Placement Is Everything in Embroidered Workwear
You’ve designed a great logo. You’ve picked quality garments. Now comes the decision most businesses rush — where does the logo actually go? Get this wrong and even the best embroidery looks awkward. Get it right and your team becomes a seamless, professional brand unit every time they step out the door.
At Customised Workwear, we’ve embroidered thousands of garments across hundreds of industries. Here are the five placement rules we always share before a new order goes into production.
Rule 1: Left Chest Is the Default — And There’s a Reason for That
The left chest position has been the industry standard for decades. It sits in the natural eye-line when two people stand face to face. It’s visible without effort. It doesn’t dominate — it’s professional and discreet.
For most workwear bundles — polos, shirts, softshells, fleeces — the left chest logo is the right starting point. Size it between 7cm and 10cm wide for maximum legibility without overwhelming the garment.
Rule 2: Back Placement Needs a Size Uplift
Back embroidery is viewed from further away — typically two to five metres. That means your logo needs to be considerably larger than a chest logo to read clearly. We recommend a minimum of 25cm wide for a back design on jackets and workwear tops.
Back placement works brilliantly for trade businesses — builders, plumbers, electricians, delivery companies. Anyone whose back is regularly visible to clients and the public.
Rule 3: Don’t Crowd the Collar
Collar or neckline embroidery is a premium touch used widely in hospitality and retail. But keep it small and clean — a maximum of 4cm wide. Anything larger starts to look cluttered and the stitching quality suffers on the curved surface.
Rule 4: Sleeve Logos Work Best as Secondary Elements
A sleeve logo is rarely your primary brand placement. It works best as a secondary element — a department indicator, a safety certification mark, or a year-founded detail. Pair it with a left-chest main logo and the sleeve adds depth to the uniform without competing for attention.
Browse our full shop to see how different garment types handle sleeve embroidery.
Rule 5: Test on One Garment Before Full Production
Always, always request a sample before committing to your full order. A logo that looks perfect on screen can sometimes sit differently on fabric — especially on structured garments like outerwear or caps. A £15 sample saves you from a costly mistake on a 50-piece order.
At Customised Workwear, we offer pre-production samples on all large orders. It’s part of how we ensure every order is exactly right before the full run begins.
Get Expert Advice Before You Order
Not sure which placement works best for your garment and logo? Our team will review your artwork and advise you — for free, with no obligation. Get in touch today and let’s make sure your embroidered workwear looks exactly how it should.