A great custom jacket isn’t just about the logo or cut—it’s also about colour. The right colour palette can turn a simple piece of apparel into a statement that reflects your brand, builds team pride, or simply makes people excited to wear it.
Colour decisions can seem daunting, but with a little planning and intention, you can choose a palette that feels cohesive, professional, and wearable.
Why Colour Matters More Than You Think
Colours are emotional. They influence how we feel and how we’re perceived. A bold red might signal energy and leadership, while a calming navy blue evokes trust and dependability. So before jumping into design, ask yourself: What do you want your custom jacket to say?
Colour is also critical for usability. Too bright, and your jacket might feel loud or unprofessional. Too dull, and it may be forgotten in the back of a closet. The key is finding the sweet spot where brand alignment meets real-world wearability.
Understand Your Brand Identity
Start by examining your brand guidelines. If your business already uses a consistent colour palette in marketing and design, that’s your foundation.
Stick to primary brand colours when possible—but also consider how they’ll look on fabric. Some hues work well on digital screens but don’t translate as effectively on textiles. Muted tones or slightly altered shades may still capture your brand essence while appearing more refined.
Consider Your Audience
Are you designing jackets for employees, customers, or an event? Think about who will wear them and where.
- Corporate teams: Go for professional, subtle tones—navy, black, grey, olive—with minimal contrast.
- Youthful startups: Try fresh, modern combos like teal and coral, or forest green and mustard.
- Event giveaways: You can be a bit bolder. Think energetic tones like electric blue or cherry red.
The function of the jacket also plays a role. A jacket for a corporate retreat may welcome adventurous tones, while a jacket for everyday wear may call for something more subdued.
Keep Contrast in Mind
Contrast affects both visibility and aesthetic appeal. If your logo is white, it needs a dark jacket to pop. If your brand colours are already light, pair them with darker neutrals like charcoal or navy for balance.
Also be mindful of embroidery vs printing—some techniques handle contrast better than others.
Use the 60-30-10 Rule
This popular design principle is useful for apparel, too:
- 60% of the jacket should be a base colour (neutral or primary brand colour)
- 30% secondary colour for accents or panels
- 10% pop of colour (zippers, logo, lining)
This keeps the design balanced without looking overwhelming.
Check Samples and Fabric Swatches
Colours appear differently depending on fabric type and lighting. Before finalising your palette, request fabric swatches or a sample print. What looks navy on a screen might look purple in real life!
If you’re working with a provider that specialises in custom jacket printing, they should offer mock-ups and guidance to ensure colour accuracy before going into production.
Timeless vs Trendy
If you want your jackets to be worn for years, opt for timeless colours. Black, navy, heather grey, and earthy tones rarely go out of style. If you’re aiming for something seasonal or tied to a specific campaign, trendy colours can be fun—just know they may have a shorter shelf life.
Don’t Overcomplicate It
You don’t need a dozen colours to make a jacket stand out. In fact, some of the best designs use only two or three. Keep it simple, sharp, and intentional.
Conclusion
Choosing the right colour palette might feel like a small step, but it has a huge impact on how your custom jackets look and feel. A well-chosen palette elevates your design, aligns with your brand, and ensures people actually want to wear what you’ve created.
If you’re ready to bring your design to life with vibrant, wearable colour, Teelogist is here to help. Whether you’re designing jackets for your team, a special event, or retail use, our expertise in custom jacket printing makes the entire process easy and enjoyable. With high-quality materials, personalised support, and precise colour matching, Teelogist ensures your jackets come out exactly as you imagined—or better.
Reach out to us today for more information.