Most teams need workwear. It’s part of showing up professionally, keeping staff safe, and meeting industry standards. But if you’re not careful, what should be a basic operational task can quietly eat into your budget. Not because workwear itself is expensive—but because of how it’s bought.
From inconsistent ordering to underestimating the value of quality, many businesses overspend in ways that are entirely avoidable. Here are the most common mistakes and what to do instead.
1. Buying in Bits and Pieces
It is easier to replace items as needed. A few polos here, a jacket there, maybe some hi-vis when a new person starts. But this kind of reactive ordering comes with a cost.
Every time you order small batches, you’re likely paying more per item. You may also incur multiple logo setup fees, delivery charges, or minimum order surcharges. On top of that, it creates inconsistent branding and increases admin time chasing different suppliers.
Fix: Plan ahead. Ordering in workwear bundles or kits not only brings consistency but can also significantly reduce per-item cost. Most suppliers reward volume, even on modest-sized orders.
2. Skipping Workwear Bundles
Workwear bundles aren’t a marketing trick. They’re a practical way to get core items at a better rate, with perks like free branding or delivery. They’re especially useful for onboarding or replacing a full uniform kit.
A typical bundle might include polos, sweatshirts, a jacket, and hi-vis gear, everything branded and matched. Rather than spending time building a custom order, bundles let you tick every box with one click.
According to Screentech, companies that use workwear bundles—complete with embroidery or printing- benefit from bulk buying and enjoy lower per‑unit costs, while also reducing the need for frequent replacements thanks to higher-quality gear.
Fix: Look for bundle options that suit your industry. Many suppliers allow you to customise sizing, colours, and even swap items.
3. Choosing the Cheapest Gear (That Wears Out Fast)
Low-cost workwear can be appealing. But if it fades, shrinks, or tears after a few washes, you’re back to square one.
There’s also the hidden cost of poor staff morale. If uniforms look tired or uncomfortable, it sends the wrong message to both staff and clients. Durable gear that looks professional can last longer and perform better.
Fix: Invest in quality where it matters,especially for outerwear, trousers, and frequently worn items. Spending slightly more upfront often means you replace gear less often.
4. Reordering Without a System
Without a clear record of who has what, businesses tend to overbuy or reorder things that aren’t actually needed. This leads to waste, surplus stock, and unnecessary expense.
Fix: Keep a simple tracker. Log what each staff member receives, in what size and when. You’ll be surprised how much this cuts back on confusion and extra orders.
5. Ignoring Logo Setup Costs
Each time you change suppliers or order from different places, you may be charged to digitise or print your logo again. These setup fees add up, especially if you’re ordering in small runs.
Fix: Stick with a single supplier where possible, and do your branding all at once. Many workwear bundle deals include free logo setup when ordering a full kit.
6. Not Factoring in Delivery Charges
Workwear margins are tight. Delivery charges can eat into any savings you thought you were making by going with the lowest item price.
Fix: Check for free delivery thresholds. Better yet, consolidate orders so you hit those thresholds naturally rather than paying extra every time.
7. Forgetting About Reuse and Maintenance
Too often, businesses bin perfectly serviceable gear after a minor scuff or a temporary staffing change. That’s money out the door.
So, set up a basic system for reissuing lightly used uniforms, especially jackets or outerwear. Wash, repair, reassign. You’ll reduce waste and extend the life of your gear.
8. No Supplier Relationship = No Perks
Ordering from random websites might work once. But when you build a relationship with a trusted supplier, you’re more likely to get better support, personalised workwear bundles, consistent quality, and even loyalty pricing.
Fix: Find one or two reliable suppliers and stick with them. They’ll learn what works for your team, speed up reorders, and help you avoid repeating setup costs.
Overspending on workwear rarely happens in one big mistake. It’s usually small, repeated inefficiencies: reordering too often, going cheap on quality, missing workwear bundle deals, or skipping tracking.
None of these require a huge strategy overhaul. Just a bit of planning, some smarter supplier choices, and a shift toward buying gear the same way you’d expect your team to wear it: consistently, reliably, and built to last.
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