blank green polo shirt

5 December, 2022

Polo Shirts as Marketing Tools: How to Use Them Effectively

Polo shirts are one of the most versatile types of clothing; they’re appropriate for almost any setting, from the office to a casual get-together with friends or family. That said, even though they can be worn in various situations, you can’t simply throw on any old polo shirt and go about your day without thinking about how it will affect your image.

Polo shirts are unique pieces of clothing that can be used as marketing tools if you understand how to do so effectively. Here are some tips to help you start using polos as part of your marketing strategy.

Logo Placement
It’s important to consider where your logo will be located on your promotional polo shirts. It might seem like a small detail, but in reality, it could make or break your marketing efforts. When you plan out what position and size logo you want on your shirt, remember that some of these details could make your shirt look cheap (if they’re poorly designed) or expensive (if they’re professionally done).

Consider whether you want people to see just a portion of your company name or an entire logo. The same is true for how big you plan on making it—too small, and it might be unnoticeable; too big, and it may look tacky.

Colour Coordination
Choosing matching colours is the easiest way to use polos for effective marketing. Many companies choose a colour that matches their logo or is tied to their company name. If you’re still in the initial stages of creating a brand and logo, it may be best to stick with traditional colours for your first polos—and, when you create something new, include it on your shirts immediately. You can also coordinate colours by having different employees wear different shades of one colour; let them know which shades go best with what they’re wearing so they can dress accordingly in all settings.

Fabric Options
The other thing you’ll need is what fabric will be appropriate for your target audience. Suppose you’re selling polos at a men’s apparel store, for example. In that case, you may want to consider fabrics like cotton or micro-poly blends that are comfortable and stylish but still professional. If you plan on marketing your shirts mainly online, however, your options are slightly more open—the material isn’t quite as important so long as it looks great in photos.

Many brands offer low-cost polyester alternatives and expensive pre-shrunk cotton blends; both have upsides and downsides depending on how well they fit your brand. Make sure that whatever materials you choose match your intended demographic's fashion sense.

Sizing
One of the first things you should consider when ordering a polo shirt is how it will fit. Sizing varies from brand to brand. Your employees' shirts must be a good fit; if they aren’t, they can lead to poor marketing and turn off potential customers who will see your shirts or logo in a negative light. Aim for polos that are fitted but not too tight; as long as they aren’t baggy, they should be able to communicate what you want them to communicate.


The Polo Shirts Only Team