Are you ordering custom t-shirts, pants, or jackets? If so, it's important to know a thing or two about imprint areas. The factories that print your clothing will add the custom design to a specific area. This location varies from item to item.
Do you want to know exactly where your design is going to be printed? Check out this helpful guide, which breaks down imprint locations for custom t-shirts and other clothing items.
Custom t-shirts are ordered by teams, bands, nonprofits, and businesses, primarily as branded merch their fans can buy. These shirts are also popular for live events. Each custom tee is printed with some kind of text or design.
For t-shirts, you can print your custom design in 7 different locations. Most of the time only 1 print area is included in the cost for a bulk order, but you can always add extra if needed.
T-shirt imprint locations include:
The entire front
The entire back
Across the chest
Across the top back
Front pocket (usually on the right side of the shirt)
Short sleeve (one sleeve or both)
Long sleeve (one sleeve or both)
The size of the graphic will vary depending on the shirt size, cut (men's, women's, or youth), and the t-shirt imprint location. For example, if you're printing on the entire front of the shirt, the graphic will be about 11" x 12.5".
Do you have a trade show or promotional event around the corner? Your team will look legitimate if everyone wears custom polo shirts. The stiff collar and buttons are more professional than loose t-shirts or tank tops.
The logo or design on custom polo shirts is usually smaller than it is on printed t-shirts and jackets. For both men's and women's fits, this design will appear on the right front pocket area.
Why is the design printed on the front pocket for custom polo shirts? Easy! It's because you don't want your imprint to interfere with the buttons that come down the middle.
During the fall or winter, custom hoodies make great merchandise for theme parks, bands, and outdoor events. You can order pullovers or sweatshirts that zip open and closed.
Your logo or design will be printed on the front, back, or sleeves of custom hoodies. It really just depends on what the factories specify and whether or not your sweatshirts pull over or have zippers.
Hoodie imprint locations include:
Front center
Back of hoodie
On the pocket
Across the chest
Across the top back
Shoulder
Arm
The front center of the hoodie is the most noticeable area to print, but a design on the sleeve, back, or pocket can look stylish as well. You really can't go wrong no matter which route you choose!
If you have more money to spend on custom clothing, it's not a bad idea to use it on jackets! This warm, cozy apparel is sure to fly off the racks at places like college bookstores, ski resorts, and hiking trails.
Your custom design is printed on the left or right side of the jacket's zipper or buttons. The print won't be as large as it is on custom t-shirts or pullover hoodies.
Jacket imprint locations include:
Right pocket
Left pocket
Sleeve
Back
These imprint locations also apply to quarter zip or half zip pullovers. The print area is about the size of a small front pocket, so don't be overly detailed with your design.
There are many different types of hats, and each one can be printed with a design or logo. Custom hats are wonderful for sports leagues, non-profits, bands, and retail stores.
The design on baseball caps, bucket hats, and visors is typically printed on the crown or middle front. For custom beanies, the print is on the bottom or underneath so it's visible when folded up.
Hat imprint locations include:
Crown
Middle front
Bottom or underneath
Brim
No matter which type of hat you choose, your design will cover a majority of the space. It'll always be easy to notice!
No, you cannot change the imprint location. The factories that print your custom clothing have certain restrictions from the machines they're using. They specify the imprint area ahead of time, and once it's set, it can't be altered.
All custom clothing, from t-shirts to socks, will be customized using one of these imprint methods:
Some of these processes include 1 free ink color for your design, while others come with unlimited ink colors. Imprint colors vary from product to product so be sure to ask questions while you're ordering!
The main thing to remember when ordering custom clothing is that the imprint location is always different. Ultimately, the factories set this area ahead of time to make sure your design looks as amazing as possible. Do your homework before you order so there are no surprises!
Quality Logo Products are experts on all things printed and promotional. Let our team of awesome, incredibly good looking, and fun promo nerds help you select awesome promotional swag today!
Alyssa is the Lead Copywriter at Quality Logo Products. As a promo expert, she's uncovered the world's first custom tote bag, interviewed the guy behind rock band ACDC's logo, and had a piece published by the Advertising Specialty Institute, a leader in the promotional products industry.