Custom Printed Polos - Premium Quality

Performance polo shirts have become the fastest-growing category in our custom polo shirt catalogue. Built with advanced moisture-wicking fabrics, these athletic polos pull sweat away from the body and allow it to evaporate quickly, keeping the wearer cool and dry throughout the day. Whether your team works outdoors in Edmonton summers or represents your company on the golf course in Vancouver, a custom dri-fit polo delivers comfort that traditional cotton simply cannot match.

How Moisture-Wicking Technology Works

Performance polo fabrics are typically made from specially engineered polyester or polyester-spandex blends. The fibres are shaped or treated to create capillary channels that transport moisture from the skin to the outer surface of the fabric, where it spreads and evaporates. This process — called wicking — keeps the wearer feeling dry even during physical activity. Many performance polo shirts also include anti-odour treatments and UPF sun protection, making them ideal for outdoor events, trade shows and active work environments.

Popular Performance Polo Brands

We carry the most trusted names in athletic custom polo shirts. Nike Dri-FIT polos (NKDC1963) are a perennial bestseller, offering the iconic Swoosh and a tailored modern fit that works for corporate and casual settings alike. Under Armour Tech polos (1370399) are built for athletes and outdoor workers, with a loose, comfortable cut and four-way stretch. Adidas performance polos combine sport heritage with clean styling that transitions easily from the course to the office.

Performance polos are the top choice for golf polo shirts, outdoor corporate events and any workplace where comfort is a priority. With embroidery, your logo sits cleanly on the smooth performance polo fabric, creating a polished, athletic look. Explore our full range of custom performance polos to find the perfect fit for your team.

The pique polo is the original polo shirt — the textured, waffle-like knit fabric that René Lacoste made famous on the tennis courts of the 1920s. Nearly a century later, pique polo shirts remain the most popular choice for custom embroidered polos across Canada. The distinctive raised texture gives pique polo shirts their timeless look and provides natural breathability that keeps wearers comfortable in a wide range of climates.

What Makes Pique Fabric Special?

Pique is a knitting pattern, not a fibre type. The fabric features a repeating raised pattern — often described as a honeycomb or waffle texture — that creates tiny air pockets between the skin and the outer surface. These air pockets allow heat and moisture to escape, making pique polo shirts naturally breathable without the need for synthetic moisture-wicking treatments. Pique can be knit from cotton, polyester or blends, giving you options for softness, durability and price at every level.

Best-Selling Pique Polos

For budget-friendly custom polo shirts, the Gildan 64800 is our most popular pique polo. It delivers the classic pique texture in a cotton-rich blend at an exceptional price point, making it ideal for large orders and promotional polo shirts. For a premium option, the Devon & Jones D100 Crown Collection Pique Polo is a customer favourite among hospitality and corporate clients in Toronto and Montreal. Its superior construction and refined fit elevate the look of any branded polo shirt program.

Pique polo shirts are the go-to choice for corporate polo shirts, hospitality uniforms and event merchandise. The textured surface also provides an excellent foundation for embroidery — the raised pattern helps stitches blend naturally into the fabric. Browse our full selection of custom pique polos to find the right style for your team.

For wearers who prioritize softness and natural comfort, cotton and cotton-blend custom polo shirts are the ideal choice. Cotton polos have a smooth, soft hand feel that synthetic fabrics struggle to replicate, and they remain the preferred option for casual uniform polo shirts, weekend events and retail merchandise programs.

100% Cotton vs Cotton-Polyester Blends

Pure cotton polo shirts offer unmatched softness and breathability. They are naturally hypoallergenic and comfortable against the skin, making them a popular choice for employees who wear company polo shirts all day. However, 100% cotton polos can shrink if washed in hot water, and they tend to wrinkle more than blends. Cotton-polyester blends solve these issues by combining the softness of cotton with the durability and shape retention of polyester. Blended fabrics resist shrinking, dry faster and hold their colour through repeated washing — important considerations for branded polo shirts that need to look sharp over months of daily wear.

