Lana_CDoes Font Size Matter for Custom Apparel?
Short answer: Not as much as you might think.
Many customers ask us, "What’s the best font size for my design?" The truth is, font size can vary greatly depending on the style of the font and the application. A 14 pt font in one style may look wildly different from a 14 pt font in another.
For example, when printing text on apparel like T-shirts, we measure by the full width of the design (say 12" across), rather than the font size alone. Scaling designs across different imprint areas creates natural variations in appearance. Keeping text clean and properly scaled not only improves readability but also keeps production efficient. This makes simple, bold designs a great fit for budget custom t-shirts, where clarity and cost-effectiveness go hand in hand.
And for embroidery? It's all about letter height for legibility:
Because text size is tied closely to placement, our guide on custom design placement tips can help you understand how sizing and positioning work together for the best final result.
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Simple sans-serif fonts? Aim for .30" tall.
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Fonts with serifs? Closer to .35" tall for clarity.
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Thick, bold letters? Ideally around .45–.50" tall.
At the end of the day, we care more about text dimensions than point size. For printing, it's the width of lines. For embroidery, it's the height of letters.
We aim to maximize text size wherever possible and include the final dimensions (to the nearest tenth of an inch) on your proof. If edits are needed—especially for embroidery—we’ll always explain why and work with you to keep your design looking sharp.
Rest assured, our team maximizes your text size for balance and readability while providing proof with exact dimensions.