One of the most common questions we get asked is about matching colors to the logo, previous designs, or other items.
The easiest way to ensure the closest (near exact) match is to use Pantone Matching System (PMS). This is a proprietary, standardized color system used across many industries in manufacturing, which describes colors by an allocated number (e.g. “PMS 125”). The Pantone system is the standard language for color communication from designer to manufacturer to retailer to customer.
How Do Pantone Colors Work?
The Pantone Matching System standardizes 1,114 colors and assigns each color a number and name. By using the Pantone system, people in different locations can refer to the same color by knowing only the number that identifies it. This helps manufacturers and others to avoid mistakes like color deviation between the design and the finished product. As long as a factory has the right Pantone number for the color of your product, they can be sure about whether or not the color will match your specification.
What Pantones Does My Logo Use?
If you have had your logo professionally digitized then the company should have provided the PMS color numbers for your reference.
If you have not had your logo professionally digitized, it would be a good idea to have that done to ensure color continuity in your branding and apparel.
If you are not sure which Pantones you want yet, you can order a Pantone Swatch kit from Pantone: https://www.pantone.com/ and pick a color from the multitude available.
You can also check out the Pantone colors online here: https://www.showyourlogo.com/resources/pantone-matching-system-color-chart/
If you choose to pick a Panton from looking at them online, we highly recommend viewing the colors on different devices as each screen can display the colors differently.
Another option is find a sports team color (Example: Dallas Cowboy Navy Blue) you like and see what their Pantone colors are: https://usteamcolors.com/
Once you have your PMS numbers for your logo, you are on your way to having your brand displayed and printed in the proper colors no matter what manufacturer you decide to use!
Below is an example of artwork we provide to our clients so they can see the colors that will be used to make their apparel or shoes.
We offer free artwork and worldwide shipping. Check out our online catalogs here: http://www.cs-athletic.com/view-catalog
