How To Choose The Right Custom Embroidered Polo Shirts

Special Requirements For Your Polo Shirts

First, let your embroiderer know if you need an unusual shirt color, special features or tall sizes. If so this will narrow your choices. Also have a general idea of your budget. Consider these options:

• Fabric types - 100% cotton, 100% polyester, a blend; eco-friendly; fabric with stretch or mesh?
• Fabric weight - Do you need a lightweight fabric? Heavyweight? Midrange?
• Fabric weave - Do you prefer a pique knit, a tightly woven polyester or a specialized pattern?
• Seaming - Do you need raglan sleeves? Drop shoulders? Triple seaming?
• Shirt color - Need a specific PMS color? Colors that coordinate with your logo colors?
• Fit - Prefer a classic fit? Slim fit? Young adult fit?
• Who will wear the shirts, how long and where will they wear them?
• For a ladies polo - Will a traditional placket, V-neck, or another style of neckline work?
• Performance features - Need moisture-wicking, fade, wrinkle and spot-resistant? Sun protection?
• Trim details - Want color-blocking, subtle trim color, side vents, a particular button type?
• Brand identity - Like shirts associated with a certain lifestyle?
• Coordinating styles - Matching long sleeve, pocket, button down, youth, pullover?
• Sizing - Men's XS, ladies 4X, men's 3XLTall, youth?
• Budget - Good, better or best quality?

Polo Shirt Fabrics

One of the primary decisions when choosing a polo shirt is whether you want 100% cotton, a cotton/polyester blend fabric or 100% polyester. Cotton is cooler than a blend, a blend will be more wrinkle, fade and shrink resistant. If the shirts will be worn in an athletic or hot environment then a 100% polyester, moisture-wicking polo may be the best choice. Some shirts have mesh inserts for additional cooling while other styles have other performance qualities like an "anti-fade" feature but these characteristics can also be found in some 100% cotton and blend fabrics. Although some people prefer the performance features found in blend and 100% polyester fabrics, many people love the soft natural feel of the higher quality cottons like ring-spun, pima and Egyptian cottons.

Check out the look and feel of the fabric's texture. One hundred percent polyester shirts usually have a tight knit that embroiders well but some people don't like the feel of the fabric. Some individuals love the soft feel of a cotton or cotton/poly jersey knit while others prefer the unique, upscale look of textured piques in a cotton or cotton/poly fabric.

The weight of the fabric can make a big difference. Polyester shirts are usually lightweight but some are heavier than others. Some polyester fabrics designed for tough-wearing work shirts. These styles are made from spun polyester which is great for wearability but these shirts can have a higher fabric weight and may not be the best option to wear to a business meeting.

Are the polos to be printed? If so you can chose from styles that have be treated with PosiCharge technology which helps prevent against ink migration and keeps printed colors looking bright wash after wash.

Are the polos to be rented? Fabrics like spun polyester are especially tough and are made to withstand repeated washing without losing their original appearance.

Who Will Wear the Polos?

Who will wear these shirts and where will they be seen? Are they long term employees or seasonal workers? Sales people or kitchen staff? A quality polo is a good choice for long-term workers but a less-expensive shirt might be better for summer employees. Keep in mind that no matter the circumstance, employees will be more likely to wear a quality polo that looks and feels good.

Ladies' Polo Style

If you need a ladies' polo, consider getting feedback about possible choices from the women. While all ladies' shirts are sized for women with shorter sleeve and hem lengths, necklines vary from a standard reversed placket to other options like a V-neck button placket or johnny collar. Some women prefer to wear a men's polo shirt so it's good to give them that option although many ladies' styles are now available up to size 4X so most women prefer a ladies' shirt. Some businesses want to order just men's shirts to simplify their order. Then it's recommended that women order down a size.

Performance Features

Consider logo polo shirts with performance features such as moisture-wicking, stain, fade and wrinkle resistant material. These fabrics help employees stay cool and comfortable while presenting a professional image in all working conditions. Do you need sun protection? Picking a shirt with a UPF rating will help.

Trim Details

Consider trim details. A polo with a trim color that matches a color in your logo will help emphasize your logo. A shirt with bold color blocking in your team colors may be perfect for your baseball team. The right seaming may give certain styles a fashion-forward flair while the perfect button may help you achieve the look you want. If you need shirts for a tactical environment, features like mic clips and reinforced pockets may help.

Brand Identity

Do you want to be associated with a particular lifestyle so your embroidered shirts appeal to a particular audience? Having your logo embroidered on shirts made by a particular designer such as Nike can give you a young, vibrant image that will boost your look. Running an environment-friendly business? Want to lessen your carbon footprint? You may want to wear shirts made from recycled materials. Want to appeal to people who like to wear a particular type of street wear? A brand like Mercer+Mettle may work for you.

Coordinating Styles

Do you need matching styles such as a polo that coordinates with a button down shirt or is available in both long and short sleeves? Do you only need a few shirts to start but plan to order more in the future along with complementary pullovers? Picking a style that has lots of companion style options may be a good choice for you.

Polo Shirt Sizing

Make sure employees are clear about what size they want. Taller employees may want to order a tall size so they can stay tucked in. If they need a tall/long size have them write out "tall" or "long", for example, "2X long" rather than 2XL when ordering. For women, make sure they make it clear if they want a men's size. Size measurements are available for many polo styles so it's easy to pick the right size. Some groups order samples in different sizes so individuals can chose the right size.

Pricing

Pricing is determined by the style, whether extended or tall sizes are needed, the amount of detail in the embroidered logo and quantity of shirts ordered. Medium priced shirts will look good longer than a budget-priced style. It's wise to compare styles from different price points. Paying a little more per shirt can give you exactly what you want rather than you having to settle for a lesser quality style that doesn't meet your expectations. Conversely, while a designer shirt may seem perfect, the price may not be within your budget.  Often you can find a similar style in a regular brand for a lower price.

 

The number of options for embroidered logo shirts has exploded in the last twenty-five years. Now there are so many options!  If you need help making a decision, let your embroiderer know what shirt features are the most important to you and they can suggest possible polo styles and help you decide on the best style for you.