How to Order Bulk Branded Workwear for Your UK Workforce: An Expert Guide with Real Case Studies

Ordering bulk branded workwear shouldn’t be stressful - yet for many UK businesses, it’s one of the most frustrating tasks on the to-do list. From choosing the right garments to nailing the correct sizes and making sure the branding looks professional, there are plenty of pitfalls that can cost time, money, and morale.

At Color Coded Workwear, we’ve spent years helping companies of all sizes - from independent cafés to global manufacturers - get this process right. And after thousands of garments, hundreds of businesses, and countless success stories, we’ve learned exactly what makes a bulk workwear order run smoothly.

This guide walks you through the process step-by-step, with practical advice, industry-specific tips, and real stories from the field.

Why Bulk Branded Workwear Matters More Than People Think

A uniform isn't “just a uniform.”

It touches brand identity, professionalism, staff morale, and first impressions. Whether it’s a team of chefs in a busy kitchen, estate agents dealing with clients all day, or construction workers outdoors in extreme weather - the right uniform affects comfort, confidence, and performance.

But the truth is…

The number one mistake UK businesses make when ordering bulk workwear is getting the sizing wrong.

Sizing errors lead to:

• wasted garments

• delays

• unnecessary costs

• inconsistent colour runs

• frustrated staff

And the worst part? It’s avoidable.

We’ll cover how to get sizing right shortly - but first, here’s how the process works from a supplier’s perspective.

Start with the Right Information (Industry, Staff Roles, Environment)

Before choosing products or branding methods, a good supplier will ask questions such as:

• What industry are you in?

• What environment do staff work in?

• What’s your colour scheme?

• Do you need male, female, or unisex fits?

• Do your staff work indoors, outdoors, or both?

• How important is comfort, heat regulation, durability, or smart appearance?

A poor supplier skips this step.

A great supplier listens first - then advises.

Here’s how the right advice varies by industry:

Hospitality: Heat, Movement & Being “Front of House Ready”

Chefs, waiters, waitresses, and bar staff all work in intense heat and under pressure. Their uniforms must be:

• breathable

• moisture-wicking

• smart enough for customer-facing roles

• shape-retaining even during long shifts

A cheap polycotton shirt won’t cut it. This is where the right fabric choices matter.

View Branded Workwear for the Hospitality Industry >>

Construction: Tough, Weather-Resistant & Built to Last

Construction workers face:

• cold weather

• rain

• mud

• intense physical movement

• a wide range of body sizes

Durability and comfort are key. Cargo trousers must handle wear and tear. Fleeces and outerwear must keep workers warm without restricting movement. And sizing must be accurate, because a badly sized garment on a building site becomes a safety issue.

This is where expert guidance makes a difference.

Learn more about Construction Worker Essentials 2026 >>

Estate Agents: Consistency Across Multiple Branches

Estate agencies - especially franchises - often need strict brand consistency across many locations. That can mean:

• specific colours

• matching fits

• coordinated rollouts

• one branch ordering on behalf of others

A good supplier handles:

• colour consistency

• logo clarity

• multi-location deliveries

• reorders for new staff or new branches

Read more about Branded Workwear for Estate Agents >>

Events Teams: Fast Turnaround & High Quantities

For events, the branding method matters. T-shirts for a one-day event don’t need embroidery - printing is often more cost-effective and more suitable.

Again, a supplier should guide you, not just process your request blindly.

Read the blog 'Embroidered vs Printed Logos'>>

Master the Most Important Element - Sizing

If there’s one thing to take from this guide, it’s this:

Sizing is the single biggest factor in a successful bulk workwear order.

Get it wrong and you're paying twice.

Why sizing is tricky:

• Different brands use different measurements

• Colour availability varies by size

• Extended sizes (XXS–8XL) often only exist in core colours like black, navy, heather grey, and white

• Staff rarely provide correct measurements unless guided

At Color Coded Workwear, we always ask for sizes in inches or centimetres when needed, to ensure accuracy. It saves everyone time, money, and frustration - and it keeps your team looking consistently professional.

Choose the Right Branding Method

Embroidery (Recommended for most uniforms)

• Professional finish

• Durable

• Ideal for polos, jackets, aprons, fleeces

Printing (Ideal for large orders or specific garments)

• Best for event tees

• Great for hi-vis vests

• Cost-effective for high quantities

A trustworthy supplier will tell you when embroidery isn’t suitable - some won’t, because they don’t want to jeopardise the job. We believe honesty is better for everyone long term.

Understand the Bulk Order Process

Here’s how our team handles bulk orders smoothly and professionally:

1. Enquiry – We learn about your industry, needs, challenges, and staff roles.

2. Product Recommendations – We advise based on experience, not guesswork.

3. Narrowing Down Options – Together, we identify the right garments.

4. Quotation – Transparent pricing, including bulk discounts.

5. Invoice & Payment – Once approved.

6. Mock-Ups – We provide artwork proofs for approval.

7. Production Schedule – Typically 14 working days from artwork approval (varies based on complexity).

8. Delivery – Usually via DPD for reliable time slots and updates.

Communication is constant throughout - because not knowing is worse than any delay.

