Custom Polo Shirts: Fabrics, Fits and Logos Explained
By The Velocity Wear Team
Custom polo shirts get sixty-six hundred US searches a month. Companies, golf outings, schools, churches, trades and sports clubs all order them, and for good reason: a polo is smart enough for clients and comfortable enough for a full day. Here's how to choose one that looks the part.
Three main fabrics
- Cotton piqué: the classic textured polo. Breathable, structured, takes embroidery beautifully.
- Poly-cotton piqué: tougher, holds color, shrinks less. The workhorse for uniforms.
- Performance polyester: smooth, lightweight, wicks moisture and dries fast. Ideal for golf, outdoor crews and hot climates.
There's also jersey, which is smooth like a t-shirt and more casual. Our piqué vs jersey guide compares them in detail.
Fits
Men's polos are typically straighter and longer. Women's polos are shaped, shorter in the sleeve and often have a narrower placket. Offering women's cuts makes a real difference to how comfortable and professional staff feel. Some businesses also offer a relaxed unisex fit.
Logo placement
The left chest is standard, about 3 to 4 inches wide, centered between the placket and the sleeve seam, and a couple of inches below the shoulder seam. Popular add-ons include a name or title on the right chest, a small logo on the sleeve, and a website across the back yoke.
Embroidery or print?
Embroidery is the default for polos because it looks premium and survives laundering. Printing works for larger designs, and on performance polos a heat-applied or printed logo can sit flatter and lighter. Many uniforms use embroidery on piqué and a print on performance fabrics.
Colors
Navy, black, white, royal blue, charcoal and maroon are the classics. For golf and summer events, lighter colors like sky blue, light gray and white stay cooler. For uniforms, darker colors hide stains. Each polo color counts as a separate design for minimums.
Details worth checking
- A collar that lies flat and doesn't curl after washing.
- Buttons that are sewn securely and match the shirt.
- Side vents at the hem for easy movement.
- Taped neck seams for comfort and durability.
Sizing
Share men's and women's size charts in inches and collect sizes individually. Our minimum is 20 per design with sizes and cuts mixed.
Pricing
Our polos start from $18 each at 20 pieces, with embroidery adding a small amount. Prices drop at 50, 100, 250, 500 and 1,000. Check totals on the calculator.
Golf outings and events
For corporate golf outings, a performance polo with the event logo on the chest and sponsor logos on the sleeve is a classic giveaway. Pair it with a branded golf towel for players. See our custom golf towels guide.
Polos for events and trade shows
Trade show booth staff in matching polos look polished and approachable. Choose a color that stands out from the booth backdrop and neighboring exhibitors. A performance polo keeps staff comfortable under hot convention center lights during long days on their feet.
Caring for polos
Wash polos inside out in cold or warm water, avoid high-heat drying, and button the placket before washing to help the collar keep its shape. Performance polos should skip fabric softener, which can reduce moisture-wicking.
Timing
Production takes 10 to 15 working days after artwork approval, plus shipping. See polo shirts or order a sample to compare fabrics in person.
