Top polo shirts for embroidery: Our favorites and expert buying tips

Looking to take your custom merchandise to the next level? Embroidered polo shirts offer a timeless blend of professionalism and style. Perfect for company teams, sports groups, or branded apparel, the right polo shirt can elevate your look.

Why opt for embroidered polos instead of printed t-shirts? Embroidery adds a touch of elegance and sophistication, making these shirts suitable for a variety of occasions. Before diving into the top choices for embroidered polos, let’s explore the perfect occasions for them.

Reasons to choose embroidered polo shirts

Embroidered polo shirts offer a versatile and stylish way to represent your company or brand. Here are some key occasions where custom embroidered polos are a perfect fit:

Work and school uniforms

Polo shirts perfectly strike the balance between casual and formal wear, making them an excellent choice for a variety of settings. Their relaxed fit and comfortable fabric allow employees to appear approachable and friendly, while the classic design ensures a polished and professional appearance. This combination makes custom polos a versatile option for workplace uniforms, helping to maintain a cohesive and professional image without sacrificing comfort.

Additionally, polo shirts foster a sense of unity and camaraderie among team members, boosting morale and promoting a collaborative environment. For schools, polos provide a consistent and stylish dress code that not only enhances school spirit but also simplifies daily outfit choices for students, alleviating the stress of wardrobe decisions and creating a more focused learning environment.

Hobby and sports gear

Named after the game of polo, these shirts are more than just a nod to a traditional sport. While they are often associated with tennis and golf, their versatile design makes them suitable for a wide range of sports and athletic activities. The origins of the polo shirt in the sport of polo—a game played on horseback—underscore its connection to athleticism and competition.

This sporty heritage imbues the shirt with a sense of energy and performance, making it an ideal choice for teams, enthusiasts, and anyone engaged in physical activities. Whether you’re outfitting a sports team, participating in a recreational league, or simply enjoying an active hobby, the polo shirt’s blend of comfort, functionality, and classic style ensures it meets the needs of athletes and sports lovers alike. Its enduring appeal across various athletic disciplines highlights its adaptability and timelessness in the world of sportswear.

Event organizers and promoters

For event organizers, embroidered polo shirts are a subtle yet effective marketing tool. Displaying your company logo on staff polos ensures easy recognition and enhances your brand’s visibility. Custom polos also help your team stand out and stay easily identifiable at events. For promoters, including an embroidered logo on merchandise for concerts, festivals, and trade shows can be achieved through print-on-demand services like EmbroInk.

Nonprofit organizations and charities

Polos are an excellent choice for nonprofits seeking to raise awareness and funds through branded merchandise. Their versatility and professional appearance make them ideal for promoting a cause while offering practical value. For nonprofits, customized polos serve as a powerful tool to enhance visibility and create a cohesive, recognizable brand presence. Additionally, polos make thoughtful and appreciated gifts for volunteers and donors, serving as a meaningful token of gratitude. By giving these custom garments, nonprofits can showcase their appreciation in a way that also strengthens the recipient’s connection to the organization and its mission.

Country clubs and resorts

In service-oriented businesses like country clubs and resorts, a more formal dress code is often required. A 50/50 polyester-cotton blend polo shirt is ideal for employees working outdoors, offering moisture-wicking properties and breathability. Additionally, selling branded polos to visitors can generate extra revenue and promote your business whenever they’re worn. Just ensure they differ in color and design from staff uniforms to avoid confusion.

Best polo shirts for embroidery

Now that we’ve covered the benefits of embroidered polos, let’s look at some top choices for embroidery:

•  Women’s Polo Shirt: Crafted from 100% ring-spun cotton, this polo offers a flattering fit specifically designed for women. It features classic pique fabric, a rib-knit collar, and a two-button placket, ensuring both comfort and breathability. Ideal for company uniforms, team apparel, and promotional giveaways.
• Unisex Polo Shirt: This unisex variant boasts a relaxed fit with an elegant placket and dyed-to-match buttons. Made from 100% ring-spun cotton, it provides a luxurious feel and durability. Perfect for events, sports teams, and casual work attire.
• Aidas Performance Polo Shirt: Elevate your brand with this updated classic, made from soft, thin, and 100% recycled material. The shirt offers moisture-wicking properties to keep you cool and dry, and its UPF 50+ protection shields you from the sun. A great choice for customers who prioritize sustainability.
• Premium Embroidered Polo Shirt: This timeless classic features a relaxed fit, silky fabric, and comfortable length. Made from a blend of 65% polyester and 35% cotton pique, it combines durability and softness. It includes a flat knit collar and cuffs, metal buttons with dyed-to-match plastic rims, and side vents for added breathability.

