Corporate Clothing for Small UK Firms: A Sensible Approach
By The Velocity Wear Team
Corporate clothing sounds like a job for a big firm with a procurement department. But a ten-person accountancy practice, a growing marketing agency or a regional logistics company can benefit just as much. The trick is keeping the range small and the standards clear.
Start with three pieces
- An embroidered polo for everyday or client-facing wear.
- A smart layer: a quarter zip, sweatshirt or fleece.
- An outer layer for staff who travel or work outside: a softshell or gilet.
That covers most small firms. Add tees for events or warehouse teams if needed.
Write a simple brand standard
Big companies have uniform guidelines. Small firms can too, on one page: logo version, size in centimetres, placement, thread colour, garment colours. It stops the polo logo being one size and the fleece logo another, and it makes reorders foolproof.
Choose colours that flatter everyone
Navy, charcoal and black suit most people and look professional. If your brand colour is bright, use it in the logo or as an accent rather than making staff wear lime green all day.
Sizing without awkwardness
Use a private form with measurements. Offer men's and ladies' fits where available. Never ask for sizes in a group email.
Allowances and policies
Decide how many of each item staff receive, when items are replaced, and what happens when someone leaves. A short policy avoids awkward conversations later.
Budget realistically
Polos start from $18 each at 20 pieces, and per-piece prices fall at 50, 100 and 250. Multiply by staff and items, add a buffer, and check the calculator for totals in pounds. For tax treatment of uniforms, speak to your accountant.
Plan reorders
Order once for the year where you can, with spares in common sizes. Our standard uniform colours are easy to repeat. A custom-dyed brand colour needs a lab dip and a higher minimum.
Use it for marketing, too
Team photos in matching kit on your website and LinkedIn make a small firm look established. Wear it to networking events and trade shows.
Common mistakes
- Ordering too many different garments in year one.
- Choosing a trendy colour that dates quickly.
- Forgetting ladies' fits.
- Not keeping spares for new starters.
- Letting different people order from different suppliers.
Keep one person responsible for ordering, one supplier, and one spec sheet.
Growing into a bigger range
As the firm grows, add items only when there's a clear need: a gilet for site visits, a heavier jacket for winter, tees for an event team. Each new item should follow the same brand standard, so the range grows without looking patched together.
Clothing for trade shows and client events
A consistent look at events makes a small firm look bigger. Matching polos or quarter zips on an exhibition stand, with a clear logo, help visitors identify the team and remember the business.
Choosing a supplier
Look for low minimums, clear pricing, samples and consistent reorders. Our minimum is 20 per design with sizes mixed.
Tax treatment
Branded uniforms can be treated differently from ordinary clothing for tax. Ask your accountant how to record corporate clothing.
Next steps
See corporate uniforms, polo shirts and jackets and outerwear. Minimum 20 per design, sizes mixed, 10 to 15 working days after artwork approval.
