When thinking about branded and customized clothing, most will instantly imagine a T-shirt. But what should you do when you need a custom piece of clothing for colder weather or an occasion where a T-shirt won’t do?

This is where custom jackets and other pieces of outerwear can offer a unique alternative.

Jackets can be worn over other clothing such as a T-shirt, sweatshirt, or polo shirt. Moreover, they don’t have to look like promotional clothes, since jackets can be decorated with a logo, mascot, picture, or any design. This makes outerwear an attractive option for any business, team, event, and clothing project.

Outerwear Has a Different Role

Most T-shirts are meant to be seen alone. However, jackets are designed in a way that makes them part of a layered look.

This makes it possible for custom outerwear to be a bit flexible. For instance, you could be wearing a jacket when you are commuting to work, going to an outdoor activity, or working with your team. You could take off the jacket but have another clothing item under it.

This difference helps to make outerwear useful for situations where you need your apparel to be adaptable. 

For sports groups, this can also mean creating custom team jackets that complement the rest of the team’s clothing.

A Logo Does Not Always Need to Be Large

When personalizing a jacket, bigger does not necessarily mean better.

A smaller design on the chest or sleeve will give an elegant, understated look. A larger design on the back can look like team gear. Some jackets feature both smaller artwork on the front and a large design on the back.

It all depends on the purpose for which the piece of clothing will be used. A custom jacket design can be tailored to the garment’s features so the artwork feels natural rather than simply being placed wherever there is space.

While a simple logo may be sufficient for business clothes, teams or events may require other types of design. Outerwear also includes features that T-shirts do not, such as zippers, pockets, collars, seams, and different panels. 

Think Beyond the Jacket Itself

Custom-made outerwear doesn’t have to be a separate project.

Any organization that already makes T-shirts for employees can add jackets to the mix. This includes sports clubs, which have their own team shirts and can add outerwear for trips. Event organizers can do the same, creating pieces for people to wear before, during, and after an event.

Having some similarities in the artwork will make everything look uniform but won’t make everything alike. This can also make custom design jackets work naturally alongside existing shirts, sweatshirts, polos, and other apparel.

Even personal projects can include the idea of using the same artwork on several items of clothing. One can use his or her illustration, logo, or just brand identity.

Choosing a Style Based on Everyday Use

Not every jacket is meant to be worn in the same way.

A lightweight jacket can make sense as an easy layer for changing weather. A fleece style can offer a different feel and look, while other outerwear can be suited to work environments, outdoor activities, travel, or casual wear.

For example, someone looking for a more classic decorated garment may consider a men’s embroidered jacket when embroidery fits the overall design and intended use.

This is why it can help to think about the people who will actually wear the clothing before deciding on a style.

Will they be wearing it indoors and outdoors? Over a T-shirt or sweatshirt? As part of a uniform? For occasional events or as everyday clothing?

These questions can narrow down the type of outerwear that makes sense without starting with the design alone.

Custom Outerwear Can Be More Than Workwear

Company jackets may be common, but custom outerwear does not apply solely to businesses.

Groups can use jackets to develop a sense of identity. Clubs can take their art designs and put them on clothing that is used every day. Groups and organizations can design clothing for their members. Fashion designers can create a jacket, vest, or any other outer layer as part of an overall collection.

A design that is made by a single individual can be great for outerwear as long as it goes well with the garment.

The key here is to focus on the way in which the design will be used after it is printed on the outerwear.

Giving Your Design More Options

If you already have a design, adapting it to different types of clothing can reveal new possibilities. A graphic that works well on a T-shirt may need a different placement or size on a jacket. A simple logo may look better with a more understated treatment.

MyNameT offers custom outerwear from a range of apparel brands, giving businesses, teams, organizations, and individuals different options to consider. You can browse the custom outerwear collection when you are ready to compare available styles.

If you are still working on the artwork itself, the MyNameT Design Studio can also be used to create custom apparel designs.

In the end, custom jackets are all about adding another layer to your clothing, both physically and metaphorically. Be it as part of a business uniform, group uniform, event wear, or as a personal endeavor, jackets can take any current design further than just the T-shirt.