Welcome to our guide on Monogram Etiquette – the art of personalizing your items with style and sophistication. Whether you're customizing a gift, updating your toddler's wardrobe, or adding a personal touch to a toddler tee, understanding the proper use of monograms ensures your personalization is both elegant and respectful. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the dos and don'ts of monogramming, from choosing the right order of initials to understanding the meaning behind each letter placement. Let’s dive into the timeless tradition of monograms and how to make them work for you!

 

Traditional monogram etiquette is rooted in history and style, offering a way to add a personal touch while maintaining a sense of refinement and class. Whether you’re monogramming towels, linens, or accessories, it’s important to follow a few timeless rules to ensure your monogram looks elegant and well-placed.

Order of Initials 

The arrangement of letters in a monogram is crucial. The general rule is that for individual monograms, the order should be First, Last, Middle (e.g., Anna Beverly Collins would be ACB). The last name, or middle initial, is typically the largest letter and is positioned in the center, as it represents the family or surname.

For couples or married monograms, the order changes slightly. The format is usually Husband’s First, Last, Wife’s First (e.g., John and Emily Smith would be JSE). In this case, the last name is still prominent in the center, but both partners’ first initials are positioned on either side. This reflects the unity of the couple, with the surname placed as the focal point.

While traditional monogram etiquette places the last name at the center and larger than the first and middle initials, the modern monogram embraces a more balanced and simplified approach, where all initials are the same size and read in the order of First, Middle, Last. This modern take allows for a more streamlined and contemporary aesthetic while still adding a personal, stylish touch to items like clothing, accessories, and gifts.

Placement

Monogramming baby and toddler clothing is a lovely way to add a personalized touch to the little one’s wardrobe. It can transform an ordinary outfit into something special and makes for thoughtful, one-of-a-kind gifts. However, knowing where to place the monogram is just as important as choosing the right font and color. Our goal is to ensure that the monogram enhances the garment without overpowering the design or looking out of place. Here’s a breakdown of proper monogram placement for various types of baby and toddler clothing-

• Centered on shirt (recommended for all onesie and most infant items)
• On the left chest (over the heart)
• On the cuff of sleeves (perfect for long-sleeve onesies or sweaters)
• On the collar (works best on Peter Pan collar items)
  

For baby blankets, the monogram is usually placed in one of the corners, while on personalized burp cloths or bibs, the monogram often appears in the corner or along the edge.