The Anatomy Of Pocket Placement On A T-Shirt

Pocket placement is an important consideration when designing a T-shirt. The location of the pocket can vary, but it is typically placed on the left side of the chest, with the top of the pocket slightly above the second buttonhole below the collar. The standard size for a chest pocket is 4 3/4″ x 5 3/16″, but it can be adjusted for different shirt sizes. When adding a pocket to a T-shirt, it is important to consider the overall design and placement of the pocket to ensure it is functional and aesthetically pleasing.

Pocket placement on the left side of the chest

When placing a pocket on the left side of the chest, it is important to ensure that the design is not too detailed or large. The pocket should be positioned so that the inside edge of the pocket is 2 1/8″ from the centre of the shirt, with the top of the pocket slightly above the second buttonhole. The standard size for the pocket is 4 3/4″ x 5 3/16″, but it can vary depending on the shirt size. For very small shirts, the pocket may be slightly smaller (4 1/4″ × 4 5/16″), while for very large shirts, it may be slightly larger (5″ × 5 1/2″).

When printing a design on the left chest of a t-shirt, it is important to ensure that the print is not too close to the edge of the shirt, as it may end up under the armpit when worn. A simple trick to avoid this is to draw an imaginary vertical and horizontal centre line on the shirt. The vertical line will be just off the side of the collar, and the horizontal line will start at the armpit seam. The design should be centred on the intersection of these lines.

For horizontal designs, the design should be centred on the vertical line but moved above the horizontal line. Vertical designs can be more challenging and may require experimentation with different starting heights. It is also important to consider the size of the shirt, as larger shirts may require adjustments to the placement to avoid the optical illusion of the design floating in the middle.

Overall, pocket placement on the left side of the chest is a versatile and popular choice for t-shirt designs, offering a simple and professional look.

Pocket size for adults and children

Pocket size depends on the type of pocket and the size of the shirt. For example, the rounded chest pocket is the standard dress shirt pocket, located on the left side of the chest, with the top of the pocket positioned slightly above the second buttonhole (below the collar). For most shirts, this pocket measures 4 3/4″ x 5 3/16″, but for very small shirts, it is slightly smaller at 4 1/4″ × 4 5/16″. For very large shirts, the pocket is slightly larger at 5″ × 5 1/2″.

The angled chest pocket is another option, which is slightly smaller and more casual. It measures 4 3/8″ × 5 3/8″ for most sizes, and for very small shirts, it is 4 1/4″ × 5 3/8″.

If you're looking for something bigger, the XL Rounded Pocket is the largest dress shirt pocket style, which can hold larger items such as a smartphone. This pocket also measures 5 5/16″ × 6 1/2″ for most shirts, 4 1/4″ × 5″ for very small shirts, and 6 5/16″ × 7 1/2″ for very large shirts.

When it comes to pocket decals for adults, a good size is 4"x4", while for children, a 3"x3" decal is more appropriate.

Pocket design for shirts without pockets

Pockets on t-shirts are usually placed on the left side of the chest, with the inside edge of the pocket about 2⅛" from the centre of the shirt. The top of the pocket is usually placed just above the second buttonhole (below the collar). The standard size for a pocket on a t-shirt is 4¾" x 5⅛", but this can vary depending on the size of the shirt. For very small shirts, the pocket may be slightly smaller (4¼" x 4⅜"), while for very large shirts, it may be slightly larger (5" x 5½").

When designing a t-shirt with a pocket, you have two main options: placing the design 1-2" above the top of the pocket or directly on the pocket itself. If you choose to place the design above the pocket, the placement will be similar to the left chest area, which is typically used for company logos or brand imagery. The print area for this location is usually 3" x 3".

If you choose to place the design on the pocket itself, the print area will be smaller, typically 3" x 3". This option is often used for custom logo pocket t-shirts, as it provides a great opportunity for branding. You can upload your logo directly onto the shirt pocket or create a custom design using clipart images and fonts.

