We explore the eight most common locations to place a logo or design on a t-shirt, sweatshirt, polo, ... along with helpful tips for choosing the right spot for your needs. We'll be using Printwear.io as an example, your one-stop shop for custom apparel and promotional products.
Before you dive in:
- Print location: Refers to the general area (e.g., left chest, full back).
- Print placement: The approximate measured position of the design on the garment.
- Print area: The specific surface covered by the ink.
- Print size: The dimensions of your artwork.
- Standard size: The typical size for a particular location.
- Oversize: Larger than standard, but not the maximum.
- Maximum size: The largest printable area for a specific method and garment.
- Anchor point: A designated center point for non-symmetrical designs.
Top 8 Print Locations:
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Left Chest (LC): The classic location for logos, typically 3.5" x 3.5" and placed a few inches down from the collar. Best for simple designs due to limited space. In combination with a larger, duplicate back print makes a classic!
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Center Chest (CC): A centered location suitable for most designs, often seen on superheroes' shirts. Standard size is beteeen 8" and 10" wide, placed around 4" down from the collar.
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Full Chest (FC): The most common location for larger designs. Standard size is 12" x 12" (up to 14") and placed 3" down from the collar. Consider breathability and design complexity when choosing this option. Outlines vs. solid blobs.
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Oversize Chest (OC): Bigger than a standard full chest, typically used for impactful visuals. Requires careful consideration of breathability due to extensive ink coverage. Think oversized prints and streetwear. Standard size is 14" x 16"
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Back Collar (BC): A popular alternative for logos, typically 2" to 3" wide and placed 1" from the collar's edge. Well-suited for designs viewed from behind while waiting in line like a byline or text-based logo.
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Upper Back (UB): Ideal for bold text or slogans meant to be seen from a distance. Standard size is 12" to 14" wide, placed around 4" down from the collar and usually ariound 5" high.
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Full Back (FB): The second-most popular location after the full front, often used for elaborate designs. Standard size is 12" x 14" but can be bigger depending on garment size. Pairs well with a left chest logo. Classic.
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Sleeves (SR/SL): Best for simple artwork due to the limited space. Standard size is 2.5" wide and placed 1" from the hem. Consider balancing sleeve prints with left chest logos. Every print location requires separate screen so it might be easier to DTG, vinyl/flex, or DTF transfer sleeves and even tagless shirt labels.
Pro Tips:
- Keep left chest logos simple for better visibility.
- Use oversize front prints strategically to maintain breathability.
- Combine a full back design with a smaller front logo for a classic look.
- Arrange sponsor logos on the back in tiers based on their contribution level.
- Did we mention getting your sponsors to pay for your shirts?
- Maintain sleeve print size and consider balancing it with other placements.
Printwear.io is your one-stop shop for turning ideas into impressive realities on anything from apparel and drinkware to bags and notebooks. We use cutting-edge decoration methods to make your designs pop, offering a variety of services including:
- Custom Apparel: Create branded t-shirts, hoodies, hats, and more.
- Promotional Products: From bags and blankets to pens and notebooks, Printwear.io helps you promote your brand or create personalized gifts.
- Design Services: Need help with your design? Printwear.io's team can guide you.
Ready to get started?
Browse our catalog, explore design tools, and get a quote. We're here to help you create something truly special.
By understanding these print locations and considering the helpful tips, you can effectively choose the best spot for your logo or design to make your custom t-shirt or polo stand out with Printwear.io.
