This document provides guidance on determining the right size for a logo on custom t-shirts. It discusses factors to consider like the audience, purpose of the t-shirt, and logo shape. For t-shirts as uniforms, it recommends a large logo that can be seen from a distance if used as a billboard, or a smaller logo for up close. The "ruler trick" is suggested to test logo sizes by holding printed versions up to sample shirts. Proper sizing is important to ensure the logo looks good and the recipient will want to wear the shirt.

1. How To Determine The Right Size
For A Logo On Custom T-Shirts
www.epromos.com

2. • When screen printing a t-shirt, getting the size of the logo right is
one of the most important factors in getting the recipient to wear
it.
• In this Slideshare, we’ll show you how to size the logo for your
audience and purpose, along with some great examples of the
four primary logo shapes.

3. Who’s your audience?
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Different recipients will be looking for different things when deciding to wear your t-shirt or
others in their existing pile of shirts.
Some factors to consider:
 How old are the recipients?
 Where will they be wearing the t-shirts?
 What’s your brand image? Are you a loud, youthful brand or a conservative brand?
 How much are recipients willing to advertise your brand?

4. What’s your reason for giving custom t-shirts?
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There are typically two reasons for investing in custom t-shirts:
1. To give them as gifts that will be worn and appreciated
2. To give them as part of a uniform

5. T-shirts as uniforms
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If the shirt will be used as a billboard, go large so the logo can be seen from 50-100 feet
away. Also, it’s smart to add a phone number or website.

6. T-shirts as uniforms
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If the t-shirt will be seen up close – at a store counter or tradeshow booth, for example –
go smaller with the logo. A phone number or website isn’t necessary.

7. T-shirts as uniforms
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Sometimes, it makes sense to print “STAFF” or something similar on the back. Other
times, just the logo is all that’s needed.

8. What’s the shape of your logo?
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There are four primary shapes for logos:
Round/square/symmetrical
Wide/narrow
•
Tall/full area
Tall and narrow

9. Is your logo too big?
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•
There are certain times when you want a horizontal or even square logo to be small. It’s
especially important on women’s t-shirts to make sure you don’t get undesired
consequences.
A better option? A logo about 4-5 inches wide. This ensures it won’t get stretched out in
the wrong places.

10. Think small
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•
Sometimes small logos just look better on t-shirts. Some examples:

11. Large logos = loud statement
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•
If the goal is to make a bold statement, super-sized logos are the way to go.
However, make sure your logo can still be seen if the t-shirt gets tucked in.
•
Large logo (may be problematic if tucked in)
Smaller logo that’s less “loud” and
can be worn tucked or un-tucked

12. Large logos = loud statement
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•
Here are some examples of going just about all the way with the logo.

13. Is your logo dense?
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•
•
If you have a complex logo, you can go small or take up the full area. See the difference
in these examples.
Smaller logo:
Larger logo:

14. Is your logo tall and narrow?
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•
Here’s a look at how tall and narrow logos look on custom t-shirts. Remember: The logo
doesn’t have to be centered.

15. Good and bad logo sizing
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•
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Here’s an example of how the right-size logo can impact the overall look of your custom
t-shirts.
Poor logo size (too small):
Best logo size (larger is better here):

16. Artwork size vs. shirt size
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•
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When you print the same size logo on different size shirts, the logo stays the same and
will look bigger on the small sizes and smaller on the larger sizes (see the illustration
below).

17. The ruler trick
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•
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Have you tried the ruler trick to determine the appropriate size for the logo on your
promotional t-shirts? It’s simple.
1. 1. Print out your logo (or cut a piece of paper in the desired size)
2. 2. Hold it up against a large t-shirt (or the size that will be average for your audience)
3. 3. Measure it with a ruler
•
This is a great technique to get your size right and have confidence in what you are
buying.

18. Now you have the know-how to get the logo
exactly right on your custom t-shirts.
Get started on your promo t-shirts at
www.epromos.com. You can shop, purchase
and chat with an expert Brand Consultant.
Or, give us a call at 877-377-6667.