Things to Consider when choosing a polo shirt for customization

Before choosing a polo shirt for your custom embroidery, here are key factors to consider:

Brand

When choosing polo shirts for custom embroidery, opting for reputable brands such as Gildan or adidas is essential for ensuring quality and durability. Established brands have built their reputation on consistent product excellence and reliability, so you can trust that their garments will uphold their appearance and performance even after multiple washes and wears.

Gildan, known for its extensive range of well-made, affordable options, and adidas, with its commitment to innovation and premium materials, both provide polos that not only look great but also stand the test of time. Investing in these trusted brands means your custom embroidered polo shirts will retain their vibrant colors, smooth texture, and overall integrity, ensuring that your design continues to make a strong impression long after the initial wear.

Fabric type

Select the fabric based on the intended use of the polo shirt:

• Cotton: Known for its breathability and comfort, cotton is ideal for cooler environments or indoor use. It’s affordable and provides warmth but may not be the best for high-intensity activities.
• Polyester: Wrinkle-resistant and moisture-wicking, polyester is suitable for outdoor activities and sports. However, it may cause skin irritation for some individuals.
• Cotton-Polyester Blends: Combine the comfort of cotton with the performance of polyester, offering a balanced solution with improved durability and moisture management.

Fabric weight and texture

When selecting a fabric for embroidered polo shirts, it’s important to consider factors such as thickness, smoothness, and weight:

• Piqué Cotton: Known for its textured surface, piqué cotton is both breathable and durable, making it a great choice for a classic, high-quality polo shirt that stands up well to repeated wear.
• Jersey Knit Cotton: This fabric offers a smooth, stretchy feel that is comfortable and flexible, making it ideal for shirts that need a bit more stretch and softness.
• Microfiber or Performance Fabrics: These are designed for moisture-wicking and active use, perfect for sports or outdoor activities where breathability and moisture management are key.
• Heavyweight Cotton: Provides a sturdy and durable option, giving a substantial feel and resilience, ideal for polos that need to withstand rougher conditions or extensive use.

For intricate embroidery designs, it’s best to choose thicker, tightly-knit fabrics to prevent puckering and ensure that the design remains sharp and clear. Conversely, larger and simpler designs can be effectively placed on looser fabrics, which can accommodate more relaxed and less detailed embroidery without compromising the overall look

Design placement

Polo shirts typically offer fewer placement options for embroidery compared to t-shirts. Common placements include:

• Left chest: A traditional and professional location.
• Center chest: For more prominent designs.
• Sleeves: Additional placement for supporting designs, although it’s best to keep it simple to avoid clutter.

Simplicity is key for a professional look. Stick to your logo or company name, and avoid overloading the design with extra details like phone numbers or websites. A clean, simple design often looks more polished and memorable.

If you’re using a print-on-demand service like Printful, refer to their guide for tips on creating embroidery designs to ensure the best outcome.

For more inspiration, check out these 25 cool embroidery ideas or explore trending products to add to your e-commerce store.

Other considerations

When choosing a polo shirt for custom embroidery, keep these additional factors in mind:

Ensure your print-on-demand partner can accommodate your color needs. EmbroInk, for example, offers unlimited color options for embroidery, allowing you to bring your design to life without color limitations. Consider the specific use of the polo shirts:

• Performance Needs: If the polos will be used for sports or high-activity settings, look for fabrics with moisture-wicking and breathable properties.
• Style and Quality: For a more polished and high-end look, choose fabrics and finishes that reflect a stylish appearance.
• Sleeve Length: If you need to cover tattoos or ensure a more formal look, opt for long sleeves or specific sleeve designs.
• Additional Features: Think about practical elements like front pockets for pens or business cards, and ensure the fabric provides a comfortable feel for the wearer.

Put yourself in the wearer’s shoes (or polo) to design the best embroidered shirt. Consider their comfort, style preferences, and any functional needs they might have. This approach ensures your custom polos not only look great but also meet practical requirements.