In addition to the standard chest pocket, there are a few other pocket styles to consider:

• Angled chest pocket: This style is slightly smaller and more casual, measuring 4⅜" x 5⅜" for most sizes.
• Single button angled pocket: This style combines the angular shape of the angled chest pocket with a button closure and additional stitching details. It is a great choice for casual shirts and measures 4⅝" wide by 5½" tall for most sizes.
• XL rounded pocket: This is the largest dress shirt pocket style, designed to hold larger items such as a smartphone. The pocket is positioned above the second buttonhole, and the size varies depending on the shirt size, from 4¼" x 5" for very small shirts to 6⅛" x 7½" for very large shirts.
• Vintage ivy rounded pocket: This style has a vintage-inspired angled topstitch and rounded bottom corners, measuring 4¾" x 5⅛" for most shirts.

When deciding whether to include a pocket on your shirt design, consider the level of formality you want to achieve. Shirts without pockets are considered more formal and are typically worn to formal events or in corporate or conservative workplaces. On the other hand, shirts with pockets have a more casual and sporty look, perfect for occasions where a more relaxed style is appropriate. They are also practical, providing a place to store small items such as sunglasses, business cards, or pens.

Pocket placement for different-sized shirts

Pocket placement is an important consideration when designing a T-shirt. The location of the pocket can affect the overall look and feel of the shirt, as well as its functionality. While there is no one-size-fits-all answer to pocket placement, here are some general guidelines for different-sized shirts:

Small Shirts

For very small shirts, the pocket size will also be smaller. A good rule of thumb is to position the pocket so that the inside edge of the pocket is 2 1/8″ from the centre of the shirt. This will ensure the pocket is proportional to the shirt size and doesn't overwhelm the design.

Medium Shirts

For medium-sized shirts, the pocket can be placed at chest level, usually on the left side, with the top of the pocket slightly above the second buttonhole (below the collar). This is a standard placement for dress shirts and provides a classic, symmetrical look.

Large Shirts

On large shirts, the pocket can be positioned slightly lower, in line with the natural curve of a larger chest. The pocket size can also be increased to accommodate larger items, such as a smartphone. The pocket should still be placed on the left side of the chest to maintain a balanced appearance.

Extra Large Shirts

For extra-large shirts, the pocket size and placement can be further adjusted. The pocket may need to be positioned a little higher to avoid the natural curve of a larger stomach. The pocket size can also be increased to accommodate larger items, ensuring it is still in proportion to the shirt size.

It's important to note that pocket placement should also consider the overall design of the T-shirt. For example, if there is a logo or graphic on the front of the shirt, the pocket placement should not overlap or distract from the design. The pocket should enhance the overall appearance of the shirt, providing a cohesive and balanced look.

Additionally, the type of shirt and its intended use should be considered. For example, a casual T-shirt may have a more relaxed pocket placement, while a dress shirt may require a more formal, symmetrical design.

Pocket placement for different shirt styles

Pocket placement is an important consideration when designing a shirt. The location of the pocket can affect the overall look and feel of the garment, as well as its functionality. Here are some common shirt styles and their respective pocket placement options:

T-shirts

T-shirts often feature a single pocket on the left chest, positioned 2-3 inches down from the lowest line of stitches on the collar seam. This placement is standard for both screen printing and direct-to-garment printing methods. The pocket size can vary depending on the overall shirt size, typically measuring between 3" x 3" to 5" x 5 1/2" for adult garments.

Dress Shirts

Dress shirts often offer a variety of pocket styles, including rounded, angled, buttoned, and flap pockets. The placement of the pocket on a dress shirt is typically such that the inside edge of the pocket is 2 1/8″ from the center of the shirt. The top of the pocket is usually slightly above the second buttonhole, below the collar. The pocket size can range from 4 3/8″ × 5 3/8″ for very small sizes to 6 5/16″ × 7 1/2″ for very large sizes.

Polo Shirts

Polo shirts commonly feature a left chest pocket placement, often with an embroidered logo or design. This location is ideal for a professional look and is usually accompanied by a larger design on the back or upper back of the shirt. The pocket size is typically standard, measuring around 3" x 3".

Casual Shirts

Casual shirts can have more varied pocket placements, such as the chest, hips, or sleeves. Western-style shirts, for example, often feature dual chest pockets with flaps and buttons. The size and placement of pockets on casual shirts can vary depending on the specific style and desired look.

Custom T-shirts

When designing custom t-shirts, you can get creative with pocket placement to make a unique statement. In addition to the standard left chest pocket, you can explore placing pockets on the back, sleeves, hems, or sides of the shirt. However, it's important to consider the visibility and practicality of the pocket placement, as some locations may be less noticeable or accessible.

Frequently asked questions