Top Cotton & Blend Polos

The Gildan 8800 DryBlend Polo is one of our bestselling custom polo shirts for good reason. Its 50/50 cotton-polyester blend delivers the softness of cotton with the easy care of polyester, all at a price point that works for large bulk polo shirt orders. Available in 20+ colours, the 8800 is a staple for businesses across Ottawa, Calgary and Edmonton. For a more premium cotton-blend option, the Gildan 82800 Premium Cotton Double Piqué Polo offers a heavier weight and refined details that suit executive gifting and client-facing teams.

Cotton and blend polos are perfect for casual Fridays, retail staff uniforms and personalized polo shirts for gifts and events. Embroidery sits beautifully on cotton fabric, producing crisp, clean logos that look professional. Explore our full cotton and blend polo collection to find the right fit and fabric for your project.

A professional uniform program is only as strong as its weakest fit. For years, women were handed oversized unisex polos that bunched at the shoulders and hung like boxes. Today, every major brand offers women’s-specific custom polo shirts with tailored cuts that look polished and feel comfortable. At T-Shirt Elephant, we carry a wide selection of women’s custom embroidered polos from Nike, Adidas, Under Armour, Gildan and more.

Women’s Fit vs Unisex

Women’s polo shirts feature narrower shoulders, a contoured waist and shorter sleeve lengths that create a clean, flattering silhouette. The body is slightly shorter in length, and the side seams are shaped to follow a natural feminine fit. These details make a significant difference in both appearance and comfort. For corporate polo shirts and uniform polo shirts, we recommend ordering women’s-specific styles alongside men’s cuts so every team member looks and feels their best.

Popular Women’s Polo Styles

The Adidas A231 Women’s Performance Polo is a top choice for businesses in Toronto and Vancouver that want a modern athletic look. It features Adidas Climalite moisture-wicking technology, a classic V-neck collar variation and a tailored fit that transitions from the golf course to the office. The Gildan 64800L Women’s Pique Polo offers the same reliable quality as the men’s 64800 in a women’s-specific cut, making it ideal for matching company polo shirts across mixed teams. For a premium women’s performance polo, the Nike NKDC1991 Dri-FIT Micro Pique 2.0 is engineered for comfort and style.

Sizing Considerations

Women’s polo sizing varies more than men’s across brands, so we strongly recommend ordering a sample before committing to a large order. Most women’s custom polo shirts are available from size S through 3XL, with some brands offering XS and 4XL extensions. Our team can help you navigate sizing across brands to build a consistent, professional look for your entire staff. Get in touch for a free sizing consultation.

Long sleeve custom polo shirts offer year-round versatility that short sleeve polos simply cannot match. In Canada’s variable climate — from cool spring mornings in Calgary to crisp autumn days in Ottawa — a long sleeve polo provides just the right amount of coverage without the bulk of a jacket or sweater. They are an increasingly popular choice for corporate polo shirts, outdoor work crews and golf polo shirts for shoulder-season play.

When to Choose Long Sleeve

Long sleeve polos are the smart choice for several scenarios: cooler weather uniforms, UV sun protection for outdoor workers, a more formal look for client-facing roles and layering under vests or lightweight jackets. Many of our customers in Edmonton and Montreal order both short and long sleeve versions of the same polo to give their teams warm-weather and cool-weather options in matching branded polo shirts. This approach keeps your brand consistent across seasons without doubling your design investment.

Top Long Sleeve Polo Picks

The Nike NKDC2104 Dri-FIT Micro Pique 2.0 Long Sleeve Polo is a standout custom dri-fit polo with the same moisture-wicking technology as its short sleeve counterpart. It delivers a clean, modern silhouette that works for boardrooms and golf courses alike. For budget-conscious programs, the Gildan 72900 DryBlend Long Sleeve Polo provides reliable quality at an accessible price point, while the Port Authority K500LS Silk Touch Long Sleeve Polo offers wrinkle resistance and a silky hand feel that corporate teams love.

Embroidery on Long Sleeve Polos

Long sleeve custom embroidered polos support the same embroidery placements as short sleeve styles — left chest, right chest, full back and sleeve. The extended sleeve also opens up an additional branding opportunity: sleeve embroidery. A secondary logo or text on the sleeve adds a subtle, premium detail that elevates personalized polo shirts beyond the standard left-chest-only approach. Design your long sleeve polo today.

