Why I Refuse To Sell Cheap Branded Workwear
By Chris Ackroyd, Founder of ColorCoded Workwear
"I refuse to promote cheap branded workwear because low-quality garments rarely last, often look unprofessional, and usually cost businesses more in the long run. Investing in better-quality workwear delivers greater value, improves your brand image, and gives your team uniforms they can wear with pride."
One of the most common phone calls we receive starts something like this:
"Hi, I need 20 of the cheapest polos you've got."
If I'm honest, my heart sinks a little.
Not because I don't want the business.
Not because I'm being rude.
Quite the opposite.
After spending over 10 years helping businesses choose branded workwear and uniforms, I've learned something that many suppliers won't tell you:
The cheapest branded workwear often becomes the most expensive branded workwear you'll ever buy.
That's why, at ColorCoded Workwear, we refuse to simply sell "cheap" branded workwear without first helping our customers understand the long-term cost of that decision.
The Myth Of The Cheap Polo
Let's start with an uncomfortable truth.
The "cheap polo" doesn't really exist.
Now, before half the branded workwear industry reaches for their keyboards, hear me out.
When somebody phones us asking for the cheapest polo possible, what they're usually looking for is:
- value for money,
- durability,
- comfort,
- a professional appearance,
- and a product that won't need replacing in six months' time.
Unfortunately, what many suppliers hear is:
"How cheaply can I sell this customer a polo?"
The reality is that some suppliers make more money selling cheap polos than premium polos.
How?
Because they know you'll probably be back in six months ordering them again.
The polo loses its shape.
The colour fades.
The printed logo starts to crack or peel.
Your staff stop wearing them because they're uncomfortable.
And suddenly, that "cheap" polo doesn't look quite so cheap after all.
Why I Won't Promote Something I Wouldn't Wear Myself
When I first entered the branded workwear industry over 10 years ago, I was told about a polo shirt that was supposedly one of the best-selling "cheap polos" on the market.
I was young (well, late thirties!), enthusiastic and admittedly quite naive.
So I ordered a sample.
Let's just say, when it arrived and I put it on, I knew immediately that this wasn't a product I could ever recommend.
It hung on me like I'd borrowed somebody else's clothes.
The fabric felt uncomfortable.
The fit was terrible.
And I remember thinking:
"If I don't want to wear this, why would I expect my customers' employees to wear it?"
That day, I made a promise to myself:
I would never recommend a product to a customer that I wouldn't be happy wearing myself.
That philosophy has stayed with me for over 10 years.
It doesn't mean every product on the market is bad. It simply means that if a customer asks for my honest recommendation, I'm only ever going to suggest products that I genuinely believe offer the best combination of quality, comfort, durability and value over time.
The Russell Polo That Changed Everything
Around that time, a friend of mine who also worked in the branded workwear industry called me.
He said:
"Chris, I've found a polo shirt that I honestly believe is as good as, if not better than, some of the well-known fashion brands."
I was intrigued.
The polo he recommended was the Russell 566M Stretch Polo.
"I've worn that polo ever since, branded for work, and non-branded in my personal life."
In fact, I still wear the very first Russell polo I bought in late 2016 with the original 'Color Coded' logo embroidered to the front.
Yes, really.
Over ten years later, it has:
- been washed hundreds of times,
- been worn to networking events,
- been worn to customer meetings,
- travelled across the UK and now Spain,
- survived business ownership, marriage and children.
And yet:
- it still fits,
- it still holds its shape,
- the embroidered logo is still clearly recognisable,
- and I still proudly wear it today.
People often look at it and say:
"That polo must have cost a fortune."
Then I tell them what it actually cost.
And they're usually gobsmacked.
Because what they realise is exactly what I've spent the last decade trying to explain:
Quality isn't expensive when you spread the cost over time.
The Proof Is Hanging In My Wardrobe
Chris Ackroyd wearing his original Russell 566M Stretch Polo on 17th January 2017 — a polo he still wears today.
Why I Prefer Embroidery Over Print
This is another question I'm asked regularly.
And before I say anything else, let me be clear:
Print technology today is fantastic.
It has come a very long way since I first entered the industry.
There is absolutely a place for printed branding.
For example:
- promotional t-shirts,
- event wear,
- short-term campaigns,
- hi-vis vests and safety wear
- temporary staff clothing.
But if you're investing in uniforms that your employees are going to wear every day, year after year, my recommendation is almost always the same:
Why?
Because embroidery:
- looks more professional,
- lasts longer,
- gives a premium appearance,
- withstands repeated washing,
- and helps employees feel proud of what they're wearing.
An embroidered logo often outlasts the garment itself.
And that's exactly how it should be.
What Frustrates Me About The Branded Workwear Industry
After more than 10 years in this industry, I've seen a lot.
And if I'm honest, a few things frustrate me.
I see businesses competing solely on price.
