Can I design a polo with my logo?

By Samantha O'Rourke

Absolutely—and it’s easier than you might think. As part of our apparel and accessories section within Best Promotional Items to Give Away, we mention how much recipients appreciate something they’ll actually want to wear—like custom polo shirts.

This guide walks you through fabric choices, decoration methods and logo prep so you can create polished, on-brand polos with confidence.

What is the best material for embroidery on polo shirts?

Start with the fabric because it drives both look and longevity. For classic, uniform-ready polos, pique blends are a favorite. Its subtle texture gives embroidery needles something to “grip,” which helps stitches sit cleanly and resist puckering through wear and washing. If you want maximum durability with a traditional handfeel, pique is tough to beat.

For active teams or outdoor roles, performance polyester or blends are standouts. Modern performance polos deliver moisture-wicking, quick-dry comfort and often include stretch—great for field staff, events and golf outings. They also embroider well, producing crisp logos with a sleek, retail look.

“This shirt is very comfortable and lau[n]ders beautifully. The embroidery doesn't pucker or buckle when washed or dried.”
— Silk Touch Performance Sport Polo product review provided by customer

Here’s a simple rule of thumb:

• Choose a pique cotton/poly blend for timeless texture and a slightly more pronounced embroidered look.
• Choose performance polyester for lightweight comfort, colorfastness and a smooth, athletic finish.

Polo shirts with a company logo often use high-quality materials for best results. Better fabrics elevate your logo, extend garment life and help your brand look consistent across sizes and styles.

Can you print onto polo shirts?

Yes. While embroidery is the most common decoration for polos, printing can be a smart option depending on your artwork and budget. Full-color printing can achieve sharp results on flat-knit and performance fabrics, especially for larger graphics or when cost-per-piece matters.

That said, printing on polos typically isn’t as abrasion-resistant as embroidery over the long haul, especially in high-wear areas like the left chest. If your design is small and brand-forward (think single-color logo), embroidery remains the premium choice.

Where printing shines:

• Full-color or gradient artwork where thread matching would be complex
• Large designs on back or sleeve where embroidery might feel heavy
• Short runs where set-up for embroidery isn’t ideal

Digital full-color printing allows for vibrant colors and intricate designs. And remember, when you’re looking for “custom polo shirts with logo near me,” 4imprint offers both printing and embroidery options, so you can pick the best fit for your use case.

One customer who opted for printing mentioned:

“I purchased these shirts for my brother's landscaping company. 4imprint matched the logo impeccably. Very happy with the finished product!!”
— Gildan^® 6 oz. DryBlend^® Jersey Polo product review provided by customer

How to make a polo logo

Strong results start with strong files. Build or export your logo in vector format (AI, EPS, SVG or high-quality PDF). Vectors scale cleanly, which helps decorators dial in stitch counts and thread paths or prep films for printing.

For polo shirts with logo embroidered, a vector format is preferred for clarity. It helps ensure precise edges, accurate proportions and predictable color mapping.

A few practical tips:

• Size: Most left-chest logos land between 2.5–3.5 inches wide. Keep microtype minimal; text should remain legible at arm’s length.
• Stitch-friendly details: Simplify fine outlines or hairline elements that won’t hold up when stitched at small sizes.
• Color choices: Prioritize contrast against the shirt color. If you’re unsure, request multiple mockups on light and dark shades.
• Legal compliance: Use original or licensed artwork only. Confirm you have rights to any icons, mascots or taglines before production.

A customer who recently ordered polos shared:

“These shirts are great. They look sporty but also classy! Logo [embroidery] looks awesome!”
— OGIO^® Stay-Cool Performance Polo product review provided by customer

This is a nice reminder that the right logo application can win over decision-makers and wearers alike.

How to put a logo on a polo

You’ve got two primary paths—embroidery or printing—and both benefit from an experienced production partner.

• Embroidery delivers a premium, dimensional look with excellent wear. It’s ideal for left chest, right chest or sleeve imprints. Different stabilizers and stitch techniques keep performance fabrics smooth and prevent puckering.
• Printing (screen print, full-color digital or heat transfer) supports larger art, complex color or tight timelines and can be great for back prints or special event designs.

For brand consistency, decide ahead of time about logo placement for staff/recipients across different departments or roles:

• Left chest for brand-first uniforms.
• Right chest for names or certifications.
• Sleeve for secondary marks or event icons.
• Upper back for larger identifiers at crowded events.

Custom embroidered polo shirts wholesale usually include logo embroidery or printing, so it’s easy to outfit multiple teams or locations with the same branded look.

One review summed it up well:

“Exactly as expected! The logo size is perfect and the embroidery is outstanding!”

Another added:

“They are not fitted for a women.”
— Dry-Mesh Hi-Performance Polo product reviews by customers

These two reviews highlight the importance of sampling sizes before finalizing a bulk order. 4imprint offers free samples on most of their polos!

Helpful ordering notes from 4imprint:

• Multiple price-break tiers help you optimize quantity vs. cost.
• Set-up fees are not charged on exact reorders, which reduces long-term spend.
• You’re covered by our 360° Guarantee_®, plus free e-proofs and design support so you can move fast with confidence.
• If you need a quick estimate or want to request a free sample, our team is waiting to help!

Ready to elevate your wardrobe with custom polo shirts that reflect your unique style and brand message? Explore our collection, and discover how personalized apparel can make a lasting statement.

Samantha O'Rourke

Samantha O’Rourke is an experienced SEO digital analyst and copywriter with a decade of expertise in the promotional products industry. With a strong foundation in marketing and a keen eye for emerging e-commerce trends, she stays on top of what’s new and noteworthy in 4imprint’s product offerings. As a regular contributor to 4imprint’s blog, Samantha offers insights on how businesses can use promotional products to stand out, connect with their audiences and succeed in a crowded marketplace.