Sales & Marketing

How to Outfit Your Construction Crew with Branded Gear That Lasts

Lissa Eckert Posted By Lissa Eckert

Lissa has been helping customers create their perfect custom swag at Custom Ink since 2014 and loves to share her insights, tips, and tricks.


custom workwear

Your crew shows up to job sites every day representing your company. The gear they wear sends a message to clients, neighbors, and anyone driving by: this is a professional operation, or it isn’t.

Custom Ink has helped thousands of contractors, builders, and construction companies outfit their teams with branded workwear that holds up to the demands of the job while making their crews look unified and professional.

The right branded apparel builds team pride, makes your crew easy to identify on busy sites, and turns every job into a mobile endorsement for your business. From durable custom t-shirts to weather-resistant jackets and ANSI-compliant safety vests, we carry the workwear brands your crew already trusts, ready for your logo.

In This Article

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Key Takeaways

  • Durability matters most: Construction workwear needs to withstand daily wear, washing, and tough conditions, so choose brands like Carhartt and Dickies that are built for the job.
  • Layer for all seasons: A complete branded wardrobe includes t-shirts for summer, hoodies and jackets for cold weather, and high-visibility gear for safety compliance.
  • Embroidery outlasts screen printing: For workwear that gets heavy use, embroidered logos hold up better over time and look more professional on polos, jackets, and hats.

Daily Workwear: T-Shirts Built for the Job

A group of construction workers pose while wearing their custom t-shirts.

Construction crews need shirts that can handle sweat, dirt, sun exposure, and repeated trips through the washing machine without falling apart or fading. We’ve learned from years of working with contractors that the fabric and construction quality matter as much as the design. Cheap promotional t-shirts might save money upfront, but they won’t make it through a season of real work.

The best work shirts for construction crews share a few key features:

  • Heavyweight cotton that resists snags and tears
  • Reinforced stitching at stress points
  • Fabrics that maintain their shape and color after dozens of washes
  • A chest pocket for pens, phones, or small tools
  • Moisture-wicking fabrics for crews working in hot weather, to keep them comfortable and focused on the job

We carry the best workwear from brands your crew probably already wears on their own time. Carhartt, Dickies, and CornerStone all offer shirts specifically designed for trade professionals. These aren’t fashion labels pretending to be workwear; they’re built by companies that understand what happens to a shirt on a construction site.

  • Best for summer: Lightweight cotton pocket tees that breathe while offering some sun protection
  • Best for year-round: Midweight cotton blends that work as standalone shirts in mild weather or base layers when it’s cold
  • Pro tip: Order in your company colors when possible, as dark colors like navy, charcoal, and black hide dirt better than light colors
  • Consider long sleeves: Many crews prefer long-sleeve options for sun protection and minor scratch resistance, even in warm weather

Featured Workwear T-Shirts

Carhartt Workwear Crewneck Pocket T-Shirt
Carhartt Workwear Crewneck Pocket T-Shirt
  • 6.75 oz heavyweight cotton
  • Left chest pocket for essentials
  • Side-seamed construction that holds shape
Carhartt Workwear Long Sleeve Pocket T-Shirt
Carhartt Workwear Long Sleeve Pocket T-Shirt
  • Same heavyweight construction as short sleeve
  • Added sun and scratch protection
  • Ribbed cuffs that stay in place
Dickies Lightweight Industrial Work Shirt
Dickies Lightweight Industrial Work Shirt
  • Professional button-up style
  • Stain-release finish
  • Two chest pockets with pencil slot

Design Templates for Construction Companies

Not sure where to start with your design? Our Design Lab includes templates specifically created for contractors and construction companies. You can customize these with your company name, logo, and contact information.

Concrete company t-shirt design templatePaving company t-shirt design templateYour Company logo t-shirt design template

Cold Weather Layering: Jackets and Hoodies

Construction doesn’t stop when the temperature drops. Your crew needs warm layers that allow them to move freely, stay dry, and still look professional. We’ve found that the most practical approach is building a layering system: base layer t-shirts, midweight hoodies or sweatshirts, and an outer layer jacket for wind and rain protection.

