Choosing the right team uniform is about more than just comfort or practicality—it’s a chance to communicate professionalism, brand identity, and company values. From first impressions to team morale, your workwear plays a much bigger role than you might think.
Whether you're dressing a customer-facing team or kitting out a crew on-site, one key decision is whether to go with branded or unbranded clothing. It’s not just about looks, it’s about what aligns with your business goals and budget.
So, is the added expense of branding worth it? Let’s break down the differences and weigh the pros and cons of each.
What’s the Difference?
Branded workwear includes uniforms that display your logo, company colours, or other elements of your branding. These are commonly used in environments where staff are visible to customers, think retail, hospitality, or tradespeople on-site.
Unbranded workwear, on the other hand, is plain, logo-free clothing. It's often chosen for behind-the-scenes teams, temporary roles, or industrial settings where function and uniformity are more important than brand recognition.
Why Choose Branded Workwear?
Professional Appearance – Branded clothing creates a unified look across your workforce. It sends a clear message to customers and reinforces team identity.
Brand Awareness – Having your team in logoed gear is a subtle but powerful form of advertising. It increases visibility and builds brand familiarity.
Team Pride – Employees tend to feel more connected and valued when they’re wearing something that represents their company.
Customer Confidence – When staff are easy to identify, customers feel more at ease, especially in service industries where trust matters.
Why Go for Unbranded?
Lower Upfront Cost – Great for startups or smaller businesses, unbranded clothing is typically cheaper per garment. That said, branding might cost less than you think.
Easier to Manage – No logo means simpler replacements and less worry about matching styles.
Faster Delivery – Plain stock can usually be dispatched immediately. (Although, we keep our custom turnaround quick too.)
Universal Fit – If you’re buying for multiple departments or mixed roles, plain garments often work across the board without needing different versions.
Branded vs. Unbranded: Cost Comparison
It’s tempting to think that unbranded always equals cheaper—but that’s not always the case in the long run.
Sure, plain garments are usually less expensive at first. But if you’re planning to upgrade to branded wear later, starting with branded now could save you from duplicating orders.
At Print Lab, our embroidery and print options start from just £1 per item on bulk orders. With that, you’re not just getting a uniform, you’re gaining brand visibility, employee loyalty, and stronger customer recognition.
Key Considerations When Choosing
Type of Work – If your team deals with customers face-to-face, branding matters more. For warehouse or back-office staff, it might not be as critical.
Budget – Consider both short-term savings and long-term value. Branding might cost a little more, but it can pay off with better staff retention and more professional customer impressions.
Comfort & Fit – Regardless of branding, clothing should fit well, feel good, and suit the job. Sometimes, investing in better fabric makes a bigger difference than just adding a logo.
Brand Goals – If building a consistent, visible company image is important to you, then custom uniforms should be part of your strategy.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, your choice comes down to what fits your business best. A retail chain may benefit from full branding, while a small workshop might be better off sticking with practical basics.
A hybrid approach can also work well, custom gear for customer-facing staff, and plain kit for back-end teams or short-term hires.
Whatever your decision, Print Lab is here to help. From embroidery to heat press, polos to jackets, we’ve got workwear to suit every role and every budget.
Give us a call on 023 9257 1900 for honest advice or to place an order today.
