The ‘Would You Wear It?’ Test: What Makes a Great Logo?
Would you wear your own branding? It’s a question our graphic designer Dan likes to ask when working on a new brand identity, inspired by brand designer Allan Peters and his ‘Would You Wear It?’ test.
The idea is simple: take a logo design, mock it up on a baseball cap and ask yourself whether you’d actually want to wear it. If the answer is yes, you’re probably onto something!
Mock-ups are a familiar part of the branding process, but this particular approach from Peters has become a favourite at Creo. It might sound like a bit of fun (and it is!), but it’s also a great way to explore how a brand identity could look and feel in the real world.
Bringing Branding to Life
A logo can look fantastic on a screen, but how does it hold up when it’s taken out of a presentation and into the real world?
That’s why mock-ups play such an important role in our branding process. Whether it’s a cap, business card, packaging or signage, they help clients visualise how their new identity could work beyond the screen.
Caps have become a particular favourite! They’re a simple way to showcase a logo’s personality, versatility and visual impact. After all, if a design looks good enough to wear, it’s a promising sign that it has something special.
But here’s a question: if you saw your own branding on a cap today, would you be excited to wear it? Or would you feel it no longer quite represents the business you’ve become?
When Clients Want the Real Thing
One of the best parts of presenting these mock-ups is seeing how clients react.
It’s not unusual for someone to see their new logo on a cap and immediately say, “Now I really want to get some of those made!” It’s a great moment because clients aren’t just looking at a logo anymore. They’re imagining their brand out in the world, being worn, recognised and enjoyed.
And that’s what a strong brand identity should inspire: a sense of connection, confidence and pride.
Is Your Branding Still Working for Your Business?
Of course, good branding goes far beyond looking great on a cap. It should reflect who you are as a business, appeal to the people you want to reach and create a consistent impression across every touchpoint. But as businesses grow and evolve, their branding doesn’t always keep pace.
Does your current identity reflect the business you are today, or the business you were when you first started? It’s worth thinking about, especially when you consider how much your branding influences that all-important first impression.
The ‘Would You Wear It?’ test is just one of the ways we help clients see their branding in a different light and imagine what’s possible in the real world.
And speaking of wearing your branding, all this talk of caps has got us thinking… should we get some Creo caps made for the team?
As for your own branding, if you’re wondering whether it’s still making the right impression, we’d love to hear your thoughts. Get in touch with Creo and let’s explore what could work for your business.