Golf and polo shirts have been inseparable since the sport’s earliest days, and today golf polo shirts represent one of the largest segments of the custom apparel market. From charity tournaments and corporate outings to private club merchandise and league uniforms, custom polo shirts with logo embroidery are the backbone of golf event branding across Canada. Custom golf polos in Canada are available from T-Shirt Elephant with free shipping on orders over $250.

Why Golf Tournaments Choose Custom Polos

A custom golf polo shirt serves triple duty at any tournament: it brands the event, creates a premium participant gift and provides a functional garment that golfers actually want to wear. Unlike generic event T-shirts that end up in a drawer, a high-quality custom embroidered polo becomes a wardrobe staple. Participants wear them long after the event, extending your brand visibility for months or even years. Charity golf tournaments in Toronto, Vancouver and Calgary regularly order 100–500+ custom polo shirts as part of their player packages.

Best Polos for Golf Events

Golfers expect comfort and performance on the course, so we recommend moisture-wicking fabrics for all golf polo shirts. Nike Dri-FIT and Adidas Climalite polos are the top choices — their brand recognition adds perceived value to your event merchandise. The Nike NKDC1963 Dri-FIT Micro Pique 2.0 is our number-one seller for golf tournaments, followed closely by the Adidas A230 Performance Polo and the Under Armour 1370399 Tech Polo.

Club Pro Shop & League Merchandise

Golf clubs across Canada use custom polo shirts for pro shop merchandise, member welcome packages and league uniforms. Embroidered club logos on premium golf polo shirts create a sense of belonging and exclusivity. We work with clubs in Montreal, Ottawa and across Ontario to deliver consistent quality on repeat orders season after season. Contact us to set up a club merchandise program.

Corporate polo shirts are the backbone of professional uniform programs across Canada. They strike the ideal balance between formal and casual — polished enough for client meetings, comfortable enough for a full day on the floor. From tech startups in Vancouver to financial firms in Toronto, company polo shirts with embroidered logos project a unified, professional image that builds trust with customers and pride among employees. As a leading custom polo shirts Canada supplier, we outfit teams of all sizes.

Why Polos Are the Top Choice for Uniforms

Polo shirts outperform both dress shirts and T-shirts as uniform polo shirts for several reasons. They are easier to care for than button-down dress shirts — no ironing required for most fabrics. They look more professional than T-shirts, commanding respect in customer-facing environments. And they are available in virtually every colour, size and fabric weight, making it easy to match your brand guidelines. Branded polo shirts also handle embroidery beautifully, with the collar area and chest panel providing a perfect canvas for your company logo.

Industry Applications

Corporate polo shirts are used across every industry. Restaurants and hotels in Montreal and Ottawa outfit front-of-house staff in custom embroidered polos for a clean, welcoming look. Retail chains use uniform polo shirts so customers can easily identify staff. Office-based companies order custom polo shirts with logo for trade shows, team-building events and casual Fridays. Healthcare clinics, fitness centres and automotive dealerships all rely on company polo shirts as their daily uniform.

Building a Uniform Program

For organizations ordering custom polo shirts on an ongoing basis, we offer dedicated account management and repeat-order programs. Lock in your polo style, logo placement and pricing, then simply reorder as new employees join your team. We maintain your embroidery files on record for consistent reproduction on every order. Whether you need 25 polos for a single location in Calgary or 2,500 for a national rollout, our production team delivers on time and on brand. Start your uniform program today.

T-Shirt Elephant partners with the most trusted names in the apparel industry to bring you an extensive selection of blank custom polo shirts ready for embroidery or printing. Each brand brings unique strengths in fabric technology, fit and price, ensuring you can find the perfect polo for every budget and application.

Nike

Nike polos are synonymous with athletic performance and premium branding. The Dri-FIT fabric technology delivers superior moisture management, and the iconic Swoosh adds instant brand recognition. Nike custom dri-fit polo shirts are the top choice for golf polo shirts, executive programs and organizations that want a premium look.

