Not All Workwear Is Created Equal — And the Differences Matter
The UK market for workwear is enormous. Hundreds of suppliers, thousands of garments, a vast range of prices. For a business owner trying to outfit a team, it can feel overwhelming. But the decision really comes down to a handful of critical factors — and once you understand them, choosing the right workwear becomes straightforward.
This guide covers everything you need to evaluate before placing a workwear order. Read it once and you’ll never make a costly mistake on a workwear purchase again.
Factor 1: Fabric Quality and Weight
Fabric weight is measured in GSM — grams per square metre. A higher GSM means a denser, heavier, more durable fabric. A lower GSM means lighter, more breathable, but less hardwearing.
For professional workwear, you generally want:
- T-shirts and polos: 180–220 GSM. Below 180 GSM feels flimsy and wears out quickly. Above 220 GSM can be too heavy for comfort in warmer environments.
- Fleeces and mid-layers: 280–320 GSM. The sweet spot for warmth without excessive bulk.
- Outer shells and softshells: 300+ GSM. Heavier for wind and shower resistance.
When a supplier quotes you on “lightweight polos” at a suspiciously low price, check the GSM. You may be getting a 150 GSM garment that will look washed out after ten cycles.
Factor 2: Fabric Composition
Most professional workwear uses poly-cotton blends — typically 65% polyester, 35% cotton. This combination gives you the durability and colour retention of polyester with the breathability and comfort of cotton. It’s the ideal fabric for embroidered workwear because it accepts stitching cleanly without puckering.
100% cotton garments feel excellent but shrink at high wash temperatures and fade faster under UV exposure. 100% polyester garments are highly durable but can feel synthetic and retain odour. The blend is almost always the better choice for professional workwear.
Factor 3: Seam and Construction Quality
Hold up a garment and look at the seams. Are they straight? Are they reinforced at stress points (underarm, shoulder)? Do the stitches look even? Construction quality determines how a garment holds up under daily use. A well-sewn workwear garment will outlast a poorly constructed one by years, even if the fabric is similar quality.
Factor 4: Customisation Compatibility
Not every garment embroiders well. Very lightweight fabrics pucker under embroidery tension. Very bulky or textured fabrics obscure fine logo details. Before ordering your workwear, confirm with your supplier that the specific garment you’re ordering has been tested and proven with embroidery.
At Customised Workwear, every garment in our range has been embroidery-tested. We only stock garments we know produce excellent results. Browse our workwear bundle range with that confidence built in.
Factor 5: Supplier Reliability and Lead Times
A supplier who quotes 14 days but regularly delivers in 21 is a supplier who will create problems for your business. Ask for realistic lead times. Ask about their process for managing delays. Ask for customer references or reviews.
At Customised Workwear, our standard lead time is 7–14 business days from artwork approval. We communicate proactively if anything changes. Contact us to start your order with confidence in every aspect of the process.