A little organisation before you order saves awkward conversations and wasted garments. Here is how to collect sizes properly.
Why workwear sizes differ from the high street
Workwear is cut to move in and to fit over layers. A medium polo from one range can be closer to a large from another. Trousers are sized by waist and leg length, and often come in short, regular and tall legs.
So never assume a person's usual size will be right. Check the size chart for the specific garment, and measure where you can.
Measure, do not guess
A tape measure and five minutes per person beats any guess. Take these measurements over a thin layer.
- Chest: around the fullest part, under the arms
- Waist: where trousers will actually sit, not the natural waist
- Inside leg: crotch to ankle, ideally with work boots on
- Hips: for women's trousers and fitted tunics
Use a sizing sheet
Make one simple sheet for the whole team: name, role, each garment, size and fit. Ask staff to fill it in themselves after checking a size chart. Add a column for names if garments are personalised. Send the finished sheet with your order so each garment is matched to a person, not just a size.
Women's and plus sizes
Many women end up in men's sizes that are too long in the body and wide in the shoulder. Offer women's fit polos, shirts and hi-vis as standard, not on request. Likewise, check that larger sizes are available in every garment you pick, so no one is left in a different style from the rest of the team.
Layering and the seasons
A fleece or softshell must fit over a polo, and a winter jacket over both. Staff who wear a hoodie under a coat may need the coat one size up. When in doubt between two sizes for outer layers, the larger one usually works better. For base layers and polos, closer fits are more comfortable.
Where to put your logo
Sizing affects branding as well as fit. A logo is placed to suit the size of each garment, so a chest logo on a small polo sits correctly rather than being the same distance from the seam as on an extra large. Agree a standard logo size that works across the range. If you need names added, the sizing sheet doubles as your name list, which keeps both right first time.
Ordering what this guide covers
The garments this guide talks about, such as women's workwear, plus-size workwear and work trousers, can all be ordered from one piece with free logo setup. The logo price drops at 9 and again at 25 garments, and every garment with a small logo counts towards it, whatever the style or colour. Before anything is made, we embroider an actual sample of your logo and email you a photo to approve, or you can pop in to our Hull workshop to see it.