Adidas

Adidas combines sport heritage with contemporary styling. Their Climalite and Aeroready moisture-wicking technologies keep wearers cool, while the three-stripe branding adds a distinctive, sporty detail. Adidas polos are popular for golf polo shirts and corporate polo shirts in Toronto and across Canada.

Under Armour

Built for athletes and active professionals, Under Armour polos feature HeatGear fabric, four-way stretch and anti-odour technology. Their loose, comfortable fit makes them a favourite for outdoor workers and performance polo applications.

Gildan

Gildan delivers unbeatable value for bulk polo shirt orders. The DryBlend 8800 and Premium Cotton 82800 lines offer reliable quality, wide colour ranges and a price point that works for large promotional polo shirt programs. Gildan is our bestselling brand by volume.

Core 365, Devon & Jones & Harriton

These three brands — all part of the Ash City family — offer professional-grade polos tailored for corporate environments. Core 365 focuses on value-driven performance polo styles. Devon & Jones delivers premium pique polo shirts with refined details. Harriton provides durable, budget-friendly options for hospitality and service industries.

Port Authority & Eagle

Port Authority polos are known for their extensive colour libraries and consistent sizing across styles. The Silk Touch line is a perennial favourite for uniform polo shirts. Eagle brand polos offer modern fits and fashion-forward details for brands that want to stand out.

Explore our complete polo shirt catalogue to browse all brands, colours and sizes.

Custom polo shirts are one of the most universally ordered categories in the custom apparel industry. Their versatility, professional appearance and wide range of styles make them suitable for virtually any organization, event or purpose. Here is a look at the customers who order custom embroidered polos and custom polo shirts in Canada from T-Shirt Elephant most frequently.

Corporate Teams & Small Businesses

From Fortune 500 companies to local startups, businesses order corporate polo shirts for daily uniforms, trade shows, onboarding packages and team-building events. Company polo shirts with embroidered logos create a polished, unified look that reinforces brand identity with every customer interaction. Companies in Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary and Montreal make up the majority of our corporate polo orders.

Restaurants, Hotels & Hospitality

The hospitality industry relies on uniform polo shirts for front-of-house staff, concierge teams, catering crews and event personnel. Polos provide a clean, approachable look that is easy to launder and replace. Quick-service restaurants, boutique hotels and event venues across Canada order branded polo shirts in bulk for their teams.

Golf Tournaments & Charity Events

Golf polo shirts are the number-one merchandise item for charity tournaments and corporate golf outings. Participants receive custom polo shirts with logo as part of their player package, and event organizers often sell additional polos to raise funds.

Sports Teams & Leagues

Recreational sports leagues, club teams and coaching staff order custom polo shirts as sideline and travel uniforms. Polos offer a step up from T-shirts for team photos, award ceremonies and league events.

Real Estate, Healthcare & Education

Real estate brokerages outfit agents in personalized polo shirts for open houses and networking events. Healthcare clinics order polos for reception and support staff. Schools and universities use custom embroidered polos for faculty, administrative teams and student organizations. From Edmonton school boards to Ottawa medical clinics, custom polo shirts serve every sector.

Understanding custom polo shirt pricing helps you budget accurately and choose the right product for your needs. At T-Shirt Elephant, we believe in transparent, upfront pricing with no hidden fees. Here is a breakdown of what affects the cost of custom polos in Canada and custom embroidered polo shirts.

Price Ranges by Category

Budget-friendly polos start at approximately $11.90 CAD per unit for styles like the Gildan 8800 DryBlend. These are ideal for large-quantity promotional polo shirts, event giveaways and staff uniforms where volume matters. Mid-range polos from brands like Core 365, Port Authority and Devon & Jones typically fall between $18 and $28 CAD, offering upgraded fabrics, more colour options and a more refined fit. Premium polos from Nike, Adidas and Under Armour range from $35.70 to $55+ CAD per unit, delivering best-in-class fabrics, recognizable brand logos and the polished look that executive and golf polo shirt programs demand.

