Quick Answers
- Decoration method: Embroidery — thread stitched into fabric for a premium, permanent finish
- Minimum order: No minimum
- Setup: One-time digitizing fee ($25 for 4x4" or smaller), logo kept on file forever
- Turnaround: 7–10 business days after proof approval
- Most popular brand: Port Authority (widest selection, best value)
- Premium option: Nike Dri-FIT or Eddie Bauer
- Ships nationwide: Yes
Why Embroidered Polos
An embroidered polo is the single most common piece of branded apparel produced in the custom industry — and for good reason. It communicates professionalism instantly. The stitched logo does not crack, peel, or fade. It holds up through years of washing and wearing. And it works in nearly every professional context: offices, restaurants, showrooms, service calls, trade shows, golf events, and beyond.
Unlike a printed polo, an embroidered polo has a dimensional, textured feel that you can see and touch. The thread has a natural sheen that adds to the premium appearance. For businesses that want their team to look sharp without overthinking it, embroidered polos are the default answer.
Choosing the Right Polo
Port Authority (Most Popular)
Port Authority offers the broadest selection of polo styles at the most accessible price points. They are the go-to for most businesses ordering custom embroidered polos.
- K500 Silk Touch — the classic business polo. Soft hand feel, wrinkle-resistant, 30+ colors. The most ordered polo in our catalog
- K110 Dry Zone UV Micro-Mesh — moisture-wicking performance fabric with UV protection. Great for outdoor staff and warm climates
- K572 Heathered Silk Touch — modern heathered look for a more contemporary style
- L500 Ladies Silk Touch — women's cut with the same quality and color range
Nike (Premium Performance)
- Nike Dri-FIT Micro Pique — the name says it all. Premium brand recognition, moisture-wicking performance, tailored fit. Popular for corporate teams, golf events, and any situation where brand matters
- Nike Dri-FIT Players Modern Fit — updated silhouette for a more athletic look
Eddie Bauer (Upscale Casual)
- EB100 Cotton Pique — 100% cotton, classic Americana feel. Popular for real estate teams, financial services, and upscale hospitality
Carhartt (Worksite)
- CT102208 Force Rugged — moisture-wicking, stain-resistant, FastDry technology. Built for contractors and trade professionals who need a polo that survives the job
Sport-Tek (Budget Performance)
- ST650 Micropique Sport-Wick — moisture-wicking polyester at a lower price point. Good for teams, events, and large-quantity orders where budget matters
Browse our complete polo catalogs to see every style, color, and size. View sizing charts.
Logo Placement Options
- Left chest — the standard professional placement. Most common for business polos. Logo size typically 3.5–4 inches wide
- Right chest — secondary placement, often used for name or title opposite the left-chest logo
- Sleeve — adds a secondary logo, flag, or certification mark. Popular for adding a second brand or sponsor
- Full back — larger embroidered design on the upper back. Less common on polos but available for larger logos
- Name personalization — individual names or titles embroidered under or adjacent to the logo ($6.00 per garment)
Embroidery Pricing for Polos
Per piece, per location. Up to 8,000 stitches included.
| Quantity | Left Chest | Full Back |
|---|---|---|
| 1–3 | $12.00 | $22.00 |
| 4–11 | $10.00 | $16.00 |
| 12–47 | $6.00 | $14.00 |
| 48–143 | $5.25 | $10.75 |
| 144+ | $4.75 | $9.75 |
Digitizing fee applies to new designs. Garment cost is additional — varies by brand and style. View full pricing.
Artwork Requirements
- Vector files (.ai, .eps, .pdf) produce the sharpest embroidery results
- High-resolution PNG (300+ dpi) with clean edges works for most logos
- Designs should use bold shapes and solid color areas — embroidery cannot reproduce gradients or photographic detail
- Very fine text (under ~1/4 inch tall) may need simplification for clean stitch reproduction
Need help? Our design team handles cleanup, vectorization, and logo refinement. Basic file setup is free under 15 minutes; custom design is $65/hr after. Design fees are non-refundable. Learn more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which polo brand should I choose?
Port Authority K500 for most businesses — it is the best combination of quality, color selection, and price. Nike Dri-FIT for premium brand impression. Carhartt for trades and outdoor work. Tell us your use case and we will recommend the best fit.
Can I order just a few polos?
Yes. Embroidery has no minimum order. You can order 1 polo or 500.
Do I pay the digitizing fee every time?
No. Digitizing is one-time. Your logo file is kept on file for all future orders. Reorders only pay the per-piece embroidery cost.
Can I add individual names to each polo?
Yes. Name personalization is $6.00 per garment (1/2" standard, Block or Brush Script).
What about women's sizes?
Every polo brand we carry offers ladies' cuts in matching colors and fabrics. Port Authority L500 is the ladies' counterpart to the K500.
Can I see a sample before ordering?
Yes. You can order a single blank polo to check fit and color before committing to a full order. We also provide digital proofs showing your logo placement before production.
Industries That Order Custom Polos
Restaurants & hospitality · Hotels & resorts · Real estate · Auto dealerships · Golf courses · Medical & dental · HVAC · Corporate offices · Financial services · Nonprofits
Why Order From Personal Graphics
We embroider every polo in-house on commercial multi-head machines. Your logo is digitized by our team, stitched under our supervision, and inspected before shipping. We are not a marketplace — you are working directly with the production team. That means consistent results, fast communication, and your artwork on file for effortless reorders.
Ready to Get Started?
Custom Polos Landing Page → · Browse Catalogs → · View Pricing →
Have questions? Chat with us using the button in the lower right — available 8am–10pm. Or call (231) 347-6347 or email us — we're here Mon–Fri 8am–4pm.
