Custom Work Shirts & Uniforms: The Complete Buyer’s Guide for Businesses

A matching custom uniform builds instant trust with your customers and turns every job into a branding opportunity. But as a business owner, you shouldn’t have to guess which fabric or fit will actually hold up and look good in the field.

Whether you’re outfitting a restaurant crew, a sales team headed to a trade show, or contractors making house calls, the right work shirts make a real difference in how people perceive your business.

At Custom Ink, we’ve helped thousands of businesses find the perfect custom workwear and uniforms over the years. What we’ve learned is that there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. A landscaping crew working in summer heat needs something completely different from a tech company’s customer service team. This guide walks you through everything you need to know to make the right choice for your business.

In This Article

• Why Custom Work Shirts Matter for Your Business
• Choosing the Right Work Shirt Style for Your Industry
• Embroidery vs. Screen Printing: Which Is Right for Work Shirts?
• How to Order Custom Work Shirts for Your Team
• Frequently Asked Questions

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Why Custom Work Shirts Matter for Your Business

Custom work shirts create instant brand recognition every time an employee interacts with a customer or walks through a job site. When a plumber shows up at someone’s home wearing a clean, logo-branded polo, that homeowner feels reassured they called a legitimate, established business.

Research from Suffolk University’s Sawyer Business School found that branded uniforms outperform other advertising methods by nine-to-one in generating positive brand perceptions. And, according to PPAI research, nearly 65% of U.S. adults said uniformed employees give them a positive perception of a company.

The numbers from our own customers tell a similar story. In Custom Ink’s 2026 trends survey, we asked business buyers what outcomes they want custom swag to help them achieve. The results were clear: 74% said team unity and belonging, 66% said appreciation, and 58% said professionalism. Work shirts check all three boxes.

The Business Case for Branded Uniforms

Beyond customer perception, branded work shirts create team unity. We’ve seen this pattern thousands of times: when employees receive quality branded apparel on their first day, they immediately feel like part of the team. That sense of belonging matters for retention, especially in industries with high turnover.

Our survey data backs this up. When we asked buyers what makes a swag investment successful, 67% said success means “seeing people using or wearing it voluntarily.” If your employees are excited to wear their work shirts, you’ve made a smart investment. If those shirts end up stuffed in a drawer, you’ve wasted your budget.

That’s why quality matters so much. In our survey, 44% of buyers said longevity and quality is the most important feature when choosing promotional products. For work shirts that employees wear every day, investing in comfortable, durable options pays dividends in how often they actually get worn.

Learn more about how branded apparel drives business growth through strategic use of custom clothing.

“Our workers were so excited they came to work the next day in the shirts and raved about how comfortable they are.”

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Featured Products from This Story

Hanes Sport Cool Dri Performance Shirt

• Moisture-wicking fabric keeps workers cool
• UPF 50 sun protection for outdoor crews
• Durable construction for repeated washing

Design Templates to Get You Started

Choosing the Right Work Shirt Style for Your Industry

The best work shirt for your team depends entirely on what they do and where they do it. We offer embroidered work shirts from industrial workwear brands like Dickies, Red Kap, and Carhartt in styles ranging from classic button-up work shirts with pockets to moisture-wicking performance polos. The key is matching the shirt to the job requirements.

Why Fabric Technology Matters More Than Ever

When we surveyed business buyers about employee uniforms, 65% rated “Smart Fabric” technology like moisture-wicking, wrinkle-free, and spandex blends as “extremely important” (24%) or “very important” (41%). Only 2% said fabric technology doesn’t matter at all.

This makes sense when you consider that employees often wear these shirts for 8+ hours a day. A shirt that keeps them cool and comfortable directly affects their productivity and attitude. Performance fabrics also dry quickly after washing, which matters when employees need fresh shirts ready to go every day.

What Business Buyers Prioritize in Uniforms

In our survey asking which swag category buyers would prioritize with limited budget, t-shirts came in first at 31%, followed by non-t-shirt apparel like hoodies and sweatpants at 26%. Together, apparel accounts for 57% of priority spending, making it clear that clothing remains the foundation of most business uniform programs.

Performance Polos for Active Roles

For teams that spend time on their feet, moving around, or working in warm environments, performance polos with moisture-wicking technology make a significant difference in comfort. The fabric pulls sweat away from the body, helping employees stay cool and professional-looking even during physically demanding work. These work especially well for hospitality staff, event crews, trade show teams, and field service technicians.

In 2025, our AllPro Interlock UPF 50 Performance Shirt was our top-selling new product and highest volume athletic item. Whether it was for a charity 5K or a landscaping team facing the summer heat, customers loved the combination of moisture-wicking technology and sun protection in this t-shirt.