I see businesses being sold products because they're cheap, not because they're the right product for the customer.
I see suppliers telling customers exactly what they want to hear, rather than what they need to hear.
I see businesses being sold uniforms that nobody actually wants to wear.
And then I drive past those same companies a year or two later and they're gone.
Because building a business on selling the cheapest product rarely creates long-term success.
At ColorCoded Workwear, we don't believe price should be the deciding factor when buying uniforms.
After all, your employees will spend more waking hours wearing their work uniform than many of the clothes they own personally.
So why would you expect them to wear something uncomfortable, poorly fitting or cheap?
My Job Isn't To Sell Polos
This might sound strange coming from somebody who owns a branded workwear company.
But I don't believe my job is to sell polos.
I believe my job is to:
Help businesses invest wisely in branded workwear so they save money, look professional and build a stronger brand.
Sometimes that means recommending a premium product.
Sometimes it means recommending embroidery.
Sometimes it means recommending print.
And sometimes it means telling a customer that what they're asking for isn't actually the best solution.
Because I'd rather lose an order by being honest than win one by selling somebody the wrong product.
Why Customers Come Back
The reason our customers return isn't because we're the cheapest.
It's because we're consistent.
We're consistent in:
- our advice,
- our branding quality,
- our product recommendations,
- our customer service,
- and our honesty.
We've had customers stay with us for years because they know what they're getting.
Not just branded workwear.
But advice.
Experience.
Honesty.
And somebody who's prepared to tell them when they're about to make an expensive mistake.
We Don't Always Win The Order - And That's OK
A few weeks ago, somebody contacted us via WhatsApp after receiving an embroidery proof from another supplier.
They weren't happy with the thread colour and wanted an honest opinion.
We could have criticised the other supplier.
We could have tried to undercut them.
Instead, we explained why thread matching can sometimes be difficult, shared our own experience, and offered some advice.
The customer stayed with their existing supplier.
But before they left, they sent us a message saying:
"I'd be happy to bear you guys in mind for future work - I'll reach out to you first."
To me, that's what this business is about.
Not winning every order.
Helping people make the right decision.
So Why Do I Refuse To Sell Cheap Branded Workwear?
Because I've spent over 10 years watching businesses spend twice as much by trying to spend half as much.
I've seen cheap polos lose their shape.
I've seen logos peel.
I've seen colours fade.
I've seen staff refuse to wear uncomfortable uniforms.
And I've seen businesses spend thousands replacing products they should never have bought in the first place.
At ColorCoded Workwear, we're not trying to sell you the cheapest polo.
We're trying to help you buy the right polo and workwear.
Because if I can help you make the right decision today, I hope you'll still be wearing it in ten years' time.
I know I am.
Take the following away with you - 'Branded Workwear is an investment, not a cost!'
Still thinking about buying the cheapest branded workwear?
If you'd like an honest opinion on which garments will provide the best value for your business over the next 5–10 years, get in touch.
I promise I'll tell you the truth, even if it's not what you expected to hear.
Chris Ackroyd
Founder, ColorCoded Workwear
"Helping businesses buy branded workwear that lasts."
Want to know more about the person behind ColorCoded?
Read:
Meet Chris Ackroyd – Founder of ColorCoded Workwear
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do you sell cheap branded workwear?
Yes, we can supply lower-cost branded workwear options if required. However, our role is to help businesses understand the long-term costs of buying purely on price. In many cases, investing slightly more initially can save significant money over the lifetime of the garment.
Why do you recommend premium polos over cheaper alternatives?
After more than 10 years in the branded workwear industry, we've found that higher-quality polos typically:
- last longer,
- retain their shape,
- maintain their colour,
- provide greater comfort,
- and create a more professional image for your business.
The initial investment is often recovered many times over through reduced replacement costs.
Is embroidery always better than print?
Not always.
For promotional clothing, event wear, hi-vis vests and short-term campaigns, print can be an excellent option. However, for daily workwear and uniforms, we generally recommend embroidery due to its durability, professional appearance and long-term value.
Which polo shirt do you personally recommend?
My personal recommendation is the Russell 566M Stretch Polo and the Russell 566F Women's Stretch Polo
I purchased my first Russell 566M in 2016 and still wear it today. For me, it represents everything I look for in branded workwear:
- comfort,
- fit,
- durability,
- and excellent value over time.
Why don't you simply provide the cheapest quote?
Because our experience has taught us that the cheapest option is often the most expensive option in the long run.
Our job isn't simply to provide a price.
Our job is to help businesses invest wisely in branded workwear that their employees will actually want to wear and that will continue to represent their brand professionally for years to come.
Do you provide advice before quoting?
Absolutely.
In fact, this is one of the biggest reasons businesses choose ColorCoded Workwear. We believe that understanding your business, your staff and your branding requirements is just as important as selecting the garment itself.
