A print or embroidery that is off-centre or tilted looks like a defect, even though every pattern piece and sewing seam is within tolerance. The usual cause is that the placement was never defined with enough precision, or the garment was loaded unevenly in the print frame or hoop. The fix is a clear specification, a physical guide in production and a check at inspection.

Define the placement

Give the position in measurements from fixed points on the garment: for example the distance down from the neck seam at the shoulder or from the centre back neck, and the distance in from the centre front line. Mark whether the logo’s top edge, centre or baseline is the reference. A sketch with measurements for each size group avoids misunderstanding.

Guides in production

Ask the decorator how garments are aligned: print boards with registration marks, laser guides, templates or hooping aids for embroidery. Garments loaded by eye vary from piece to piece. For knit fabric, check that the garment is not stretched when loaded, since a stretched garment relaxes after printing and the logo shifts or distorts.

Set a tolerance

Choose a tolerance for both horizontal and vertical position and for tilt, based on what the decorator can hold and what is visible. Write it in the spec and show what is acceptable and what is not with photos. A tolerance that is too tight to hold will cause constant disputes, and one that is too loose will show.

Check and classify

At inline and final inspection, measure placement on sampled pieces and compare it with the approved sample. In the defect list, say whether an off-centre logo beyond tolerance is a major defect. The sampling plan from ISO 2859-1 then decides acceptance, but the classification and tolerance are your decision.

After washing

Check that placement does not change after washing, for example when fabric shrinks unevenly. Wash a few pieces with a procedure such as ISO 6330 and measure again. Keep photographs of acceptable and unacceptable placements, one set per size group, so the factory, the inspector and your team all judge the same way. When the artwork or size chart changes, update the placement sketch and the photos at the same time, or the old reference will be used by mistake.