Factors That Affect Pricing

Several factors influence the final cost of your custom polo shirts:

• Quantity: Larger orders benefit from volume discounts on both the blank polo and the decoration.
• Decoration method: Embroidery pricing is based on stitch count. Screen printing is priced per colour per location. DTF is priced per print size.
• Number of locations: A left-chest-only logo costs less than a multi-location design with chest, sleeve and back embroidery.
• Polo fabric & brand: Performance fabrics and premium brands cost more than basic cotton-blend polos.
• Size upcharges: Sizes 2XL and above may carry a small upcharge from the blank manufacturer.

Volume Discounts

We offer tiered pricing that rewards larger orders. Whether you are ordering 24 corporate polo shirts for a single office in Vancouver or 1,000+ bulk polo shirts for a national rollout, our team will build a quote that maximizes your budget. Request a free quote to see exact pricing for your project.

Large organizations, resellers and event planners ordering bulk polo shirts deserve wholesale-level pricing without sacrificing quality or customization. T-Shirt Elephant specializes in high-volume custom polo shirt orders, delivering consistent embroidery and decoration quality from the first piece to the last — whether that is 50 polos or 5,000.

Bulk Pricing Tiers

Our pricing structure rewards volume at every level. As your order quantity increases, the per-unit cost drops for both the blank polo and the decoration. For example, a Gildan 8800 with left chest embroidery at 24 pieces is already competitively priced, but at 100+ pieces the savings become significant. At 500+ pieces, you unlock our best wholesale rates. We provide detailed, itemized quotes so you can see exactly where your budget goes. There is no maximum order quantity — our production capacity scales to meet your needs.

Consistent Quality at Scale

Quality control is critical for large custom polo shirt orders. Our embroidery machines are calibrated to maintain identical stitch density, thread tension and registration across every piece. We run colour-matching checks against your approved proof at regular intervals throughout production, and our QC team inspects finished branded polo shirts before packaging. This attention to detail ensures that your 500th polo looks exactly like your first.

Corporate Uniform & Repeat Programs

Many of our largest customers in Toronto, Montreal and across Canada set up ongoing uniform polo shirt programs with T-Shirt Elephant. We store your embroidery files, lock in your preferred polo styles and offer streamlined reordering so you can outfit new employees with a single email or phone call. Dedicated account managers handle logistics, sizing and scheduling so you can focus on running your business.

Nationwide Shipping

We ship bulk polo shirts to every province and territory in Canada. Multi-location businesses can request split shipments to different offices, stores or warehouses. For time-sensitive orders, we offer rush production and expedited shipping options. Contact our wholesale team for a custom quote on your next large order.

Ordering custom polo shirts with logo embroidery from T-Shirt Elephant is simple, fast and hassle-free. Whether this is your first order or your fiftieth, our streamlined process gets you from concept to finished custom embroidered polos in three easy steps.

Step 1: Choose Your Polo Shirt

Browse our polo shirt catalogue to find the style, fabric and colour that fits your project. Use the filters to narrow by brand, fabric type, price range and available colours. Not sure which polo is right for you? Our team can recommend the best option based on your budget, intended use and decoration method. You can also order blank samples before committing to a large order.

Step 2: Upload Your Design

Once you have selected your polo, use our online design tool to upload your logo and choose your decoration method, placement and thread or ink colours. We accept vector files (AI, EPS, SVG, PDF) for the best results, but our art team can also work with high-resolution PNG and JPG files. After you submit your order, our designers create a digital proof showing exactly how your custom polo shirts will look. You review and approve the proof before any production begins — no surprises.

Step 3: Receive Your Custom Polos

After proof approval, production typically takes 5–10 business days depending on order size and decoration complexity. Our QC team inspects every piece for quality before packaging. Your finished custom embroidered polos are then shipped directly to your door anywhere in Canada. We provide tracking information so you can follow your order every step of the way.

Rush Orders & Deadlines

Need custom polo shirts fast? We offer rush production for time-sensitive projects like golf tournaments, trade shows and product launches. Rush turnaround is available on select styles and decoration methods. Contact our team with your deadline and we will confirm availability and pricing.

