Labels Matter More Than Most Buyers Realise
The labels sewn into workwear garments carry information that has real implications for compliance, safety, and appropriate use. Most buyers check the size label and maybe the washing instructions, then stop. Here’s what the other labels tell you — and why they matter.
CE Marking and UK CA Marking
For Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) — including hi-vis garments, gloves, safety footwear, and some specialist workwear — the CE mark (or UK CA mark post-Brexit) indicates the product meets the relevant European or UK safety standards. For hi-vis workwear, this means ENISO 20471 compliance. For PPE workwear, the category level is also indicated: Category I (simple design, low risk), Category II (intermediate), Category III (complex design, highest risk).
If you’re purchasing hi-vis or other PPE workwear for site compliance, the CE/CA mark is mandatory. Garments without it should not be used as compliant PPE regardless of their appearance.
Oeko-Tex Standard 100
The Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certification indicates that every component of the garment — fabric, thread, buttons, zips, backing material — has been tested for harmful substances. Particularly relevant for healthcare workwear, childcare settings, and any environment where skin contact with garment chemicals could be problematic.
GOTS and GRS Certifications
As covered in our sustainability guide, the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) and Global Recycled Standard (GRS) certifications verify organic cotton content and recycled material content respectively. Relevant for businesses with sustainability commitments or CSR reporting requirements.
ISO 9001 on Supplier Certificates
When assessing workwear suppliers, ISO 9001 certification on a supplier’s quality management systems indicates a structured quality assurance process is in place. It’s not a guarantee of product quality, but it is a positive indicator of operational discipline.
At Customised Workwear, all our garments are supplied with full certification documentation. Contact us for certification details on any garment in our range.