Logo Placement & Size Guide: Make Your Brand Look Good on Merch
You've got a great logo — now where do you put it? Whether you're customizing T-shirts, hoodies, mugs, or bags, logo placement and size can make or break the final look. In this guide, Nerds walks you through how to place your logo for maximum visibility, aesthetics, and wearability across different product types.
1. Think About Visibility vs. Subtlety
Where and how you place your logo depends on how loud (or low-key) you want your branding to be. Ask yourself: Do you want people to instantly recognize it, or discover it up close?
- 👀 High visibility: Front center, large back prints, tote bag sides
- 👓 Low-key branding: Chest, sleeve, nape, hem tag, inside neck
At Nerds, we help you balance impact and taste — so your merch stands out without looking like a billboard.
2. T-Shirts & Hoodies: Top Placement Zones
Some spots just work better on apparel. Here's a breakdown of popular placements:
- 👕 Left Chest: Classic and versatile. Works on any style.
- 🧥 Back Print: Great for bold statements, slogans, or large graphics.
- 💪 Sleeves: Underused but cool — great for logos, icons, or dates.
- 🧷 Nape (back neck): Minimal and modern. Good for subtle branding.
Size Tips:
- 🔲 Left chest: 8–10 cm wide
- 🔲 Back print: 25–30 cm wide
- 🔲 Sleeve print: 6–8 cm wide
- 🔲 Neck/nape: 6–8 cm wide
💡 Bonus: Oversized styles (like the Freestyler or Slammer 2.0) can handle larger graphics. Use that real estate!
3. Bags: Placement Depends on the Style
Bags give you multiple branding zones — especially totes, backpacks, and duffels:
- 👜 Tote Bag: Center front is the go-to. You can go big (25–30 cm wide).
- 🎒 Backpacks: Smaller logos (8–12 cm wide) work best on the top flap or pocket.
- 🏋️ Duffel Bags: Try tone-on-tone hot stamping or embroidery on the sides (10–15 cm).
Nerds also helps you with mockups — so you can see exactly how your logo will land.
4. Drinkware, Pens & Small Items
Smaller products = smaller print areas. Here's how to keep your logo clear and clean:
- ☕ Mugs: 5–7 cm wide is ideal. Choose left- or right-handed orientation — or go double-sided.
- 🖊️ Pens: Stick to 3–4 cm wide. Simpler logos or just text work best here.
- 🥤 Tumblers: Vertical logos or center front prints work well. 6–10 cm depending on the shape.
🚫 Avoid overcrowding. If it doesn’t scale down well, simplify — or go with just your icon.
5. Print Techniques Affect Size Too
Some logo placements and sizes depend on the print method:
- 🎨 DTF: Great for small, colorful logos with precision
- 🧵 Embroidery: Best above 6 mm text height; avoid tiny details
- 🔥 Hot Stamping: Best for tone-on-tone or subtle branding on leather or PU
- 🖨️ UV or Pad Printing: For detailed logos on small items like pens and boxes
Nerds always double-check your logo with the right print size and technique — and we’ll guide you if any tweaks are needed.
Let Your Logo Do the Work
The best merch doesn’t just “have a logo” — it uses it with purpose. Smart placement, correct sizing, and the right finish make your brand look more professional, more stylish, and more wearable.
Want help finding the perfect placement?
