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When you think of a monogrammed shirt, does the big, swirled "L" from a certain TV sitcom character of the mid-seventies come to mind? Maybe you think of the linens in a fancy hotel that you once stayed at. Well, monograms are back, and they're not just for quirky people or for towels and bathrobes anymore. Monograms are a great way to personalize an item of clothing, and to add a touch of class at the same time. While tradition has generally shown that men's dress shirts are the most likely candidates for monograms, modern times have brought about some changes to this custom. These days, you can find monograms on women's clothing, casual clothing, children's clothing, and even on jeans or pants.

Monograms typically consist of the initials of your first, middle, and last names. Monograms of the classic style call for the initial of your last name to appear in the middle of your other two initials. The initial of your last name is also larger. Modern convention, however, allows your initials to be presented in order. If you choose this style, then all the letters would also be the same size.

The position of the monogram can be determined by personal preference, so feel free to place your initials wherever you want. If you want to go with traditional placements, then follow these guidelines. On shirts, monograms are usually placed on one of the cuffs or on the upper-left side of the chest area. Occasionally, monograms are applied to the tip of the collar. On pants, monograms can appear one either side in the front, just above the pocket area. Alternatively, they may be applied directly to the upper edge of one of the rear pockets.

Don't think you have to purchase clothes made by a professional tailor in order to get a monogram. Many stores now have a monogramming option when you purchase new clothing items. For example, when you order a button-down or Oxford style shirt from the websites of mid-level retailers such as J. Crew or LL Bean, you will be asked if you want the item monogrammed. If you select "yes," you will be taken through a series of steps that allow you to choose the letters you want, the script style, and the placement. Even discount chains such as Target offer monogrammed shirts through their website. In most cases, you can purchase a shirt or a pair of pants for less than $50, and then have a monogram added for an additional $5-$10. Please make sure that the shirt or pants size that you order is correct, because once the store adds the monogram, you cannot return the item (unless the store somehow makes a mistake on the order).

You can even add a monogram to an existing piece of clothing. If you have a shirt that you love, and you would like to update the look just a little bit, bring the item to your tailor (or your local dry cleaning shop, which usually offers tailoring services as well) and ask for a monogram to be added. If you are adept at sewing and are feeling a little more adventurous, you can even take on the task yourself.

Don't forget your little ones! Children love monogrammed clothes because the items become so much more personal when their initials are on them. Children's clothing can be monogrammed in the same ways as adult clothing, which means either through the retail store or through a tailor. Instead of just getting initials monogrammed on children's clothing, consider stitching the child's whole first name. This gives the item a more casual and fun feeling, which is perfect for the younger crowd. Babies shouldn't be left out of the action, either. Many baby items, such as onesies and bibs, are suitable for monogramming, and would make great gifts.

Now that you can see that monograms don't just belong on old men in stuffy boardrooms anymore, why not personalize your next clothing purchase by having your initials embroidered on it? You'll look and feel like a million bucks!