A Brief History of Embroidered Clothing

Embroidered clothing has, for many centuries, been a very popular way to decorate clothing and make it stand out from the others. However the practice has a very long and rich history, stretching across many years and many cultures. The sheer extent of this history may not come as a surprise to some, however it is fascinating to look into nevertheless.

While we won’t go into too much detail regarding embroidered clothing here, it should help give an insight into how the practice came to be, spread and reached the point it has today.

Early Beginnings

Evidence for embroidered clothes can be found first during the Warring States period of China, back in the 5^th-3^rd centuries BC. The practice was initially developed as a means of decorating, repairing and reinforcing clothing, and gradually led to the development of new sewing techniques that allowed the artistic potential of embroidery to flourish. It was soon used to create highly elaborate designs on the tunics and robes of prominent officials and merchants. The practice of embroidery then gradually spread westward into India, Persia and then to the Roman Empires.

We later see evidence of further embroidered clothing during the Migration period of the 4^th to 6^th centuries as the Roman Empire in the west collapsed and was succeeded by several “barbarian” successor kingdoms. Clothing at this time is found to have employed embroidery as a means of reinforcing the borders of clothes in order to prevent from becoming damaged and fraying, and was frequently used as a decorative addition as well. Embroidery practices in Europe were already fairly advanced at this time, with evidence of highly sophisticated methods of stitching and fairly rich materials being used.

Medieval Styles

Usually embroidered clothing was used as a means of further decorating clothing and making them stand out against their peers. As chivalry heraldry became more common, it was quickly fashionable for young lords and their retainers to wear their family crests and arms embroidered onto their clothing and tunics, a similar practice being found in feudal Japan on the other side of the world. Patterns at this time could be very rich indeed, frequently incorporating geometric and natural figures, such as branching vines and blooming flowers.

The industry was very much contained within the home, with housewives of all social ranks managing their own sewing and embroidery. However specialised textile workshops did exist, and the first tailors quickly began to appear by the end of the 14^th century.

Many textiles centers sprung up throughout Europe at this time, however England in particular was always a major exporter of clothed goods, including embroidered clothes. Called Anglorum Opus, or English work, the products were famous throughout Europe and highly sought after. Indeed, wool and textile goods continued to be the main English export until the start of the Industrial Revolution and the expansion of the British economy.

Industrialised Embroidering

With the Industrial Revolution came mechanised looming machines, and devices that stitch together clothing several hundred times a day. Mass produced clothing was, initially, fairly bare-bones and crude, but eventually came to incorporate more elaborate and decorative designs. While individually tailored and embroidering still existed, they were very much a commodity of the well-off. By the end of the century, mass-produced embroidered clothes were quickly flooding the market, and as the 20^th century progressed new techniques and technologies quickly became available.

Nowadays computers manage the design and production of embroidered clothing, which opens up even further avenues for design and creativity. It’s popular nowadays for embroidered clothing to include logos and company seals into their designs as well.

Why Relabelling Clothing Is Good Practise for Company Clothing

There are many reasons why different people and companies choose to alter, customise and relabel clothing. For some, people do it as an act of creative expression. Others do it mark themselves as being part of a group. Others do it to advertise a specific course or organisation. 

Whatever the reason they are plentiful, and the act of refashioning clothes towards more individualised ends has become very venerable indeed in 21st century fashion. Relabeling clothing, iron-on transfers and embroidered patterning have been making their way around for a very long time, after all.

Some longer than others.

But enough info-dumping. Let’s count some of the ways different people may look into relabelling clothing and what such efforts may achieve if done well. Doing so may hopefully inspire you in turn towards your own cloth redesign efforts.

1)      Security

Every now and then you will lose a t-shirt or two during your lifetime. In certain situations this pretty much means the end of your ownership of the shirt, but in some cases relabelling clothing so that it has some sort of name or identity tag can help it be returned to you faster. This is especially useful if you find yourself in a position where clothes can easily be mistakenly taken by other people, such as if you work a job that requires frequent changes of clothes.

This also includes adding additional information about washing and drying the shirt in question. If a redesign done on it means the original instructions are no longer suitable, then adding a new label is necessary to ensure the clothes are being washed properly.

2)      Group Identity

Labels can also be used as a way of marking out groups together through their clothing. This is a lot more subtle than actual images and logos on the clothing itself, but can certainly be noticed and appreciated by those who use the clothing themselves.

Sometimes there’s little more gratifying than being reminded that you’re a part of something slightly bigger than yourself, however small it may be on the grand scale of things.

3)      Advertising

If you frequently make a habit of redesigning and selling new clothes, relabelling clothing is an excellent way to get out some extra advertising and awareness of what you do. It’s a small, cheap yet highly effective way of making your mark on the fashion scene. Thus if someone buys a piece of clothing you’ve designed and likes it enough that they’d like to purchase more, they can easily so who the designer is just by checking the hems of their clothing.

4)      Commemoration/Symbolism

Finally, some people like to add labels holding some sort of significant symbol or commemorative event or figure on their clothing. Labels are a lot more hidden and discrete than other methods of using symbols in clothing, and as a result the connotation is more intimate and personal. Common examples are the names of parents or loved ones, religious or political symbols, or great tragedies and life-events.

Why Embroidered Polo Shirts are Perfect for Businesses and Sports Clubs

Embroidered Polo shirts are the perfect choice for businesses and sports clubs seeking team wear for a smart and professional look.

Here are some reasons why you should purchase embroidered polo shirts for your promotional clothing needs:

Polo Shirts are Durable

Polo shirt embroidery provides an extremely durable, high quality and professional finish, making them an exemplary choice for work wear.

Branded polo shirts are casual but look smarter than ordinary t-shirts which make them an ideal choice for labour intensive industries as they are comfortable and allow for easy movement whilst still being seen as professional. Polo shirts can also withstand harsh environments easier than most other options such as shirts with buttons and t-shirts.

The Embroidered & Printed Clothing Company supplies a huge range of embroidered polo shirts including well known brands such as Gilden, Russell and Slazenger. Each polo shirt can be embroidered or printed with your logo or design making them ideal for corporate clothing or promotional clothes. 

Embroidered Polo Shirt Printing is not Expensive

When it comes to polo shirt embroidery, the good news is that its not expensive as the prices for these are based on the design, rather than the number of colours unlike like some of the other printing techniques such as screen printing.

When ordering embroidered polo shirts its worth keeping in mind that it works out cheaper to buy in bulk instead of just purchasing one or two.

Printing your Business or Sports Club Logo

Embroidered printing is slightly different to all the other printing techniques as it gives you a finish which is better than all the other printing techniques. Once you have your polo embroidery garments, unlike screen printing, you don’t have to worry about the logo fading over time or rubbing off completely.

Embroidered Polo Shirts come with Long or Short Sleeves

One of the great things about ordering embroidered polo shirts is the fact that they look smart and also that they come in long and short sleeves. This means you can order long sleeves for the winter and colder months and short sleeves for the summer and warmer months.

If you are looking for a new uniform for your staff The EPCC have a range of clothing from catering, to sportswear and Hi Viz clothing. If you need printed T-Shirts, embroidered polo shirts, work wear, retail merchandise, promotional clothing or a complete corporate uniform, call now on 0845 180 1008.