Artwork guidelines
How to prepare your logo or design for the best possible results on your personalised garments. Whether you’re uploading a logo file or just have an idea in mind, we’ve got you covered.
Accepted file formats
We accept a wide range of file formats. Vector files give us the best results because they can be scaled to any size without losing quality. If you don’t have vector artwork, don’t worry — we can work with high-resolution image files too.
Maximum file size: 8 MB. If your file is larger than this, please email it to us directly at sales@ipmteamwear.com.
Vector artwork (AI, EPS, SVG) always gives the best results.
Vector files can be scaled to any size without losing quality — from a small chest logo to a large back print. If you only have a JPEG or PNG, we can still work with it, but the results depend on the resolution and quality of the file you provide.
Embroidery artwork
Embroidery works by stitching your design directly into the fabric using coloured threads. Before we can embroider your logo, we digitise it — converting your artwork into a stitch file that tells our embroidery machines exactly where to place each stitch.
What works well for embroidery
What doesn’t work for embroidery
Don’t worry if your design isn’t perfectly set up for embroidery.
Our team will review your artwork and let you know if any adjustments are needed before production. We’ll always send you a proof to approve first.
Print artwork
Print gives you more freedom than embroidery. We can reproduce full-colour designs, photographs, gradients, and detailed artwork. For the best results, please follow these guidelines.
Please note that colours may appear slightly different on screen compared to the finished product. This is due to the difference between how screens display colour (RGB) and how inks and transfers reproduce colour on fabric. We’ll always aim for the closest possible match.
Embroidery vs print — which should I choose?
Company logos, text, simple badges and crests. Professional, textured finish that lasts the life of the garment.
Left/right chest, sleeves, small back.
Not suitable for photographs, gradients, or very detailed designs. Max 6–8 colours recommended.
Full colour designs, photographs, detailed graphics, large artwork. Smooth, flat finish.
Large back, large front, centre chest — anywhere you want a bigger, more detailed design.
Can crack or peel over time with heavy washing if not cared for properly. Follow garment care instructions.
Not sure which to choose? Let us know when you place your order and we’ll recommend the best method for your design and garment.
Colour matching
For embroidery, thread colours are matched using the Madeira thread range. We will select the closest available thread colour to your design. If you have specific Pantone references, include them in your order notes and we will match as closely as possible.
For print, we can reproduce a much wider range of colours. If exact colour matching is critical for your brand, please provide Pantone (PMS) references. Without Pantone references, we will match your artwork as closely as we can, but slight variations between screen and fabric are normal.
Colours on screen will always look slightly different to colours on fabric.
This is normal and applies to all workwear providers. If exact colour matching is essential, please let us know and we can discuss options including ordering a sample first.
The proof process
We never produce a personalised garment without your approval. Here’s how the process works:
Your artwork is set up once and stored on file for future orders.
Returning customers are not charged a setup fee when reusing an existing design. This means repeat orders are faster and cheaper.
Don’t have artwork ready?
That’s fine — you have several options:
Need help with your artwork?
Email us at sales@ipmteamwear.com or call 01283 812030. We’re happy to review your files before you place an order, check whether your logo is suitable for embroidery or print, or help you get your artwork ready.