Embroidery adds class to everyday garments and is a popular accent on company clothing and sportswear.
Hand-embroidery is a centuries-old method of decorating clothing and household items with colorful threads depicting flowers, animals, letters and many other shapes and trim work.
Today customized embroidery can convey important information, such as an individual’s name or a corporate logo. The embroidery is added with machine precision to uniforms or team wear, and it reflects professionalism and promotes an organization’s branding.
Enhance the Image of Your Company or Group
Polo shirts, jackets, caps, bags and blankets are just some of the products suitable for embroidery. The texture of the garment material, the sheen of the thread and the color combinations can make your company logo pop into view.
Selecting a garment or item for customized embroidery depends on the purpose. Just think how helpful it is to see a white lab coat bearing the name of your physician, nurse or aide. Homeowners can feel reassured to see a utility worker in a shirt or jacket with a company logo. A custom embroidered polo shirt can boost spirits, whether wearers are sports fans, a sales team or members of a nonprofit organization.
Typically, an embroidered name appears on the upper left chest area. However, names and logos can be embroidered on the right chest area, on a sleeve or cuff. On an apron, custom embroidery on the bib or skirt can be distinguishing.
Ask Many Questions Before Ordering
Deciding on lettering or logos for an item calls for consultation with embroidery business representatives familiar with specifications, the use of various materials and the machinery.
Some tips include:
- Consider the quality of materials. Options vary in fabrics and threads. Choosing high-quality materials for your project will enhance its appearance and durability.
- Identify where and when the garment will be worn. How will the item be laundered?
- Discuss design options and elements, including text size and artwork. Do you need to submit finished artwork, or does the company have a designer and computers to help with creating or refining a design?
- Ask for samples. The embroidery company may be able to provide a sample based on your design. Also, check about making changes to the order if needed.
- Ask for cost estimates and options, as well as the production schedule and time to project completion.
- Find out if the company does the embroidery on-site or sends jobs to other producers. By working with on-site designers and machinists, you may experience better access to the process and an earlier delivery date for the product.
A business accounting benefit is that uniforms, gifts and other items with company logos may qualify as tax deductions. The tax code has various categories of eligibility, such as supplies, advertising and gifts, and a tax preparer can help identify the appropriate section.
For companies and nonprofit groups, embroidered items also can be sold, offered in fundraisers or given to customers as incentives or rewards. That exchange reflects good customer relations and generates promotions beyond direct advertising.
