Polos

Polos are the corporate uniform category. Only 24 styles, but they anchor logo programs that reorder for years. Embroidery is the default decoration, and the fabric choice, cotton piqué versus blended jersey versus performance poly, decides how the blank behaves under the needle and the press.

Jersey, piqué, and Zone

The wall splits three ways by fabric: Gildan's blended jersey and Hanes EcoSmart cover the price-driven uniform and event orders, Gildan's cotton piqué (Hammer and Softstyle) steps up to a textured retail knit, and Team 365's Zone performance line covers the athletic-cut, moisture-wicking programs. Long-sleeve and ladies' cuts sit in the same lines, so a uniform program stays consistent across the roster.

The styles that matter

The Gildan G880 50/50 jersey polo is the value embroidery staple: a cotton-feel blend with deep stock and a price that survives uniform-program math. The Team 365 TT51 Zone performance polo is the all-poly counterpart for teams and outdoor staff, and Gildan's Hammer and Softstyle piqué polos bridge to the retail end for programs that want a textured knit.

Decoration & buying notes

Polo knits swallow fine detail (piqué worst of all), so bump up small text, avoid thin serifs, and use proper backing so the stretch knit doesn't pucker under dense fill. Digitize for the fabric, not the logo alone.

Performance polyester carries dye-migration risk On polyester, fabric dye can bleed up into an ink layer after heat is applied, especially with light inks on dark poly. Results in a washed-out or discolored print over time. : keep cure and press temperatures below 300°F, use low-cure inks or low-temp adhesives, and test dark reds and navies before running the order. For program buying, pick styles with ladies' companions and deep size runs; corporate reorders die when a style or size disappears.