How to Design a Logo for Workwear: A Step-by-Step Guide

There’s more to branding than sticking a logo on a uniform.

Get it right and your customised workwear becomes a badge of pride for your team and a symbol of trust for your customers.

But what works on screen doesn’t always work on fabric.

Want to know how to create your own logo for work uniforms?

From logo design tips to placement advice and testing - find it all in this handy guide.

WHY DOES MY WORKWEAR NEED A LOGO?

Your uniform is one of the first things customers see. So, getting your logo design right is pretty important.

A good logo can:

• Build team pride.
• Create a professional image.
• Give free marketing on the move.
• Help you earn trust and credibility.
• Make your brand and staff recognisable.

HOW CAN I DESIGN MY OWN LOGO?

Designing a logo for uniforms is different to creating a digital logo.

You see, work uniform logos need to be bold, scalable, and fabric-friendly.

Here’s what we’d do:

• Test on different garments.
• Choose a clear, on-brand font.
• Use strong, contrasting colours.
• Make sure it scales across sizes.
• Keep your design simple but bold.
• Ask your supplier for visuals or samples.

What to avoid:

• Fussy designs
• Hard-to-read fonts
• Low-resolution files
• Clashing or low-contrast colours
• Logos that get lost on dark or textured fabrics

Need more help? Get all our top branding tips and tricks here.

HOW CAN I MAKE MY LOGO EASY TO READ?

An embroidered logo or printed design only works if people can read it.

Make it readable by:

• Choosing contrasting colours.
• Avoid fine lines or tiny details.
• Using bold, easy-to-read fonts.
• Factor in distance and low light.
• Test it on different fabrics and colours.

HOW TO BRAND YOUR WORKWEAR – STEP BY STEP

Branding your logo across your workwear takes some planning.

Here’s how to get it right:

STEP ONE: CHOOSE THE RIGHT WORKWEAR

Think about where and how your team works. Are they indoors or outdoors?

Do they need:

• Hi-vis clothing?
• Waterproof gear?
• Breathable fabrics?

Not every piece of PPE is a blank canvas. Don’t let your logo block any PPE features or cover reflective panels. 

Choose work uniforms that can be safely and comfortably branded.

Need a little advice? Chat with our friendly team today - they’re happy to help!

STEP TWO: DECIDE ON A BRANDING MEHOD

Embroidery or heat seal?

• Embroidery is durable and ideal for many items, from fleeces to t-shirts.
• Print or heat-seal works better for logos with finer details or larger sizes.

Choose the method that best suits your design and uniform type.

Take a look at our game-changing new in-house heat seal printer.

STEP THREE: LOGO PLACEMENT

To make your logo stand out, think about where it’s going.

Consider these placements:

• Back - Easy to see
• Sleeves - Modern and minimal
• Chest - Clean and professional

STEP FOUR: PREPARE YOUR LOGO DESIGN

Your logo needs to be in a scalable format. If not, it’ll lose quality as you scale it for larger sizes or different garments.

Convert your logo into a vector file, like a high-resolution PDF or EPS.

If you work with a supplier like SMI, we’ll prepare and refine your logo design for you.

NEED HELP?

We’ll take care of the technical side:

• Heat seal - We’ll convert your design into the right format. 
• Embroidered logos - We’ll create a DST file from the image you provide.

Plus, we’ll send you the final artwork or a physical sample before production.

TOP TIP: Skip JPEG files - they don’t come out well on fabric.

STEP FIVE: TEST YOUR LOGO

Before production, make sure to:

• Get feedback from your team. 
• Make tweaks before signing off. 
• Test on different garments and colours.
• View your logo in motion and at a distance.

STEP SIX: PLACE YOUR FIRST ORDER

Make sure you:

• Ask for logo proofs and samples. 
• Confirm logo files, sizes, and quantities.
• Chat about turnaround times and reordering.
• Work with a supplier who knows branded workwear.

PARTNER WITH SMI – EXPERTS IN BRANDING

Branding your workwear is easy when you partner with SMI.

At SMI, we offer:

• 97% stock availability 
• Visual proofs and samples
• File setup and logo formatting
• Branded orders dispatched in 2 days

Need advice? Chat to our friendly team today.

FAQs

How do I upgrade my existing logo?

You can refresh your logo by:

• Simplifying it
• Changing colours
• Modernising fonts

Then test the new design on a few garments before going to production.

How do I create a logo for my business?

Stick to the basics: 

• Use a clear font.
• Pick bold colours.
• Define your brand.

Canva and Adobe Express are great tools for beginners.

What is the golden rule for logos?

The best logos are clear, readable from a distance, and scale well for all sizes and garments. 

Can you design your own company logo?

Yes. Just use high-resolution vector files and test them before production.

If you’re unsure, a designer or uniform company like SMI can help.

How to make a logo for a uniform?

Always design your logo with fabric in mind.

Go for: 

• Bold shapes
• Clear contrasts
• Scaleable formats

Then, test your logo on your uniform before choosing the best application method.

Can’t decide between print and embroidery?

Our team can talk you through the options.