Looking good is important for any business. Custom logo wear allows companies to put their best face forward by branding apparel, uniforms, and promotional products with their unique logo designs. But with so many logo wear companies to choose from, how do you decide which one is right for you? This comprehensive guide examines the key factors that set the top logo wear services apart.
Overview of Logo Wear
Before diving into the details, let's quickly go over what logo wear entails. Logo wear refers to clothing, headwear, bags, drinkware and other accessories that feature custom embroidery, screen printing, or another application of a company's name, logo or slogan. Common logo wear includes:
T-shirts: From basic cotton tees to performance fabrics, T-shirts make great promotional giveaways or staff uniforms.
Polos: A step up from tees, polo shirts with embroidered logos project professionalism.
Outerwear: Think jackets, vests, hoodies and more to display your brand while keeping warm.
Headwear: Hats, beanies and caps emblazoned with logos get your name seen.
Bags: Totes, backpacks and briefcases are walking billboards for your brand.
Drinkware: Mugs, tumblers, water bottles and more carry your logo everywhere.
No matter your budget or needs, logo wear is an impactful way to market your business and create brand ambassadors among your customers and staff.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Logo Wear Services
So how do you choose among the many providers out there? Key factors to evaluate include:
Product Quality
Above all, you want logo wear that looks good and reflects positively on your brand. Seek companies that offer:
Soft, comfortable fabrics that feel nice to wear.
Flattering cuts for a modern, stylish look.
Durable construction so items last wash after wash.
Vibrant colors that pop on dark and light fabrics alike.
Range of styles from timeless classics to on-trend options.
It's a good idea to order samples from any potential supplier to see firsthand product quality.
Printing/Embroidery Quality
Of course, it's not just the apparel itself that matters. The application of your logo needs to look crisp and professional. Look for:
Expert digitizing to translate logos for embroidery.
Tight, consistent stitching without loose threads or gaps.
Vibrant screen printed designs that fully saturate the fabric.
Minimal setup fees for brands with multiple logo variations.
Precision alignment so designs place correctly on products.
Customization Options
One benefit of logo apparel is the ability to fully customize it to your brand. Seek providers that offer:
Huge catalog of product styles, colors and sizes.
Simple online design tool to mock up products.
Flexibility with placements like sleeves, chest, full back, etc.
Ability to mix branding with original artwork.
No minimums so you can order as few or as many items as needed.
Rush production for fast turnarounds (for a fee).
This allows you to dial in products to serve specific purposes, whether it's polos for an event staff uniform or branded beanies to give away at a tradeshow.
Customer Service
Doing business with logo wear suppliers should be hassle-free. Look for providers that offer:
Fast email and phone support to answer any questions.
Account reps assigned to manage your brand.
Speedy turnaround times even for large or complex orders.
Help matching colors to Pantone/CMYK specifications.
Guidance on product selections based on your specific uses.
Proofs and revisions to ensure designs are perfect before orders go to production.
Strong customer service ensures your projects go smoothly from start to finish.
Branding Services
Some logo wear companies also offer branding and design services that pair nicely with apparel. This can include:
Logo design if you need a new or refreshed brand mark.
Brand guidelines to align logo use across channels.
Marketing assets like business cards, signage, packaging, etc.
Promotional products beyond apparel like pens, magnets and tech accessories.
Warehouse/fulfillment to store and ship custom apparel orders.
Seeking providers with expanded services makes executing your branding initiatives simpler.
Pricing and Budget
Of course, cost will play a major factor as well. Assess logo wear suppliers based on:
Product catalog prices: How much are base items?
Logo application fees: Screen printing and embroidery setup and costs.
Rush order upcharges: How much are expedited turnarounds?
Discounts: Do they offer deals on bulk orders or new customers?
Payment terms: Options like Net 30 allow more flexibility.
Run the math for a sample order to understand true costs. Aim for the best balance of quality, service and value.
By weighing all these criteria against your specific needs and budget, you can zero in on logo wear partners that are the right fit.
Comparing the Top 3 Logo Wear Companies
Now let's take a closer look at three of the leading national logo wear suppliers: Vistaprint, 4Imprint and Branded Online. How do they stack up across the factors above?
Vistaprint
Known for signage and marketing materials, Vistaprint also provides custom apparel and promo products.
Products:
Basic apparel in standard or heavyweight cotton; accessories like bags, caps, mugs.
Printing:
Digital direct-to-garment; options for fading or vintage washes.
Customization:
Upload designs online; moderate stylistic options.
Service:
Large company but mixed reviews on responsiveness.
Pricing:
Base prices very low but added fees increase cost.
Best For:
Small orders, budget conscious buyers.
4Imprint
Trusted leader for promotional products also offers logo wear and uniforms.
Products:
Massive lineup including performance apparel, outerwear, polos.
Printing:
Direct embroidery, screen printing; ton of graphic effects.
Customization:
Excellent online designer tool and product customization.
Service:
Top notch support staff and account reps.
Pricing:
Big bulk order discounts but per item cost moderately high.
Best For:
Large scale corporate gifting, branded merchandise.
Branded Online
Online-only store focused solely on custom logo apparel and accessories.
Products:
All the apparel styles you'd expect, from tees to hoodies.
Printing:
Direct embroidery and screen printing.
Customization:
Decent product selection and design tool.
Service:
Quick email support during business hours.
Pricing:
Order minimums higher but per item pricing competitive.
Best For:
Businesses that need steady logo apparel orders.
This quick side-by-side shows the unique strengths of each provider. Consider which align closest with your specific needs.
Key Takeaways
Here are some key tips to ensure you choose the right logo wear partner:
Order samples to check out product quality firsthand.
Ask for logo revisions if proofs don't look perfect.
Provide image assets like vector logos to reproduce crisply.
Review turnaround times and order accordingly to meet deadlines.
Leverage design services to develop branding guidelines and assets.
Request discounts on large or ongoing orders to save money.
Get input from wearers like staff to pick items they'll actually like.
Great logo wear elevates your brand image. Do your homework to find suppliers up to representing your company in style. With some smart comparison shopping, you can gain a powerful branding asset. Give your logo the wear it deserves!
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