Branding setup
What Logo Size Works Best on Branded Workwear?
Logo size sounds like a small choice.
It is not.
The wrong size makes a smart uniform look cheap, and the wrong placement makes it hard to read.
This guide gives you a simple workwear logo size guide for jackets, polos, tees, and hi-vis.
logo placement
repeat orders
hi vis considerations
Table of contents
Quick rules: get it right in 60 seconds
If you want the short version, use these rules.
They work for most UK trade teams and stop common mistakes.
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Use one chest size across most items
Consistency makes a small team look established. -
Chest logos should be readable at 2–3 metres
If you cannot read it at that distance, it is too small or too detailed. -
Back logos should be readable at 6–10 metres
That is when it starts doing real “on site” work. -
Match placement across layers
Left chest on tee, polo, hoodie, fleece, jacket. -
Do not force a wide logo onto a narrow chest
It will either shrink until unreadable or wrap awkwardly.
That decides whether you need a back logo.
Best logo placements by garment
Placement affects how often people notice your brand.
It also affects how tidy the uniform looks.
These placements cover most workwear setups.
Best placements for everyday workwear
-
Left chest
Most common. Works on tees, polos, hoodies, fleeces, and jackets. -
Upper back
Best for visibility. Works well on fleeces, jackets, and hi-vis layers. -
Sleeve
Good for short brand name or initials. Avoid detailed logos here.
Placements that often cause issues
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Low back
Tool belts and jacket hems can hide it. -
Centre chest on polos
Buttons and plackets can distort it. -
Near seams and zips
Print can crack, embroidery can pucker.
Logo size guide by garment type
Sizes depend on the logo shape.
A wide logo needs different handling to a square badge-style mark.
Use these ranges as a starting point.
Once you pick a “house standard”, keep it.
| Garment | Best placement | Typical chest logo size range | Typical back logo size range |
|---|---|---|---|
| T-shirt | Left chest | 80–100mm wide | 240–300mm wide |
| Polo shirt | Left chest | 75–95mm wide | 220–280mm wide |
| Hoodie / sweatshirt | Left chest | 80–110mm wide | 260–320mm wide |
| Fleece | Left chest | 80–100mm wide | 240–300mm wide |
| Softshell jacket | Left chest | 75–95mm wide | 240–300mm wide |
| Waterproof jacket | Left chest | 75–95mm wide | 240–300mm wide |
| Hi-vis vest | Left chest or upper back | Keep modest and readable | Often the better placement |
Where this matters most
If you run mixed kit, standardise your chest logo size across your main items.
Start with tees or polos, then match fleeces and jackets.
You can order those items here:
custom printed T-shirts,
RX101 polo,
RX402 fleece
These are practical ranges, not strict rules.
If your logo is very detailed, you may need a slightly larger size to keep it readable.
Small chest logo vs large back logo
Many teams assume they need big back logos.
Sometimes they do.
Sometimes it is wasted spend.
Here is how to decide.
Chest logo works best when
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You meet customers face-to-face
-
You want a tidy, professional uniform look
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You wear layers and want branding visible at all times
-
You want cost control across large teams
Back logo works best when
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You work around busy sites or roadside jobs
-
You want brand visibility at distance
-
People often work side-on or turned away from customers
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You want the public to remember the name
A useful compromise: chest logo on every item, back logo only on outer layers.
That keeps cost down and makes the branding work harder.
Hi-vis logo sizing: what to think about
Hi-vis is different.
Your priority is still visibility.
Branding should support that, not fight it.
If you have hi-vis rules on site, keep the logo readable but not excessive.
-
Keep placement simple
Chest and upper back are the safest choices. -
Use high contrast
Logos that blend into hi-vis colours become pointless. -
Avoid clutter
Multiple logos can make hi-vis look messy and harder to read.
Useful reading before you order hi-vis
If you want the ordering and safety side in plain language, start here:
hi-vis printing rules in the UK
and
custom hi-vis vest buying guide
If you want a simple branded option:
hi-vis vest
or
10 custom hi-vis vest bundle
Artwork setup and file tips
A logo can be the right size and still look wrong if the file is poor.
These tips stop the most common print issues.
-
Send a clean vector if you can
AI, EPS, SVG, or a high quality PDF works best. -
Avoid screenshots
They look jagged and can blur when resized. -
Keep tiny text out of logos
Small slogans often disappear on embroidery and smaller placements. -
Provide a light and dark version
It keeps contrast strong across different garment colours.
If your logo includes a phone number, treat it like a back print.
It needs distance readability or it will be wasted.
How to keep repeat orders consistent
Consistency is where teams win.
You do not want “Version 1” jackets and “Version 2” polos with different logo sizes.
The fix is simple.
Write down your standard once.
Then reuse it.
Your one-page branding standard
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Placement rules: left chest on all items, upper back on outer layers
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Chest logo width: pick one size and stick to it
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Back logo width: one standard for jackets and gilets
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Colour rules: which logo version goes on which garment colours
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Product links: which core items the team uses
If you are building a full team set
Use this guide to choose the items first, then apply your branding standard to each one:
How to build a branded workwear set for small trade teams
Ask for help with logo sizing and placement
If you are ordering tees as your base layer, start here:
work T-shirts with company logo
FAQs
What size should a logo be on a work polo
Most work polos suit a chest logo around 75–95mm wide, depending on the logo shape.
Keep it readable at 2–3 metres and avoid tiny text.
Where should a logo go on a work jacket
Left chest is the standard for a clean uniform look.
If you want distance visibility, add an upper back logo on outer layers.
Is a back logo worth it on workwear
It is worth it when you want recognition from distance, or when people work with their back turned.
If budget is tight, put back logos only on jackets and outer layers.
Can you print logos on hi-vis vests
Yes.
Keep placement simple and logos readable.
Use high contrast so your brand does not disappear against hi-vis colours.
How do I make sure repeat orders match
Keep one written standard for logo size, placement, and colours.
Reuse the same product links and avoid changing logo versions between batches.
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