Traditional Cotton Polos for Office and Retail

For customer-facing roles in climate-controlled environments, traditional cotton polo shirts deliver the classic professional look that customers expect. The Port Authority Silk Touch Polo has been a business staple for years because it looks polished, feels comfortable, and embroiders beautifully. These work well for retail staff, office reception, real estate agents, and any role where appearance matters more than athletic performance.

Quarter-Zips: The Fastest Growing Category

According to our 2025 sales data, quarter-zips were the fastest growing outerwear category. They’ve become the defining look of “business casual but ready for anything,” polished enough for client meetings yet comfortable enough for the commute. For businesses looking to outfit teams with versatile layering pieces, quarter-zips offer excellent value.

Industrial Work Shirts for Trades and Construction

For construction, landscaping, automotive, and other hands-on trades, you need shirts built to handle real work. Dickies and Red Kap work shirts feature reinforced construction, stain-resistant fabrics, and practical details like chest pockets and pen slots. Darker colors like navy, charcoal, and black hide dirt, grease, and stains better, keeping your team looking professional throughout the workday.

When we asked buyers about color preferences for 2026, professional neutrals (black, white, gray, and navy) came out on top at 32%. This tracks with what we see in work uniform orders, where darker colors dominate because they’re practical for messy work environments.

“We were so excited about the shirts and the pictures came out GREAT! We have received so much positive feedback. It’s been great for our business. I am definitely going to continue our relationship with Custom Ink because the quality is great and they are so attentive to us. It’s so refreshing, because so many other companies just leave you hanging, but I never have to wonder what’s going on with my order at Custom Ink. I am definitely pleased with the service and will continue to be a customer!” — Michael Poremski Plumbing & Heating Co.

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Featured Products from This Story

Gildan Ultra Cotton Pocket T-Shirt

• Sizes small to 5XL
• 100% USA cotton
• Modern fit that employees love wearing

Design Templates for Service Businesses

Embroidery vs. Screen Printing: Which Is Right for Work Shirts?

The decoration method you choose affects how your logo looks, how long it lasts, and how much you’ll pay. Both embroidery and screen printing produce professional results, but they serve different purposes. See here for an in-depth comparison of apparel printing methods.

When to Choose Embroidery

Embroidery creates a premium, textured look that communicates quality. Thread stitched directly into the fabric holds up exceptionally well to repeated washing and daily wear, making it the go-to choice for work uniforms that employees wear every day. Embroidered logos maintain their appearance for years, even on uniforms that get washed weekly.

Embroidery works especially well on polo shirts, button-downs, and outerwear. The left chest placement has become the standard for professional uniforms because it’s subtle, tasteful, and instantly recognizable.

Best for: Daily-wear uniforms, polos, button-downs, outerwear, and any situation where longevity matters.

When to Choose Screen Printing

Screen printing delivers vibrant colors and can reproduce complex designs with photographic detail. For larger logos, full-back prints, or designs with many colors, screen printing typically costs less per shirt than embroidery. The decoration lays flat against the fabric, which some people prefer for comfort.

Screen printing shines for event staff shirts, trade show giveaways, and promotional apparel where you need a bold visual impact. It’s also the better choice for very large orders where cost efficiency becomes critical.

Best for: Large logos, colorful designs, event staff shirts, promotional giveaways, and high-volume orders.

Avoiding Common Mistakes on Work Wear

In our survey, buyers shared their biggest swag-related fears:

• 38% fear overspending on swag that won’t generate excitement
• 24% worry sizes won’t fit right or be comfortable
• 23% fear swag will be considered “cheap”

For work shirts, these translate to practical advice:

• Don’t go too cheap. A $6 synthetic cotton shirt that feels uncomfortable won’t get worn. Employees will notice the quality difference, and so will customers.
• Get sizing right. Collect actual measurements rather than asking people to guess. Our Group Orders feature lets each team member select their own size.
• Order samples first. Before committing to a bulk order, get samples to verify fit, fabric, and print quality.

The Case for Subtle Branding

Here’s something many businesses get wrong: only 23% of employees said they want large, prominent corporate branding on their apparel. The vast majority prefer subtle, understated logos. This is especially true for work shirts that employees wear all day, every day.

A small embroidered logo on the left chest looks professional without making employees feel like walking billboards. It also means they’re more likely to wear the shirts outside of work hours, extending your brand reach.

“I ordered these shirts for our new team at my job. We all got lots of compliments on them throughout the day and they were great and very comfortable to wear. We came together as a team and it was a great experience overall!”

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Featured Products from This Story

Port Authority Silk Touch Performance Polo

• Moisture-wicking performance fabric
• Snag-resistant for durability
• Available in men’s and women’s cuts

Port Authority Women’s Silk Touch Polo

• Feminine fit and silhouette
• Silky soft polyester blend
• Coordinates with men’s styles for unified look

How to Order Custom Work Shirts for Your Team

Getting custom work shirts for your team is straightforward, but a little planning goes a long way. Here’s what we recommend based on our experience helping thousands of businesses through this process.

