Many companies across the UK use customised uniforms to promote their company’s brand. Such as American Express and McDonald’s.

If you go food shopping or to sporting events, phone shops, call centres, even the Apple store, staff all wear uniforms. You can integrate a uniform into your workplace.

Here are five mistakes managers make with their first uniform order.

1) Ordering Non-Gender Specific Uniforms

One mistake managers often make with their uniform order is ordering the same garments for both genders. A shirt that flatters one person may not another, so the best way to please everyone is to choose different looks, sizes, cuts, and options.

Most good uniform suppliers have both male and female varieties of anything they order, allowing you to choose different cuts. For example the Kustom Kit Long Sleeve Corporate Oxford Shirt is available for men and women.

Let employees try on uniforms so they know what they like best before you bulk order.

2) Choosing the Wrong Customisation Technique

If your employees have a low-movement job, such as working in an office, a high-quality printed logo will work best because they are cost effective and will last.

But if they move, scrape against items, are exposed to the elements, and other factors, embroidery is best because it is a longest-lasting technique.

You will want to understand the difference between print and embroidery for customised workwear to understand what is right for you.

Embroidery is long lasting and the artwork is detailed and durable. Direct print uses the inks to change the colour of the material of your clothing. And indirect print applies your chosen design onto your garments.

A faulty supplier might try to make you use one type of technique for all artwork, on all garments, of all sizes. The best workwear will use multiple custom techniques that will provide the best quality and appearance for your company.

3) Over-Complicating the Design

One mistake managers can make with their artwork is over complicating their design. A reason for this could be because they do not understand their possibilities with their artwork or how their uniforms can look.

If you need help with this, a good supplier will advise you.

Companies that are not committed will allow you to order a printed logo that is identical to they colour of the shirt you have chosen. Your logo will not be visible or appear professional.

This can leave you stuck with hundreds of shirts you cannot use or do not give your customers the right impression.

A good company will work with you on the design and encourage you to consider different looks.

They will also send samples, scale you back if your logo includes, for example, too many colours that will be out of budget and more.

4) Going for the Cheapest and Fastest Option

Every business has a budget. The fastest way to go above your budget is choosing the cheapest and fastest options.

What happens is your uniform will be quick to arrive and may be low quality, wear out quick, and make your staff uncomfortable and unhappy.

The wrong company will not inform you of your other options that may better fit your needs or if you are going over your budget. For example, you have ordered a cheap uniform with a logo that is over complicated and is multicoloured. This will increase the cost of your uniform.

If your supplier does not alert you of the problems, you may end up spending more for a poor-quality product.

XAMAX® will ask you the right questions so you are not making these mistakes as will any professional, reputable company.

5) Using the Wrong Company to Order Uniforms

The wrong companies care more about making money than creating a good reputation. This means that they will rush you to make your uniform order without explaining the options that are available to you. Also, they will not provide you with a realistic idea of the process.

This causes delayed processes, unhappy staff, exceeding your budget, and having to replace uniforms sooner. XAMAX® is a trusted supplier of customised workwear.

XAMAX® provides workwear for the following industries:

  • Beauty
  • Retail
  • Business
  • Security
  • Hospitality
  • Medical
  • Sportswear
  • PPE
  • Promotional gear

Quick Fixes: Before You make Ordering Mistakes

Speak with the company so they understand your needs and you understand the options available. You will want to understand the different techniques to customise your uniforms (print versus embroidery).

Quality companies will advise you on techniques that fit within your budget. For example, if you are ordering a promo t-shirt that has a short lifespan, a simple screen-printed logo would be advisable.

If you want something long lasting, then you might want more heavy-duty garments with embroidered features.

Each professional company has specific art work guidelines, be sure to read them.

Send hi-resolution logos and create a visual before you order samples to see how the garments will appear. Request samples so your staff can try on uniforms before bulk ordering.

Xamax, for one, can help micro, small, medium, or large businesses with their uniform orders. We give you a free logo setup on orders over £100. Small businesses (10-100 employees) get bulk discounts; medium businesses (100-500 employees) have site visits and free sampling; and large businesses (500+ employees) have a fixed term pricing and 24-hour fulfilment services.

Take these often made mistakes into account to make sure you are ordering what you want for your company uniform. XAMAX® has created uniforms for Aldi, BAE Systems, Rolls-Royce, Haribo Card Factory, Black & Decker, Hotel Chocolat, the NHS, and more so you are in trusted hands.

Conclusion

When ordering uniform, make sure you have different varieties for both genders.

Speak to your supplier about the different customisation techniques available and find out which is best suited for you. It is important to work with your supplier to choose the best design to achieve the best outcome.

Beforehand, research different suppliers to find which is best suited to your needs.

Do not choose the cheapest and/or fastest option. Always choose a trusted supplier, one that cares about making customers happy rather than making money.