Have you ordered uniforms for your team, and you’re so excited, but when they are delivered, you realise they didn’t turn out the way you expected? Maybe they don’t fit well, or the fabric just isn’t as comfortable as promised. Or they look very different to the pictures on the website! It happens more often than you think, and these mistakes can be very costly and leave your staff feeling unhappy and unmotivated to wear the new branding. The good news is most of these problems can be avoided with a little planning.
Let us run you through some of the common mistakes and highlight what to look out for so you can make smarter choices.
Here are seven common uniform mistakes and how you can avoid them:
1. The Ill-Fitting Disaster
A uniform that’s too tight, too loose, or just poorly fitted can make you feel uncomfortable and self-conscious. Worse, it can make your team look unprofessional. Tight uniforms may restrict movement, while baggy ones can appear sloppy and untidy. Imagine your staff constantly adjusting their clothing during a shift—it’s distracting and uncomfortable.
The solution? Focus on offering a range of sizes and cuts to accommodate different body types. Consider tailored options and adjustable features like elastic waistbands or side tabs for added flexibility. Another step up from this is taking the time to order a fit sample, so you can try them on before you place your order, or follow a measurement guide. Remember not all brands and products follow the same size guidelines. And if your uniform is branded, it’s likely you can’t return it.
2. Fabric Fails
Cheap, low-quality fabrics can be a disaster. They fade, shrink, and wrinkle easily, leaving uniforms looking messy and worn out. It may seem attractive at the save money, but often you spend more in the long run re-ordering uniforms due to poor fabric. Plus, uncomfortable materials can irritate the skin, making wearing them for long working days difficult to manage. Employees working in hot environments may find non-breathable fabrics unbearable, and those in active roles may feel restricted in stiff, uncomfortable fabric. Another issue with poor-quality fabrics is the tendency for garments to lose shape. After a few washes, you might find that your once-smart garment is stretched, faded, or worn out.
The solution? Choose fabrics that are durable and breathable. Materials like cotton or cotton blends, polyester mixes, or performance fabrics are great options. Ask yourself: Will this fabric hold up after multiple washes? Is it comfortable enough for a full day of work? Investing in high-quality fabrics may cost more upfront, but it pays off in the long run with uniforms that stay fresh and polished for longer.
3. Colour Clashes and Brand Confusion 
Choosing colours that don’t match your brand or clash with your workplace can confuse customers and weaken your company’s brand image. For example, bright orange may grab attention in retail but might feel too bold for your brand. Colour choices should reflect your brand’s personalityand at the same time be practical for the work environment.
The solution? Start by identifying your brand’s key colours and finding shades that complement them. Neutral tones like navy, charcoal, or beige make great base colours because they’re professional and easy to pair with accent colours. For example, adding a red scarf or green apron can subtly reinforce your brand without being overwhelming. Remember to think about practicality, too light colours can stain easily, while darker tones can help hide marks during busy shifts. Getting the colour balance right will help your team look polished while staying true to your brand identity.
4. The Over-complicated Design
We’ve seen it so many times – too many layers, unnecessary details, or impractical styles can make uniforms frustrating to wear. Following the current fashion trends is not always the most suitable option for work uniforms.
Imagine employees constantly adjusting bulky layers, fussing with awkward buttons, or struggling with stiff collars. This is uncomfortable, can also slow staff down and affect their performance. Uniforms should be designed to support staff as they move, lift, or bend during their tasks—not be restrictive.
The solution? Focus on keeping things simple and functional. Add some fashion touches but keep the overall look and feel classic. Designs that are easy to move in and include thoughtful features like pockets, zippers for quick changes, and breathable panels for comfort are a smarter choice. Practical designs make it easier for staff to get their work done without feeling restricted or uncomfortable. It’s possible to achieve style and functionality in one look!
5. Logo and Branding Mistakes
A poorly designed logo or bad placement on the garment can tarnish the look of your uniform. If the logo is too big, it can overpower the entire outfit. If it’s too small, it may go unnoticed. And watch out for logos that are poorly embroidered or printed. Stitching can come undone and printing can fade or peel, if not done by a professional.
The solution? Go for subtle yet clear branding. The left chest is a popular spot because it’s easy to see without being too bold. Depending on your industry, you can place logos on sleeves, back panels, or aprons. The number one thing is to choose high-quality embroidery or printing methods to ensure your logo looks sharp and coloured correctly and is durable.
6. Ignoring the Seasons
Expecting employees to wear the same uniform all year round can lead to discomfort—and unhappy staff. It may feel like a time and money saver, but an impractical uniform often leads to people slowly ditching the uniform and wearing their own un-branded clothing. Thick, heavier fabrics may be a great option for winter months, but with a transition to summer, keeping these thicker layers will be unpleasant in summer. And light materials transition to winter simply won’t work for colder months.
The solution? Provide layers and offer seasonal options. Keep a base uniform and then add layers. What works best for your team during warmer months? Breathable fabrics like cotton or moisture-wicking materials can help staff stay cool. For winter, keep the base garments but add a cardigan, fleece jacket, or insulated vest. Offering seasonal options keeps employees comfortable and it also keeps your uniforms looking fresh as you move through the season.
7. One-Size-Fits-All Thinking
Assuming one uniform style works for everyone is a common mistake we see. Different body shapes, job roles, and comfort levels should all be considered. A one-size-fits-all approach can leave some staff feeling self-conscious or uncomfortable.
The solution? Consider offering tailored fits or mix-and-match options. Providing variations in pants styles, shirt cuts, or outerwear can help employees feel more confident in their uniform. Don’t forget to gather feedback, asking your team what works for them can help you make better choices that improve both comfort and style.
