simpler designs such as logos, words, or simple artwork are recommended. For the full front and full back, more complex or bold designs can be used, taking advantage of the larger space available.
• Colour Palette: Choosing the right colour combination is important. Consider your target audience, their age group, and interests. While it may be tempting to choose trendy colours, it is generally recommended to stick to your brand colours or a palette that represents your brand personality. Remember to use CMYK colours instead of RGB, as the colours on your screen may differ from the printing ink colours.
• Printing Technique: Different printing techniques are available, and the best technique will depend on factors such as design, budget, and time. Screen printing, or silk screen printing, is a popular method that uses a stencil to transfer ink onto the t-shirt. Heat press printing involves printing the design on transfer paper and then pressing it onto the fabric using a heat press machine. Direct-to-Garment (DTG) printing uses a DTG printer, similar to a paper printer, to spray ink onto the fabric.

Frequently asked questions