Choosing the right decoration method for your custom polo shirts is one of the most important decisions in the ordering process. Each method — embroidery, screen printing and DTF — offers distinct advantages depending on your design complexity, budget and intended use. Here is a detailed comparison to help you decide.

Embroidery: Durability & Premium Feel

Embroidery is the gold standard for custom embroidered polos and with good reason. Thread-based decoration is incredibly durable — it will not crack, peel or fade over hundreds of wash cycles. Embroidered logos have a raised, textured appearance that looks and feels premium, adding perceived value to corporate polo shirts and branded polo shirts. Embroidery is best suited for logos with solid shapes, clean lines and limited colour counts. It performs beautifully on both pique polo fabric and smooth performance polo materials.

Screen Printing: Cost-Effective for Simple Designs

Screen printing is a strong choice when you need large, bold graphics on custom polo shirts — especially for back prints, event branding and designs with fewer than six colours. The per-unit cost drops significantly at higher quantities, making screen printing the most economical option for large bulk polo shirt orders with simple artwork. However, screen printing adds a layer of ink on top of the fabric, which can feel slightly stiffer than embroidery or DTF on lighter-weight polos.

DTF Printing: Full-Colour Complex Art

DTF (Direct-to-Film) printing is the most versatile decoration method for custom polo shirts. It reproduces photographic images, gradients, shadows and unlimited colours with stunning clarity. DTF transfers are soft, flexible and durable, making them ideal for personalized polo shirts with complex artwork. For small orders of 1–24 pieces, DTF is often more cost-effective than both embroidery and screen printing because there are no setup fees.

Our Recommendations by Use Case

• Corporate logos on uniforms: Embroidery (durability and professional appearance)
• Golf tournament event branding: Embroidery for sponsor logos, screen printing for back designs
• Promotional giveaways: Screen printing or DTF (cost-effective at volume)
• Complex full-colour artwork: DTF printing
• Small orders of 1–24 pieces: DTF or embroidery depending on design

Still not sure? Contact our decoration specialists for a free recommendation based on your specific design and budget.

Getting the right fit is essential for custom polo shirts that your team will actually enjoy wearing. An oversized polo looks sloppy; a too-tight polo restricts movement and feels uncomfortable. Our sizing guide helps you navigate the differences between brands and find the perfect fit for every member of your team.

Men’s Polo Sizing

Men’s custom polo shirts are typically available from size S through 5XL, though extended sizes vary by brand and style. Here are the key measurements to consider:

• Chest: Measure around the fullest part of the chest, under the arms.
• Length: Measure from the highest point of the shoulder to the desired hem.
• Sleeve: Measure from the shoulder seam to the end of the sleeve.

Women’s Polo Sizing

Women’s custom polo shirts are available from S through 3XL in most styles, with some brands offering XS and 4XL. Women’s polos feature contoured side seams, narrower shoulders and shorter body lengths compared to men’s or unisex styles. We strongly recommend ordering women’s-specific cuts rather than sizing down in men’s styles for a much better fit and professional appearance.

Brand-Specific Sizing Notes

Sizing can vary significantly between brands, even at the same labelled size. Here are the most important differences to know:

• Gildan polos tend to run slightly large. Consider sizing down if you prefer a trimmer fit.
• Nike polos are true to size with a modern, slightly tailored cut.
• Under Armour polos have a loose, athletic fit — great for freedom of movement but roomier than Nike or Adidas.
• Adidas polos fit true to size with a clean, sport-inspired silhouette.
• Port Authority and Core 365 polos offer a traditional, relaxed fit that works well for a wide range of body types.

Order Samples First

For orders of 50+ custom polo shirts, we highly recommend ordering blank samples in a range of sizes before placing your full order. This allows your team members to try on the exact polo and confirm their size, reducing exchanges and ensuring everyone is happy with their fit. Samples are available at cost and typically ship within 2–3 business days to anywhere in Canada. Request samples today.

