Manufacturer · Fashion & Home Accessories
Metal logo plate sizes for clothing are usually between about 1 and 6 cm wide, with a thickness of about 0.5 to 3 mm, the exact value depending on where the plate is placed. Small plates of 1–2.5 cm are used on hats, swimwear and cuffs, medium ones of 2.5–4 cm on pockets and jackets, and larger ones from 4 to 6 cm and more on bags, backpacks and belts. The right size is determined by the product, the distance from which the logo will be viewed and the attachment method.
Indicative metal logo plate sizes by product
The chart below shows ranges that are common in clothing and accessories. They are not a standard but a starting point for the first mock-up.
| Product and position | Width | Height | Usual thickness |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peaked cap, front or side | 2–4 cm | 0.8–2 cm | 0.8–1.5 mm |
| Knitted beanie (cuff) | 3–5 cm | 1–2 cm | 0.8–1.2 mm |
| Jeans back pocket | 1.5–3 cm | 0.6–1.5 cm | 0.8–1.5 mm |
| Jacket, sleeve or chest | 2.5–5 cm | 0.8–2 cm | 1–1.5 mm |
| Swimwear, strap or hip | 1–2.5 cm | 0.4–1 cm | 0.5–1 mm |
| Women's handbag, flap or front | 3–6 cm | 1–3 cm | 1.5–3 mm |
| Backpack or travel bag | 4–8 cm | 1.5–4 cm | 1–2 mm |
| Wallet, case | 1.5–3 cm | 0.5–1.5 cm | 0.8–1.5 mm |
How to determine the width
Start from the narrowest point where the plate will sit. If it is fitted on a waistband, strap or cuff, leave at least 2–3 mm of free material on each side so it does not touch the seams. If the plate is on a large flat surface, such as a bag flap, go by proportion: the logo should not dominate unless it is the main decorative element.
- Make a paper template at actual size and stick it onto the product sample.
- Look at it from 1–2 metres – this is how the customer sees the garment in the shop.
- Check the different sizes of the model: the same plate looks larger on a children's garment and smaller on a men's XL.
Height and legibility
The height determines whether the lettering can be read. With raised letters, they should be at least about 1.5–2 mm high, and with engraving slightly more, so they do not get lost. If the logo is long and narrow, for example the full brand name, it is better to use only the symbol or initials on small plates and the full lettering on larger ones.
Thickness
Thickness affects the weight, the perception of quality and the attachment method.
Thin plates (about 0.5–1 mm)
Stamped from sheet metal. Light, flexible, suitable for textiles, swimwear and knitwear. They can have prongs formed together with the plate.
Medium plates (about 1–2 mm)
Versatile for jackets, hats and backpacks. They allow clear relief and enamel.
Thick plates (over 2 mm)
Usually cast from zinc alloy. Used on bags, belts and leather goods, where weight is desirable and the plate has posts or screws.
Size and attachment
The attachment method takes up space. Holes for sewing or rivets require metal around them, so a plate with rivets is wider than a plate with prongs for the same logo. Prongs, in turn, must be long enough for the thickness of the material. For sewing, allow at least 1.5–2 mm from the hole to the edge.
Shape
A rectangle with rounded corners is the most practical, because it has no sharp points to catch on the fabric. Ovals and circles look good on hats, and shapes following the logo outline on bags. Sharp corners are possible, but on garments they are best slightly rounded.
Combination with other labels
If the product also has a leather label, the metal logo plate can be smaller and sit on top of it. In this case the leather defines the outer contour and the metal the accent, and the plate is about half to two thirds of the width of the leather.
A sample at actual size
Even the best on-screen mock-up does not show how metal of a certain thickness and finish looks on fabric. So before the series it is a good idea to have a physical sample in the chosen size and to compare it with at least one smaller and one larger version.
Weight and comfort
Size and thickness together determine the weight. A cast plate of 5 cm and 3 mm on a bag flap is perfectly acceptable, but the same plate on a thin T-shirt will pull the fabric down and be felt when worn. On light fabrics, choose a smaller and thinner plate or fit it on a reinforced area – a pocket, waistband or double fabric. On children's clothing and swimwear, prefer small, thin plates with rounded edges and no prongs close to the skin.
How to state the dimensions in your inquiry
- Outer dimensions in millimetres – width and height
- Desired thickness, or at least the type – thin stamped or solid cast
- Attachment method and material of the product
- Size of the smallest text or detail in the logo
- Quantity for each size, if you are ordering several
With this data, the manufacturer can assess whether the logo will be reproduced clearly at the chosen size and suggest corrections even before the sample.
Custom sizes from Polkom
Polkom makes metal logo plates in the size, shape and thickness of your design. If you are not sure what size to choose, send a photo or sample of the product and we will suggest proportions, followed by a sample for testing. Write to us via our contact page.
