Heat Press & Screen Printing Placement Chart

Proper Logo Placement for Professional Results

Correct placement is just as important as print quality when it comes to heat press and screen printing. A perfectly printed design in the wrong location can make a garment look amateur, off-balance, or cheap.

This guide breaks down standard placement rules, common garment types, and best-practice measurements so your prints look consistent, professional, and retail-ready every time.

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Why Placement Matters in Heat Press & Screen Printing

Unlike embroidery, heat-applied and screen-printed designs sit on the surface of the garment. That means:

• Misalignment is more noticeable

• Large prints dominate the garment visually

• Incorrect height can look awkward on different body sizes

Professional decorators don’t “eyeball” placement — they follow charts and measurements.

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🔹 Image #1 – Heat Press & Screen Print Placement Overview

Custom Image Concept:
Flat illustrated T-shirt showing front, back, sleeve, and chest print locations with measurement guides.

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Standard Front Chest Placement

Full Front Print (Most Common)

• Adult shirts:

  • Width: 10–12 inches

  • Top of design: 2.5–3 inches below collar

• Youth shirts:

  • Width: 8–10 inches

  • Slightly lower neckline drop

📌 Rule of thumb:
The larger the shirt size, the wider the design — not higher.

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🔹 Image #2 – Full Front Print Placement Diagram

Custom Image Concept:
Adult and youth shirt side-by-side with collar-to-print measurements clearly labeled.

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Left Chest Placement (Heat Press & Screen Printing)

Left chest logos are popular for:

• Workwear

• Corporate apparel

• Team shirts

Standard Left Chest Measurements

• Width: 3–4 inches

• Height: 3–4 inches

• Placement:

  • 7–9 inches down from shoulder seam

  • 3–4 inches from centerline

💡 Heat press tip:
Avoid pressing too close to seams — uneven pressure can cause lifting.

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🔹 Image #3 – Left Chest Placement Chart

Custom Image Concept:
Grid-based diagram showing centerline, seam reference points, and logo box.

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Sleeve Placement

Sleeve prints add style but require precision.

Short Sleeve Placement

• Design width: 3–4 inches

• Placement:

  • 1–1.5 inches above sleeve hem

  • Centered between front and back seam

Long Sleeve Placement

• Designs stacked vertically

• Start 2 inches below shoulder seam

• Keep designs narrow to prevent distortion

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🔹 Image #4 – Sleeve Print Placement

Custom Image Concept:
T-shirt with left and right sleeve highlighted, showing vertical alignment guides.

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Back Print Placement

Upper Back (Small Logo or Name)

• Width: 4–6 inches

• Placement:

  • 3–4 inches below collar

Full Back Print

• Width: 10–13 inches

• Placement:

  • 3 inches below collar

📌 Avoid printing too high — collar stretch and hanger wear will distort the image over time.

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🔹 Image #5 – Back Print Placement Chart

Custom Image Concept:
Upper-back logo vs full-back print comparison.

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Heat Press-Specific Placement Tips

Heat pressing introduces additional considerations:

• Avoid seams, collars, zippers, and pockets

• Use heat pillows for uneven surfaces

• Allow garments to cool before peeling

• Always pre-press garments to remove moisture

Incorrect placement + uneven pressure = adhesive failure.

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Screen Printing Placement Considerations

Screen printing allows larger coverage but requires balance:

• Center designs using a platen centerline

• Adjust artwork size by shirt size when possible

• Avoid oversized prints on small garments

• Use consistent measurements across runs

Consistency is what separates professional shops from hobby setups.

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🔹 Image #6 – Screen Printing Platen Alignment

Custom Image Concept:
Screen printing press with centerline guides and shirt alignment indicators.

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Common Placement Mistakes to Avoid

• Printing too close to the collar

• Using the same size design for all shirt sizes

• Ignoring seam lines

• Eyeballing instead of measuring

• Forgetting youth vs adult scaling

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Quick Reference Placement Chart

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Final Thoughts

Correct placement:

• Improves garment appearance

• Reduces customer complaints

• Speeds up production

• Elevates your brand reputation

Whether you’re heat pressing vinyl, printing transfers, or running a screen press, placement charts are non-negotiable if you want consistent, professional results.