Your custom embroidered polos are an investment in your brand image, and proper care ensures they look sharp and professional for as long as possible. Whether your team wears their branded polo shirts daily or saves them for special events, these care tips will extend the life of both the polo fabric and the decoration.

Washing Instructions

Always turn your custom polo shirts inside out before washing. This protects the embroidery or print from friction against other garments and the drum of the washing machine. Use cold water (30°C or below) on a gentle cycle. Cold water prevents shrinkage in cotton and cotton-blend polos and preserves the vibrancy of both thread colours and printed designs. Avoid bleach and harsh detergents, which can break down fibres and fade colours over time. For heavily soiled uniform polo shirts, pre-treat stains with a mild stain remover before washing rather than using a more aggressive wash cycle.

Drying

Air drying is the best option for custom polo shirts. Lay the polo flat on a clean surface or hang it on a wide hanger to maintain the shoulder shape. If you must use a machine dryer, choose a low-heat tumble dry setting. High heat can cause shrinkage in cotton polos, warp synthetic fibres and damage embroidery thread over time. Remove polos from the dryer promptly to minimize wrinkling.

Ironing Tips

Most performance polo fabrics do not require ironing. For cotton and pique polo shirts that need a quick press, iron on a medium setting and avoid ironing directly over embroidered areas. The heat of the iron can flatten or melt embroidery threads. Instead, iron around the decoration or place a thin pressing cloth over the embroidered area before pressing. For screen-printed and DTF-decorated polos, always iron on the reverse side of the print.

Commercial Laundry Compatibility

For businesses with large uniform polo shirt programs, commercial laundry services are a practical option. Embroidery holds up extremely well to commercial laundering, which is one of the reasons it remains the most popular decoration method for corporate polo shirts. Inform your laundry service that the polos are embroidered so they can use appropriate cycles and temperatures. DTF and screen-printed polos are also commercial laundry compatible when washed inside out at moderate temperatures.

A great logo on a great polo creates a powerful brand impression. But translating your logo to embroidery or print on a custom polo shirt requires some planning to ensure the final result looks crisp, professional and true to your brand. Here are our top design tips, developed from over 15 years of creating custom embroidered polos for businesses across Canada.

Left Chest Placement — The Standard

The left chest position is the most popular placement for custom polo shirts with logo embroidery. The standard embroidery area is approximately 4″ wide by 4″ tall (10 cm × 10 cm), centred on the left chest panel. This placement mirrors where major brands like Nike, Adidas and Under Armour place their own logos, giving your branded polo shirts a polished, industry-standard look. For smaller logos, a 3″ × 3″ area is also available and keeps the design tight and clean.

Logo Simplification for Embroidery

Embroidery reproduces shapes and text through individual stitches, which means very fine details, thin lines and small text can be lost or blurred at embroidery scale. We recommend simplifying your logo for embroidery by removing gradients, shadows and text smaller than 6 mm in height. Bold, clean shapes with clear colour separation embroider beautifully. Our digitizing team can help adapt your logo for embroidery at no additional charge — just upload your file and we will create an optimized version for your review.

Thread Colour Selection

We stock over 200 standard Madeira embroidery thread colours, and we can Pantone-match custom colours for orders requiring exact brand compliance. When selecting thread colours for custom embroidered polos, consider the contrast between your logo colours and the polo fabric colour. High contrast (e.g., white thread on a navy polo) creates the most visible, impactful result. Low contrast combinations may require an outline or border to ensure readability.

File Format Recommendations

For the best embroidery and print results, provide your logo in a vector format: AI, EPS, SVG or PDF. Vector files scale cleanly to any size without losing quality. If you only have a raster file (PNG, JPG), provide the highest resolution available — at least 300 dpi at actual print size. Our art team at T-Shirt Elephant can vectorize most logos if needed.

Secondary Placement Options

Beyond left chest embroidery, custom polo shirts support several additional placements: right chest, sleeve, back yoke (below the collar on the upper back), full back and even collar embroidery. Multi-location branding is popular for corporate polo shirts with both a company logo and a program or event identifier. Each additional location adds impact and branding real estate to your personalized polo shirts. Try our design tool to preview multiple placement options on your chosen polo.