Step 1: Choose Your Shirt Style

Start by thinking about what your team actually does. Visit our business apparel collection to browse options. Consider factors like work environment (indoor vs. outdoor), physical demands, customer interaction level, and company culture.

If budget allows, consider offering choices. Our survey found that athleisure and comfort-focused options are trending strongly, with employees appreciating options like v-necks and fitted cuts alongside traditional unisex styles. Giving people a few options within a coordinated color scheme can increase how often they actually wear the shirts.

Step 2: Upload Your Logo or Create a Design

Open the Design Lab and upload your company logo. If you don’t have one, our library of design templates can help you create a professional look. You can also add employee names and numbers if needed, which many service companies use to create accountability and personal connection with customers.

Pro tip on personalization: Our survey found that 81% of employees value a gift more when it includes their name, a message, or another personal touch. Adding individual names to work shirts can make employees feel more invested in wearing them.

Step 3: Collect Sizes from Your Team

This is often the trickiest part of ordering for a group. Remember, 24% of buyers cite sizing as their biggest fear when ordering custom apparel. We recommend gathering actual measurements rather than asking people to guess their sizes. For large teams or distributed workforces, our Group Orders feature lets each team member select their own size and pay separately if needed.

Pro tip: Consider ordering samples before your full order. This lets key team members try on actual shirts to verify fit and quality before you commit to the full quantity.

Step 4: Review and Place Your Order

Our design experts review every order for free before it goes to production. They’ll check that your logo is sized correctly, recommend any adjustments for best results, and send you a digital proof to approve. Orders ship free with standard delivery, typically arriving within two weeks. Rush options are available if you need them sooner.

“This is the crew at a small family owned TexMex Restaurant in Keller, Texas. Not only did the crew love the shirts, but customers are now asking to buy them also!!! Our experience with Custom Ink has been exceptional!!”

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Design Templates for Restaurants and Hospitality

Whatever your industry, custom work shirts help establish your brand, unify your team, and create a professional impression. Explore our full range of custom apparel options to find the perfect fit for your business, and for a broader look at all custom apparel options beyond work shirts, explore our complete guide to custom apparel.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Where can I order custom work shirts with my logo?

We make it easy to create professional custom work shirts with your company logo. Simply choose your shirt style from our workwear collection, upload your logo in our Design Lab, and we’ll handle the rest. Our design experts provide free artwork review on every order.

Q: How much do custom work shirts cost?

Custom work shirt pricing depends on the shirt style, decoration method, and quantity. Basic screen printed t-shirts start around $8-12 per shirt for larger orders, while embroidered polos typically run $15-$30 per shirt depending on the brand. Bulk orders receive automatic volume discounts, and all prices include free shipping.

Q: How far in advance should I order custom work shirts?

Standard orders arrive at your door within 2 weeks with free shipping. Rush options are available for an additional charge if you need shirts sooner. For very large orders or complex projects, we recommend reaching out to our team early to discuss timeline options. View delivery options.

Q: Can I order just a few custom work shirts, or do I need a large minimum?

Many of our work shirts have low or no minimums, so you can order just one or as many as you need. This works well for small businesses just getting started with branded uniforms or companies that need to add individual shirts as they hire.

Q: Is embroidery or screen printing better for work uniforms?

For daily-wear work uniforms, embroidery typically holds up better over time and looks more professional. Screen printing works well for larger designs, event staff shirts, or when budget is the primary concern. Our team can help you choose the best option for your specific situation.

Q: Can each employee select their own size and shipping address?

Yes! Our Group Orders feature lets each team member select their size and enter their shipping address. You can even allow individuals to pay separately if needed. This is especially helpful for distributed teams or remote workforces.

Q: Can I add employee names to work shirts?

Absolutely. Many service companies add employee names to work shirts because it creates accountability when technicians work in customers’ homes, builds personal connection with clients, and makes your crew easily identifiable. Our names and numbers feature makes this easy.

Q: Can I get help designing custom work shirts for my company?

Our team of Inkers is available to help you create the perfect design. You can use the Design Lab’s templates and clipart, upload your own logo, or contact our team for personalized guidance. Every order includes free design review.

Q: What shirt colors work best for work environments?

It depends on your trade. Darker colors like navy, charcoal, and black hide dirt, grease, and stains better for automotive, mechanical, and industrial work. Lighter colors like white and light blue work well for office environments and customer service roles. Many companies use different shirt colors to distinguish between departments or roles.

Q: Are bulk discounts available for custom work shirts?

Yes. Bulk orders automatically trigger tiered pricing, resulting in significantly lower per-item costs. You can see exact pricing by adjusting the quantity in your cart. For very large orders, our business team can provide custom quotes.

Q: How do I care for my custom work shirts?

Once you receive your custom work shirts, proper care ensures they last for years. Learn here how to care for custom work shirts to maintain vibrant colors and prevent decoration damage through washing and storage.