What’s the right way to format a monogram? The order of the letters can get confusing, but don’t let monogram etiquette scare you! There are lots of ways to personalize! Let me walk you through the many ways to monogram baby boy or girl clothes, women’s clothes and accessories, men’s items, and married couple’s household items! Soon you’ll be ready to monogram all the things!
Traditional Boys Monogram
This one is probably the most traditional font, and appropriate for babies, boys, or men. The letters are all the same size, in order of the actual initials. For many years this was the only way a man’s monogram was done! I prefer this style on a small space, like the pocket of a baby shirt, cuff links, or the edge of a bib. But it can be used anywhere!
Modern Boy’s or Girl’s Monogram
This option is probably the most popular way to monogram a child’s outfit- for boys or girls. The last name is placed larger in the middle, with the first name to the left and middle name to the right. I generally suggest this option on the center of an outfit, like a dress, or jon jon. I would call this the more contemporary way to monogram for boys. For girls this is the most popular option that people usually choose.
Boy’s Stacked Block Monogram
The block monogram looks good on a shirt pocket, bib, jon jon, or really anywhere. It’s unique enough to stand apart from other monograms. It’s mostly used for boys, but could work for men. In this case, the last name is on the right, larger, with the first and middle initial stacked to the left. With a girlier font I’ve also seen girls use it! However not all fonts look great with this method. Stay away from tall skinny fonts for instance- I like for the result to turn out fairly square, but that’s personal !
Single Initial Monogram
The single initial is a versatile choice for boys or girls- you can use the first name initial or last name initial. For children, it’s most often the first name initial. Choosing a single initial can make it easier to pass the monogrammed item down to a friend or family member as well!
Married Couple’s Monogram
This monogram is useful on shared household items. You may choose a couple’s monogram for bath towels, kitchen towels, garden flags, wreaths, etc. Typically the last name goes larger in the middle, with the woman’s name first and man’s name last. For a same sex couple, either initial can go first. The couple in this example might be Ashley and Brad Crowder.
Monogram Etiquette Tips and Tricks
- Always give the seller the full name, and the way you’d like it laid out. Something like: “Sarah Elizabeth Moore- so sMe” and there will be no confusion!
- If the person had 4 names, often the two middle names are represented by 1 letter. The same goes for hyphenated last names- go with the first letter.
- Watch out for J’s and I’s- sometimes they are not what you pictured. If in doubt, ask the seller for a mockup ahead of time!
Now, congratulations! You are ready to use your monogram etiquette skills get some great monogrammed gifts for everyone on your list!
How do I monogram Charlton first name and the IV
Hey Dawn! If just his name, I would go with Charlton (unless you call him Charlon 4). If his initials, I’d go in order, all the same size with the IV at the end. CMLIV. Sometimes we do the IV at the end in a smaller font, but still all caps. It’s really up to you!
My grandson has a hyphenated surname, BUT in everyday life (school, sports, friends) he only uses the second (last) part. For example John Edward Smith-Jones would be commonly John Jones. Would it be awful to use the monogram JEJ?
This one is up to him/you! Traditional would say to use SJ or S for the last initial. But it’s his monogram, so he can choose! I have a sister who sometimes monograms with her nickname instead of her full first name, so it’s personal preference. But I would ask him/his parents their thoughts before gifting.