Custom work shirts are usually woven button ups, polos or heavy tees decorated with a left chest logo and often a name on the opposite chest, most often embroidered for durability through frequent washing; choose the garment for the job first, then match the decoration to the fabric, the laundering and the order size.

Rule: set a decoration standard once and reuse it. Fix the garment styles, colors, logo size, thread colors, placement and name format for each role, so every reorder matches the first.

Part of the business and pricing guides in the DAX Learning Hub. For the general buyer steps, see How to Order Custom T Shirts.

Published by DAX (Decorated Apparel Expo) · Last updated: October 2026

Work Shirt Types

This page makes no safety or compliance claims for high visibility or flame resistant garments. If a garment is worn as protective equipment, ask the garment maker which decoration methods, sizes and placements are permitted, and follow the applicable standard and the employer's safety program. Adding a logo, patch or name may affect a garment's certification, so get the maker's guidance before you decorate.

Logo Placement on Work Shirts

Uniform guides agree that the left chest is the standard spot for a company logo on shirts, polos and jackets, because it is visible and stays consistent across garment styles. An employee name commonly goes on the opposite chest. A larger company name or logo on the back, often across the yoke below the collar, is used when the shirt needs to be read from a distance. Sleeves suit a small secondary mark.

Record each placement as a measurement from fixed points such as the shoulder seam and center front, and check it with a template so different garments and suppliers match.

Embroidery vs Patches vs Print

Embroidery is the usual choice for logos and names on woven work shirts and polos because it holds up to repeated washing and reads as a quality mark. Its limits are fine detail and gradients, which may need simplifying or a different method. Some shops also offer removable or hook and loop name patches for staff who change often; ask what your shop supports. Screen printing and transfers suit large back graphics, tees and full color art; many crews mix methods on one order.

New to embroidery production? See Machine Embroidery for Beginners, Chain Stitch Embroidery and What Is Twill Fabric.

Industrial Laundering Notes

Work shirts often go through frequent or industrial laundering. Uniform makers describe embroidery as durable through industrial laundering, and choose garments and decoration for the expected wash process. If shirts go to a commercial laundry or rental program, ask the laundry and the garment maker which decoration methods and garments they accept before you produce, and test a sample through a real wash cycle. Figures and settings vary, so treat any laundering guidance as a starting point.

Ordering for Crews: Sizes and Reorders

Collect a name and size list per person, confirm the name format, and approve a stitched sample or proof before production. Keep the approved artwork, the stitch file and the placement spec on record so reorders and new hires match the original. A written standard per role (garment style, colors, logo size, thread colors, placement and name format) prevents a uniform program from drifting from order to order.

Quoting a Work Shirt Program

A work shirt order is often the start of a long running program rather than a one time job. When quoting, ask how many roles need different garments, whether names are needed, how often new hires start, and whether the shirts go to a commercial laundry. Confirm who approves artwork and who places reorders on the customer side. Quote the first order with any setup clearly separated from per piece pricing, and agree how reorders and single new hire pieces will be handled.

Frequently Asked Questions About Custom Work Shirts (FAQ)

What decoration lasts on work shirts?

It depends on the garment and the washing. Embroidery is widely used on woven shirts and polos because it holds up to repeated laundering; prints and transfers suit tees and large graphics. Test a sample through your real wash process.

Where does the logo go on a work shirt?

The left chest is the standard spot for a company logo, with the name commonly on the opposite chest and a larger mark on the back when needed.

Can you add name patches?

Yes. Names can be embroidered directly from a list, and some shops offer removable name patches for staff who change often. Ask what your shop supports.

Can work shirts go through industrial laundry?

Many can, but check with the laundry and the garment maker first, and choose garments and decoration for that wash process.

How do I reorder matching shirts later?

Keep the stitch file, artwork and a written placement and color standard on record, and ask the shop to use them for every reorder.

Supplier note: figures here are hedged starting points that vary by garment, film, ink, blank, machine and method; confirm every setting against the supplier or manufacturer spec sheet, the garment care label and your own tests. Protective garment rules come from the garment maker and the applicable standard, not this page.

Browse more guides in the DAX Learning Hub, and check cities and dates on the DAX show schedule when you are ready to see workwear blanks and embroidery equipment in person.