Left chest logo size and placement (cm and inches)

Where to put a logo on a t-shirt, polo or hoodie, and how big to make it. Measured from the high point of the shoulder and the centre line. The numbers are common starting points for adult garments, with separate guidance for kids, polos and hoodies.

The figures show approximate proportions for an adult size M t-shirt. Left chest means the wearer's left, so it is on the right in the figure.

Two reference points: the shoulder and the centre line

The high point of the shoulder (HPS) is the top of the shoulder, where the shoulder seam meets the collar. It sits in almost the same place on every garment and size, which makes it the most reliable point to measure height from. Many print shops measure from the front neckline instead, but that sits differently on crew necks, V-necks, polos and zip jackets.

The centre line runs straight down the middle of the front and back. Horizontal position is measured from it to the centre of the logo.

Sizes for the most common placements (adult)

These are common starting points, not a fixed standard. Always check your print shop's template and a sample garment, because fabric and fit change how the logo looks when the garment is worn.

Left chest: the most common placement

A left chest logo is the standard for promotional clothing, team wear and workwear. It is visible without dominating, and it sits where most clothing brands put their own mark.

• Height: Centre of the logo 18–21 cm (7–8 in) below the shoulder. Measure from the shoulder rather than the collar, especially on V-necks and polos.
• From the centre: 9–11 cm (3.5–4.5 in) from the centre line to the centre of the logo. The logo should not reach past the armpit.
• Size: 8–9 cm (3.25–3.5 in) wide is a safe choice. Tall, narrow logos are set by height: around 7–9 cm.
• Brand logo: If the garment already has a brand mark on the chest, the logo often goes just above it, or on the other side.

Kids and youth

Use 70–80 % of the adult sizes. A kids' chest logo is usually 6–8 cm (2.5–3 in) wide, with its centre 13–17 cm (5–6.5 in) below the shoulder. If the same print runs from kids' sizes to XXL, consider two print sizes so the logo is not too big on the smallest or too small on the largest.

Polo, hoodie and jacket

Polo

The chest logo sits halfway between the placket and the sleeve seam, with its top edge roughly level with the bottom button. Keep it at 7–9 cm (2.75–3.5 in): polos are often embroidered, and embroidery looks best slightly smaller.

Hoodie

The chest logo sits as on a t-shirt, but watch the drawstrings and the pouch pocket. Centre front prints go above the pocket. On the back, the print starts a little lower than on a t-shirt, 10–13 cm (4–5 in) below the collar seam, because the hood lies over it.

Zip jacket

Centre front is ruled out by the zip. Use the left chest, and keep the logo at least 3 cm (1.25 in) clear of the zip.

Common mistakes

• Too low: A chest logo that ends up on the stomach. This happens easily when you measure from the collar on a V-neck, or place the logo on a flat garment without a model.
• Too big on women's fits: Fitted garments often need a slightly smaller logo, often placed a little higher.
• One size for every garment size: See the section on kids and youth.
• Too close to seams: Keep the logo at least 2–3 cm (1 in) from seams and edges.

See the placement before it is printed

The easiest check is to see the logo on the actual garment before the order goes out. In MOCC you put the logo on the product photos, move it into place and see it on every colour and angle. The measurements in cm from the shoulder and centre line go to the print shop on the production sheet.

Questions and answers