The same logo can look sharp and professional or oddly small and lost, depending on where it sits and how big it’s printed. Size and placement are two of the easiest ways to make your custom gear look polished. Here’s a simple guide to the most common print locations and the sizes that work best.
Standard print sizes at a glance
| Placement | Typical width | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Left chest | 3″ to 4″ | Business logos, crew and staff shirts, a clean understated look |
| Full front | 10″ to 12″ | Bold graphics, event shirts, team designs |
| Full back | 10″ to 12″ | Big designs, team names, sponsor lists |
| Upper back / name bar | 8″ to 11″ | Rider names and team names above a number |
| Back number | 8″ to 10″ tall | Jerseys and team shirts |
| Nape (below the collar) | 2″ to 3″ | Small logos, websites, social handles |
| Sleeve | 2.5″ to 3.5″ | Small logos, flags, numbers, accent graphics |
| Hat front | 3.5″ to 4.5″ | Logos and short words |
Left chest: small, clean and professional
The left chest is the go-to spot for business and staff apparel. It’s placed over the heart, roughly 3″ to 4″ below the collar seam. Keep the design simple here, since fine details and long text get hard to read at this size. A left chest logo pairs perfectly with a larger print on the back.
Full front: make a statement
A full front print typically starts about 3″ below the collar and is centred on the chest. Wider isn’t always better: a design that’s too big can wrap into the armpits and look stretched. Around 10″ to 12″ wide suits most adult tees, while youth shirts look better at around 8″ to 10″.
Back prints, names and numbers
The back is your biggest canvas. A full back print usually starts 3″ to 4″ below the collar. For team gear and jerseys, a classic layout is a name across the shoulders with a large number underneath. A small logo at the nape, just below the collar, is a subtle extra that looks great on event and crew shirts.
Hoodies have a few extra rules
- Watch the pocket. A front print needs to sit above the kangaroo pocket, which usually limits the height to around 9″ to 10″.
- Mind the drawstrings and zipper. On zip hoodies, a left chest logo is usually the best front option, with a large print on the back.
- The back is wide open. Hoodie backs are perfect for large designs, and a sleeve print adds a nice finishing touch.
Sleeves and hats
Sleeve prints are small, so think flags, logos, numbers or a short word. Hats have a curved front panel, which limits how large a design can go, usually about 4″ wide and 2″ to 2.5″ tall. Short, bold designs work best on headwear.
Ordering different sizes? Keep it consistent
When you order a range of sizes, from youth to 3XL, one print size won’t look identical on every shirt. For mixed orders we may use two print sizes, a smaller one for youth and small adult sizes and a larger one for everything else, so the design looks balanced on everyone.
Tips for getting it right
- Measure a shirt you like. Grab a favourite printed tee and measure its design. It’s a great real-world reference.
- Match the size to the artwork. Large prints need high-resolution files. See How to Prepare Your Artwork for Printing.
- Use our preview. When you upload your design in Build Your Order, you can position it on the garment and see how it looks.
- Not sure? Ask. Tell us how you’d like it to look and we’ll recommend a size and placement.
Holeshot Outfitters Inc.: Lead the pack. Wear the difference.