5 Things You Should Never Monogram—And 3 Things You Should

Whenever we travel beyond the Mason-Dixon line, my husband and I like to play a game called “Spot the Southerner.” Of course, there are the obvious audible signs: an overheard lilting accent or a request for sweet tea. But there’s one calling card that’ll give someone away without them ever opening their mouth: A monogram. Whether emblazoned on a belt buckle, a cell phone case, or a duffle bag, those three little (who are we kidding—big!) letters announce their wearer’s Southern origins. But just because you can put a monogram on nearly everything these days doesn’t necessarily mean you should. Here are five things you should never monogram—and a few things made even better by one. 

Things You Should Never Monogram

The Front Door

Your home should feel like you, but that kind of personality play doesn’t require a wreath bearing your initials on the front door. The mailman already knows your name, so leave the curb-appeal-building moves to smart paint picks and pretty planters instead.

Adult Clothing

While children’s smocked dresses, bubbles, and john johns are made extra sweet by the addition of an embroidered monogram, adults should generally steer clear of such personalization. Of course, there are exceptions to every rule: In addition to his rhinestone-spangled duds, Elvis Presley was also known to wear shirts emblazoned with a large EP, but well, he's Elvis. Start selling out concerts, and then we'll talk about your wearing your initials all over town.

Handmade clothes and family heirlooms also offer strong cases for bending the standard: I treasure and wear the sweaters my great-grandmother hand-knitted and embroidered with my grandmother’s monogram decades ago. And if you're lucky enough to have something like this sitting in the closet, you should wear them too!

Vehicles and Vanity Plates

Before slapping on that back-window decal or registering for a vanity plate, think again—and not just about aesthetics. In this case, skipping the initials can also be a matter of safety. Given that much of the monogram-obsessed crowd are young women, such a choice could potentially make you an easy target.

Furniture

On a childhood field trip, I toured an historic home in which the dining chairs featured the owners’ monogram. At the time, I remember being very impressed, but now that I’m decorating my own house, it seems an odd choice. How will you ever re-sell the dining chairs you’ve tired of on Facebook Marketplace if you’ve customized them so personally? For those who are resolved to having monograms in the dining room, put them on your table linens instead—that’s where they belong. 

Every Single Thing You Own

The old phrase “too much of a good thing” is particularly true when it comes to monogramming. Given that you typically personalize an item to make it feel more special, if you plop a monogram on everything, that customization begins to lose its singular luster. For example, if you’ve opted to monogram your pillow shams, skip the initials on the nightstand tissue-box cover; or if you’re wearing a monogram on your necklace, leave the personalized handbag at home. 

Things You Should Monogram

Tote Bags and Backpacks

Not only do monograms lend a layer of distinctive personality to totes and packs, they’re also helpful for distinguishing yours from a sea of similar-looking carriers. Monograms, rather than full names, are a smarter choice for children’s bookbags for safety reasons too. (You don’t want to give strangers an opportunity to feign familiarity by embroidering their first names on their packs.) If you’re not entirely sold on a monogram but still want a custom-feeling element, we’re fond of embroidering our go-to L.L. Bean Boat and Totes with cheeky phrases and nicknames.

The Silver

Anything sterling or silver-plated, from julep cups to picture frames to utensils, is fair game for a monogram. That engraved element delivers understated charm to these keepsakes, plus, it makes for an extra-special heirloom. 

Towels and Table Linens

For monogrammed pieces that don’t feel quite so permanent, select customized towels and table linens. This is a fun, low-risk way to weave colorful character into your bathroom or tablescape designs, plus it allows for an inexpensive infusion of creativity as the seasons change: In the summer, you may opt for hand towels or napkins embroidered in blue, for instance; while during the holidays, you can swap those for some stitched in red or green.