7 minute read
Branding your workforce isn’t just about adding a logo to a shirt. It’s about turning every team member into a powerful ambassador for your brand.
They’re walking and talking advertisements for your business, so it’s important to get it right.
Branding your employees is one of the easiest and most impactful ways to build your image and boost recognition, wherever the job takes them.
That said, getting started can feel a bit daunting, especially if it's your first time.
This guide is designed to simplify things.
Whether you're a startup or an established business, we’ll walk you through the branding process step-by-step.
From logo design to garment choice, or choosing between embroidery and heat seal, consider this your ultimate how-to guide for custom workwear.
First impressions matter, and your team’s uniform is often the first thing people see.
Your branding is about presenting a professional image that customers trust, and that your employees feel proud to wear.
Done right, it can position your company as credible and well-established in the eyes of your clients.
Before picking garments or colours, know what your brand stands for.
These questions will help you understand how your brand is seen, making it easier to choose colours and garments that reflect the right visual image.
Understanding your brand’s core values is crucial here.
Your brand guidelines should serve as the foundation for every decision made, from the colours chosen to the fit and finish of your workwear.
Consistency with your branding makes sure that your team reflects your company’s mission every time they wear their uniform.
Now, it’s time to get practical.
You need to think about your team's daily environment:
There’s no such thing as a one-size-fits-all uniform. Choosing style over function may look good short-term, but it can cause issues further down the line.
By focusing on practical needs, you’ll make informed decisions and ensure that your workwear is durable and suited to the demands of each role.
It’s about keeping your team safe, comfortable, and dressed appropriately.
This is where your branding becomes visible - literally.
Once you’ve chosen your garments, it’s time to decide how you’ll apply your branding.
Choosing the right method for logo application depends on the artwork's complexity, your garment selection, and how the items will be used.
Embroidery offers a premium, durable finish by stitching the logo directly into the fabric. It’s perfect for heavyweight items like polos and jackets, but intricate designs can be harder to reproduce in thread.
Heat Seal (Heat transfer) is perfect for lightweight garments like hi-vis vests and waterproofs. It’s the best option for intricate artwork and is often more cost-effective for large order runs.
Not sure what’s right for you? We’re happy to help.
Our team will recommend the best option based on your logo and garments.
Drop us a message today, or give us a call on 03304 413500
Before your branding hits fabric, your artwork needs to be right.
To make sure that your logo can be scaled without losing quality, it’s important to convert it into a vector format, like a high-resolution PDF or EPS.
Not sure if your logo is production-ready?
We’ll check it for you and take care of the technical side.
If you don’t have an EPS file for heat seal, we’ll convert your artwork into the right format. For embroidery, we’ll create a DST file using our software, based on the image you provide.
In both cases, we’ll share the final artwork or a physical sample if needed, so you can sign it off before anything goes into production.
TOP TIP: Avoid low-resolution files like JPEGS - although they look fine on screen, they don’t translate well onto printed fabric.
Our team can help with everything from refining your logo to garment selection. We'll make sure that your personalised uniforms are delivered consistently across all locations.
Now, it’s time to bring your branded workwear to life.
When placing your order, make sure that you’ve got these details covered:
A trusted supplier keeps you on schedule, maintains consistency, and makes reordering easy as your team grows.
Once your order’s placed, it’s time to plan how your team will receive their new workwear and that they know how to wear it.
Here are a few tried-and-tested tips:
A little planning goes a long way towards a smooth rollout and a consistent brand image.
We’re proud to be known as easy to deal with, and we back that up with real benefits:
With SMI, you get more than just workwear, you get a trusted single source supplier.
Get in touch today and discover how simple branding your workforce can be.
Insight
Last year, Lion Safety joined SMI Group as part of their ongoing commitment to customer satisfaction.
We’re pleased to announce that as of today, May 1st, Lion Safety is now called SMI (Scotland) Ltd.
Insight
Don’t scramble at the last minute – make sure you get your orders in on time!
Insight
It’s certainly been a busy but incredible start to 2025 here at SMI. We’ve seen new faces join the team, product innovations, alongside announcing a new acquisition!
