Freshen up classic garments

No matter how much things change, they still remain the same – sort of. Take for example, the classic garments such as denim and oxford shirts. They have been around for many years, yet they still remain popular and have changed little if any in their basic design. However, that doesn’t mean that you can’t freshen them up a bit by using creative placements and unique applications. In fact, creativity is the driving force that sets the leaders apart from the followers in this industry. Those innovators who stand at the forefront of the industry typically got there by developing new embellishment opportunities that turned heads, opened doors and brought in new revenue streams. Thus, you should challenge yourself to do the same. Don’t get stuck in the left chest logo rut!

Chances are you have probably had the opportunity to embroider on a denim or oxford shirt. For the purposes of this article, we will define the shirt style. as follows:

• It has a structured collar, possibly a button-down style, but not necessarily.
• It buttons up the front – top to bottom.
• It may have a pocket on the left or right chest, but not required.
• It has an extended tail.
• It has sleeves – either long or short.

In all likelihood, you produced a logo on the left chest and possibly the right chest. In a rare case, you may have done a full-back design as well. But for most Embroiderers, the left chest area is the only place they have embroidered on such a garment. Question – was it you or the customer who chose the left chest location? Think it over carefully. Most likely, it was you who made the initial recommendation and the customer simply agreed to it. If so, then you should begin to understand that the customer looks to you for advice and will typically accept your suggestions.

Now go back and take a look at the typical denim and/or oxford shirt that you offer. How many places can you add embroidery? Let’s make a list of the most suitable locations:

1. Left and right chest - obvious.
2. Left and right sleeves – for short sleeve shirts
3. Left and right collars
4. Left and right cuffs – for long sleeves
5. Full back
6. Yoke
7. Shirt Tail
8. Below pocket

(Actually any portion of the fabric that you can hoop and get a needle through is a candidate for embroidery.)

Also keep in mind that multiple embroidery locations generate additional revenue for you, so be quick to recommend a combination of placements whenever possible.

Before you get too creative, you must think about how the shirt will be used and who will be wearing in order to decide on the appropriate location.