Take Advantage of Bulk Discounts

Our discount structure rewards businesses at every level:

• 5+ units: 8% off

• 15+ units: 12% off

• 25+ units: 20% off

• 100+ units: Custom bulk pricing

For example, our Russell 566M polo:

• Single unit: £19.76 ex VAT 

• At 25+ units (20% off): £15.81 ex VAT

One major competitor requires 5000+ garments just to match that price - and even then their unit cost is still £2.33 higher than ours.

Bulk ordering doesn’t just give consistency - it gives serious savings.

Prices provided correct as of 02/12/2025.

Case Study 1: Turning a Sceptical Bar & Restaurant Owner into a Believer

Quite a few years ago, we approached a popular bar and restaurant where staff were wearing mismatched, non-branded shirts. First impressions mattered, and the mix of different whites, fits, and fabrics wasn’t doing the brand justice.

The owner didn’t believe in uniforms. He thought polos looked scruffy and faded easily.

So we brought him the Russell 566 polo - the same polo one of us had worn for nearly six years and still looked great. He couldn’t believe the quality.

We suggested:

• modern, fitted polos

• consistent branding

• colours that matched the venue’s theme

• comfortable garments for young staff working long shifts

Once he tried the polo on, everything changed.

The order was placed. Staff loved their new uniforms. Customers noticed the difference. Morale AND brand image increased dramatically.

Sometimes, all it takes is the right garment presented at the right time.

Learn how to save - Uniform Tax Reclaims and VAT Returns>>

Case Study 2: How a Global Manufacturer Switched to Color Coded - and Expanded to Germany & China

This story highlights exactly why choosing the right supplier matters.

A local contact introduced us to an employee responsible for uniforms for a major global manufacturer. Their current supplier had become arrogant - assuming they’d never lose the contract - and was massively overcharging.

We offered:

• honest advice

• high-quality garments

• fair pricing

• products aligned with their brand colours

• male and female fit options

We started with a small order for around 20 UK employees.

They were delighted.

Next came an order for their team in Germany.

Then another for their team in China, including:

• branded uniforms

• cargo trousers

• hard hats

• gloves

• hi-vis vests

• jackets

Global or not, they appreciated the same things all good clients do:

• honesty

• fairness

• good products

• reliable service

Arrogant suppliers lose customers. Ethical suppliers retain them and grow with them.

Why Choosing the Right Supplier Makes All the Difference

Here’s what makes the Color Coded Workwear approach work:

✔ We listen first

Most people responsible for ordering uniforms don’t want the job - it’s stressful and complicated. We simplify it by asking the right questions.

✔ We advise based on real experience

Not all garments suit all industries. Many suppliers don’t correct bad choices. We do, even if it means steering a customer away from something they initially asked for.

✔ We’re honest about timelines

Production is production. But communication prevents frustration.

✔ We ensure consistent quality

Management personally checks branding during production.

✔ We’re competitive and transparent

Our website shows clear pricing. Bulk orders bring greater savings. No hidden extras. No inflated costs.

✔ We deliver reliably

DPD handles our deliveries, providing time slots and consistent updates.

Final Tips for Ordering Bulk Branded Workwear

If you take nothing else from this guide, remember the following:

1. Get your sizes right - including extended sizes.

Measure properly. Ask staff for accurate data. Don’t guess.

2. Choose garments suitable for your industry.

A good supplier will guide you.

3. Know when to embroider and when to print.

4. Order in bulk to maximise savings and consistency.

5. Work with a supplier who listens, advises, and genuinely cares.

It makes all the difference - as you’ve seen from the case studies.

Ready to Order Bulk Branded Workwear?

If you want:

• expert guidance

• competitive pricing

• reliable turnaround

• a team who cares as much about your brand as you do

Then ColorCodedWorkwear.com is ready to help.

🏷️ View prices & discounts: www.colorcodedworkwear.com
📦 Fast, tracked UK delivery
🎨 Free mock-ups before (online) and after payment
👕 Bulk savings starting from just 5 units

Your team deserves to look great, feel great, and represent your brand with pride.

And we’re here to make that happen - properly, professionally, and with the experience that only comes from years in the industry.

What Branded Workwear do you need?>>

• Branded Polo Shirts
• Hi-Vis Workwear
• Hospitality Uniforms
• Work Jackets & Outerwear
• Aprons & Chefwear

“Why Choosing the Right Supplier Matters”>> Why companies choose Color Coded

“Step-by-Step Process to Ordering Bulk Workwear”>> Embroidery and Printing Options

“Common Mistakes to Avoid” >> Get Expert Advice

“Ready to Order?”>> Shop Workwear Bundles