Maybe you’re replacing worn-out shirts, onboarding new employees, or finally standardizing your team’s look. The challenge is finding uniforms that look professional, hold up over time, and stay within budget.
The good news is that reducing uniform costs doesn’t mean sacrificing quality or cutting corners. With the right approach, you can order uniforms that work for your team now and continue to make sense as your business grows.
At Branded, we help businesses make smart uniform decisions every day. Here’s how to reduce employee uniform costs while still ordering with confidence.
Why Employee Uniforms Are Worth It
Uniforms do more than make your team look put together. They create consistency, reinforce your brand, and make your business instantly recognizable to customers. When done right, they also reduce daily wardrobe questions for employees and create a sense of unity across your team.
Skipping uniforms altogether may seem like a cost savings, but it often leads to a less professional appearance and missed branding opportunities. The goal isn’t to eliminate uniforms, it’s to choose the right ones.
1. Match the Garment to the Job
One of the biggest cost mistakes businesses make is over-buying or choosing garments that don’t fit the role.
Not every position needs the same level of uniform investment. For example:
T-shirts or basic polos work well for warehouses, events, and casual environments
Polos or button-ups make sense for customer-facing roles
Jackets and outerwear are best reserved for specific positions or longer-term employees
Choosing garments based on how they’ll actually be used helps control costs without sacrificing professionalism.
2. Choose the Most Cost-Effective Decoration Method
How your logo is applied has a major impact on total cost.
Screen printing is often the most affordable option for larger orders and simple designs
Embroidery offers a polished, professional look but can cost more depending on stitch count and placement
Unlimited color printing is ideal for detailed logos without additional color fees
Smaller logo placements, such as a left chest, are usually more cost-effective than large back prints. Choosing the right method upfront can save money on both your initial order and future reorders.
3. Order with Reorders in Mind
Uniform costs rise quickly when orders are placed in small batches.
If possible:
Order for current staff plus a small buffer for new hires
Stick with the same garment styles and colors
Avoid one-off or rush orders when you can plan ahead
Businesses that plan quantities upfront typically see the biggest savings over time. It also makes reordering faster and more predictable.
4. Keep Styles and Colors Consistent
Consistency is one of the easiest ways to reduce uniform costs.
Using the same:
Shirt style
Color palette
Logo size and placement
allows you to reorder seamlessly without redesign fees or mismatched batches. It also strengthens brand recognition and keeps your team looking unified, even as you grow.
5. Prioritize Durability Over the Cheapest Option
The lowest price upfront isn’t always the best value.
Higher-quality garments tend to:
Last longer through repeated washing
Hold their shape and color
Require fewer replacements over time
Spending slightly more on durable basics often reduces long-term uniform costs and frustration for both management and employees.
6. Consider a Tiered Uniform Program
Not every employee needs the same uniform package.
Many businesses reduce costs by:
Providing basic shirts for all staff
Offering upgraded items for managers or long-term employees
Limiting outerwear or premium pieces to specific roles
This approach keeps your brand consistent while allowing you to invest where it makes the most sense.
Ordering Employee Uniforms Without Guesswork
If you’re close to ordering employee uniforms, the right guidance upfront can save time, money, and headaches later. From garment selection to decoration methods and quantities, small decisions make a big difference in overall cost.
At Branded, we help businesses compare options before placing an order, so there are no surprises. Whether you’re ordering uniforms for the first time or refining an existing program, we’re here to help you choose what works best now and for future reorders.
When you’re ready to move forward or want help comparing options, our team is happy to help you Get Noticed. Get Branded.