The Perfect Logo Placement On Chest T-Shirts

The placement of a logo on a t-shirt is an important consideration for any business or organisation. The location of the logo can significantly impact the effectiveness of the t-shirt in achieving its intended goal, whether that be team unity, brand awareness, or fundraising. The most popular locations for a logo on a t-shirt are the left chest, centre chest, and sleeve. The left chest is a classic choice, commonly used for volunteer or event shirts, with the logo usually sized around 3-4 inches wide and positioned 3 inches below the collar. This location works well for simple logos without a lot of detail. For more detailed logos, a centre chest placement is a good option, ensuring the logo remains visible even when worn under a jacket or button-up shirt. This location typically features logos that are around 8 inches wide. Finally, a sleeve logo is a unique option that adds a surprise element to the t-shirt design. Sleeve logos are typically simple designs or brand logos, with a size range of 1-4 inches wide and tall.

Left chest: a classic choice, typically 3-4 inches wide, 3 inches below the collar

The left chest is a classic choice for logo placement on a t-shirt, and it's a popular option for company logos or group uniforms. It's also commonly used for volunteer or event shirts. Typically, the logo should be sized at around 3-4 inches wide and placed about 3 inches below the collar. This measurement can be determined by drawing an imaginary vertical and horizontal centre line—the vertical line will be just off the side of the collar, and the horizontal line will start at the armpit seam.

When placing the logo, it's important to avoid putting it too close to the edge of the shirt, as it may end up under the wearer's arm. It's also crucial to consider the level of detail in the logo. The left chest area is relatively small, so simple logos without a lot of detail work best. If your logo has high contrast, placing it on the left chest can make it pop.

If your t-shirt has a pocket, you can place the logo above the pocket for a playful variation on the left chest option. Just make sure the logo doesn't extend onto the pocket to avoid creases in the design. Remember, the left chest area is ideal for logos that are easy to see and read at a smaller size.

The left chest location is a versatile choice, allowing you to create a unique look while also ensuring your logo is visible and aesthetically pleasing.

Right chest: not a standard option, but a good alternative to the left chest

While the left chest is the classic, go-to location for a logo on a t-shirt, the right chest is a good alternative. Logos are typically placed on the right chest to allow for a name or name patch to be placed on the left side of the chest. This is most common for polo shirts, where the logo is placed on the right chest and the name or name patch is placed on the left placket.

When placing a logo on the right chest of a t-shirt, it is important to be mindful of the placement. As with the left chest, you will want to avoid placing the logo too far to the right, as it may end up in the armpit area when worn. Similarly, you will want to ensure that the design is not too low, so that it does not cover the breast area. The size of the logo should be proportional to the size of the t-shirt, with larger logos working better on larger t-shirts.

For adult t-shirts, a right chest logo should typically be no wider than 5 inches and should sit about 3 inches below the collar. For youth t-shirts, the suggested width is the same, but the logo may need to be adjusted vertically to ensure it does not end up in the armpit area. For infant t-shirts, a right chest logo is typically not applicable.

When in doubt, it is always a good idea to consult with a professional printer or designer to ensure that your logo is placed correctly and looks its best.

Center chest: a moderately-sized print, usually 6-10 inches wide, 4 inches below the collar

Center chest logo placement is a great option for designs with a little more detail. This is because the logo will almost always be fully visible, even if the wearer has a jacket, hoodie, or open button-down shirt on top.

The size of the logo is typically larger than a left chest print but smaller than a full front print. The width usually ranges from 6 to 10 inches, with 8 inches being the average, and the placement is generally 4 inches down from the collar. It's important to specify the desired size or consult a designer to determine the appropriate dimensions.

If you're considering a standard front print, you have a choice between a center chest and a full front location. The range of garment sizes in your order can help you decide. If the sizes tend to be smaller, especially youth sizes, a center chest placement is recommended. On the other hand, if the sizes are larger, such as 3XL, a full front print may be more suitable.

Additionally, if your order includes a wide range of sizes, from small youth to adult 3XL, it might be worth considering ordering two separate print sizes. This approach will ensure that your design looks great across all the different garment sizes, although it may incur some additional costs.

Full front: the most common placement, with a standard size of 12 inches wide by 14 inches high

When it comes to T-shirts, logo placement is crucial. The full front is the most common placement option, and for good reason. With a standard size of 12 inches wide by 14 inches high, the full front offers a large canvas for your logo to stand out and be noticed. This size is ideal for logos with interesting visual details and plenty of open space. It ensures your logo is visible and eye-catching, even from a distance.

The full front placement typically starts around 3 inches down from the collar, providing a tasteful and balanced look. It is important to consider the design of your logo when opting for this placement. If your logo is tall, you may want to reduce its overall size to avoid a heavy print that may result in a "sweat patch". On the other hand, if your logo is wide, you can print it wide without reducing the overall size.

Another advantage of the full front placement is its versatility. It can accommodate a wide range of logo sizes and designs. For youth sizes or smaller adult sizes, a smaller print size of 8 to 12 inches wide is recommended, ensuring the logo doesn't overwhelm the shirt. Similarly, for larger sizes, such as 3XL, you may want to consider a larger print size to maintain proportion and impact.

The full front placement is an excellent choice for promotional purposes. By placing your logo on the full front, you increase the chances of your brand being noticed and recognised. However, it is important to strike a balance. Avoid printing your logo too large, as people may be less inclined to wear a shirt that makes them feel like a walking billboard. Keep your branding subtle and elegant to encourage wearability.

Overall, the full front placement is a popular choice for logo placement on T-shirts due to its standard size, versatility, and impact. It provides ample space to showcase your logo, ensuring it stands out and leaves a lasting impression.

Sleeve: a good option for simplified artwork, with a standard size of around 3 inches wide

The t-shirt sleeve is an excellent location for a logo, offering a surprising number of customisation options. It is a good option for simplified artwork, with a standard size of around 2 to 4 inches wide, although smaller sizes of 1 to 3 inches wide are also common. The placement is usually 1 inch from the hem, or 2 inches from the edge of the sleeve, centred on the shoulder seam. This location is versatile and works for most simplified logo designs.

Sleeve logos are an effective way to elevate a brand, making it stand out. They are particularly useful for showcasing intricate designs on long-sleeve shirts, or a simple logo on a short-sleeve tee. The sleeve is a good option for logos with fewer colours, as these tend to work better in this location.

There are several methods for printing on sleeves, including traditional screen printing, heat transfers, and embroidery. Traditional screen printing is the most budget-friendly option, especially for larger orders, while heat transfers are a good option for full-colour designs and preserving accurate details like thin lines and patterns. Embroidery, meanwhile, adds texture and shine to the design and is incredibly durable, although it is more costly and less accurate with small details.

When designing a sleeve logo, it is important to keep it small and simple. Most logos and designs need to be "simplified" to work on the sleeve, removing ultra-fine lines and unnecessary details that will be lost when scaling down. It is also crucial to consider the customisation method when designing, as each method has its own strengths and weaknesses. For example, for screen printing, embroidery, or patches, it is best to simplify the art and reduce colours, while for heat transfers and digital printing, full colour and gradients can be used, along with fine lines and small details.

Frequently asked questions