A uniform does two jobs for a trades business. It makes you look like a proper outfit the moment you turn up, and it advertises your name everywhere you work.
But it's easy to get wrong, too much, too little, or the wrong colours for the job. Here's what a trades uniform should actually include.
The core garments
Most trades need kit that covers the whole year, not just whatever's in the van today:
- Polos: your everyday smart option. Good for quoting, customer homes and warmer days
- T-shirts: for hot weather and dirty jobs
- Hoodie or sweatshirt: spring, autumn and cold mornings
- Softshell or fleece: winter, and for looking smart when it's cold
- Hi-vis: if you ever work on site or near roads
- Optional extras: caps and beanies are cheap, and get your name seen
You don't need everything on day one. Polos, t-shirts and something warm cover most of the year to start.
What to put on it
Front: your logo
A small logo on the left chest is the standard for a reason. It looks smart, and it's what people expect from an established business.
Back: who you are and how to reach you
This is the advertising bit. Keep it simple and readable from a distance:
- Your company name or logo
- What you do, in plain words: "Electrical Contractors", "Roofing & Guttering"
- Your website or phone number
People walking past a job or stuck behind you at a builder's merchant will read it. Make it easy for them.
Keep it consistent
Same logo, same colours, same placement on every garment. When everything matches, a two-person business looks like a bigger company.
Picking colours
- Go darker for dirty work. Navy, charcoal, black and dark green hide dirt far better than light colours
- Match your brand. Pick garment colours that work with your logo and van, so it all looks like one business
- Check your logo shows up. A dark logo on a dark garment disappears. Have a light version of your logo for dark kit
- Trade expectations matter. Decorators often go white or light, while most other trades go dark
Working with PPE and site rules
Your uniform has to fit around safety kit, not the other way round:
- Hi-vis goes over everything on site. If you're often on site, branded hi-vis means your name still shows
- Keep logos clear of reflective tape. Branding shouldn't cover the bits that keep you visible
- Check main contractor rules. Some sites have their own requirements on hi-vis colour and type
Mistakes to avoid
- Buying cheap garments that fall apart. Faded, bobbled kit looks worse than plain kit
- Cramming too much on. Five services, three numbers and a slogan on the back is unreadable
- Not ordering enough. One polo each means someone's always in something unbranded
- Getting sizes wrong. Ask everyone their size, don't guess
- Mismatched branding. Uniform, van and website all looking different undoes the whole point
A good uniform means customers know exactly who's turned up before you've said a word.
Wondering about cost? See how much workwear costs, and embroidery vs print for how to get your logo on. Or if you'd rather just get it sorted, get a quote for your team.