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How to Get Better Value From Printed Uniforms
Start with how many uniforms your team will use and how often you'll replace them. The best value comes from a garment and print that suit the job, an order that covers the sizes you need, and a plan for top-ups. Use those details to compare the full cost of each quote.
- Page Contents
- Count the Uniforms You Plan to Issue
- Compare Total Cost and Cost Per Shirt Issued
- Check What Changes the Printing Cost
- Test the Garment and Print Before Buying
- Plan for Reorders and Artwork Changes
- Choose a Bundle or Ask for a Quote
Count the Uniforms You Plan to Issue
Start with the number of people in each role and the shirts they need between washes. Add confirmed new starters and a reserve in the sizes you regularly use. Check existing stock and subtract the garments you can still issue. Where roles use different garments or logos, put them on separate lines so the supplier can price each requirement.
Use the size chart for the chosen style and ask staff to try samples where fit is uncertain. Our T-shirt quantity and sizing guide explains how to turn the headcount into a size breakdown. If you're still choosing the shirt, start with our bulk custom T-shirt buying guide.
Compare Total Cost and Cost Per Shirt Issued
Ask each supplier for the total for the same garment, print positions, quantities and delivery requirements. Check which charges are included for decoration, setup, samples and delivery. Keep both quotes on the same VAT basis. If you expect to place top-up orders, compare the initial order and the likely cost of those top-ups over the same period.
For example, a team of 40 needs three shirts per person and expects to issue 120 shirts this quarter. These figures are illustrative and use the same print specification and delivery terms, with VAT excluded.
| Quote | Order total | Shirts issued this quarter | Cost per shirt issued this quarter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 120 shirts at £5.00 each | £600.00 | 120 | £5.00 |
| 150 shirts at £4.50 each | £675.00 | 120 | £5.63 |
The 150-shirt quote costs £75 more up front and puts 30 shirts into stock. If you expect to use those spares, compare £675 with the £600 order plus the cost of obtaining the same spares later. Use likely demand by size and the cost of another delivery in that decision. Our bulk T-shirt pricing guide explains how to compare different quantities for the same design.
Check What Changes the Printing Cost
Choose the logo positions your staff need. A chest logo may be enough for a shop or service team. A back print can help identify a crew from further away. If you need both, ask for the total with each position priced so you can see how it affects the order.
For screen printing, the number of ink colours, print positions and artwork versions can change the setup. Give the printer the quantity for each design. Ask for a quote on a one-colour version if it suits your logo and the job, and compare the cost of keeping the full-colour design. Our guide to specifying screen-printed workwear covers what to give the printer for that comparison.
Test the Garment and Print Before Buying
Ask staff in the roles that will wear the uniform to try the garment and check it during the movements they make at work. Consider how the fabric and print will cope with the usual wash and dry cycle. A smooth T-shirt, textured polo and fleece can each need a different decoration approach. Check the chosen style and logo together before committing to the whole order.
Use a Free Digital Sample to review the logo size and position. Ask about a printed physical sample if you need to check the finish, feel or wash performance. Our T-shirt print durability guide sets out what to check after washing. If you are ordering polos or layers alongside the shirts, our print or embroidery guide for uniforms helps you choose a method for each garment.
Plan for Reorders and Artwork Changes
Use an approved logo that will serve the uniform through its planned issue period. If you need campaign wording or an event date, put that design on the shirts needed for the campaign and keep a separate stock count. That lets you order day-to-day uniforms in the sizes you need throughout the year.
Save the garment code, colour, print dimensions and approved artwork with the order reference. Track which sizes you issue and which are likely to run short. Our staff T-shirt reorder guide shows how to plan top-ups for replacements and new starters.
Choose a Bundle or Ask for a Quote
Once you have your garment and quantities, compare printed T-shirts in bulk by total cost and included print. For an order of 500 lightweight shirts with the same one-colour design in one position, the 500-shirt screen-print bundle gives you a specific option to price. Check the garment, size mix and any extra print requirements before you order.
If you're buying across several roles or garment types, send us the size breakdown, logo, print positions and delivery date. We can quote for the quantities you plan to issue and help you compare the options for top-up stock.
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