Branded hoodies and jackets are often the most visible pieces in your uniform program. They’re what clients see when crews arrive on site, what neighbors notice during a project, and what your workers wear around town after hours. Investing in quality cold-weather gear pays dividends in both durability and professional appearance.

For construction applications, look for jackets with features that support the work: reinforced elbows, multiple pockets for tools and phones, adjustable cuffs and hems to keep out cold air, and water-resistant or water-repellent finishes for wet conditions. Carhartt’s workwear line is particularly popular with our construction customers because the brand already has credibility on job sites.

  • For mild cold: Zip-up hoodies work well as a middle layer and are easy to take on and off throughout the day
  • For serious cold: Insulated jackets with wind and water resistance keep crews working when the weather turns
  • Budget tip: Start with hoodies for your whole crew, then add jackets for foremen and project managers who spend more time meeting with clients
  • Embroidery recommended: For outerwear, embroidered logos hold up better than screen printing and look more professional on textured fabrics

Featured Cold Weather Workwear

Carhartt Midweight Zip Hoodie
Carhartt Midweight Zip Hoodie
  • 10.5 oz midweight cotton blend
  • Attached hood with drawcord
  • Front hand-warmer pockets
Carhartt Water Repellent Flannel Lined Hooded Jacket
Carhartt Water Repellent Flannel Lined Jacket
  • Rain Defender water-repellent finish
  • Flannel lining for warmth
  • Attached three-piece hood
Carhartt Ashland Duck Canvas Hat
Carhartt Ashland Duck Canvas Hat
  • 100% firm hand duck cotton
  • Adjustable back closure
  • Pre-curved visor

Safety Gear: High-Visibility Vests and Apparel

Many job sites require ANSI-compliant high-visibility gear, especially for road work, infrastructure projects, and sites with heavy equipment traffic. Beyond meeting regulations, branded safety vests make your crew instantly identifiable and reinforce your company’s commitment to safety protocols.

We carry safety vests in multiple ANSI classes to meet different workplace requirements. Class 2 vests provide visibility for workers in areas with traffic speeds up to 50 mph, while Class 3 vests offer maximum visibility for high-risk environments. Both can be customized with your company logo, typically through screen printing or heat transfer on the back panel.

When ordering safety vests, consider how they’ll be worn. Crews who wear vests over heavy jackets need larger sizes to maintain comfort and proper fit. Mesh vests work better in warm weather because they allow airflow, while solid fabric vests provide more warmth in cooler conditions. Multiple pockets are useful for crews who need to carry radios, measuring tools, or paperwork.

  • For most construction sites: Class 2 vests meet typical requirements while remaining comfortable for all-day wear
  • For roadwork and high-traffic areas: Class 3 vests with reflective striping on sleeves and legs provide maximum visibility
  • Fit tip: Order one size larger than normal if vests will be worn over bulky clothing
  • Logo placement: Back panel printing is most common and visible when workers are facing away from traffic

Featured Safety Vests

Kishigo Class 3 Pocket Mesh Safety Vest
Kishigo Class 3 Pocket Mesh Safety Vest
  • ANSI/ISEA Class 3 compliant
  • Six pockets for tools and accessories
  • Breathable mesh construction
Kishigo Class 2 Pocket Mesh Safety Vest
Kishigo Class 2 Pocket Mesh Safety Vest
  • ANSI/ISEA Class 2 compliant
  • Durable mesh construction
  • No minimum order required
Safety apparel collection
Shop All Safety Apparel
  • Vests, t-shirts, and jackets
  • Multiple ANSI class options
  • Custom logo printing available

Hats and Accessories for Your Crew

Branded hats are one of the most effective and affordable ways to build brand visibility. Your crew wears them on job sites, during lunch breaks, at the hardware store, and around town. A well-designed hat with your company logo becomes a subtle but constant advertisement that reaches potential customers wherever your workers go.

According to the ASI Ad Impressions Study, a single branded hat generates about 3,380 impressions over its lifetime. At a cost of roughly one-third of a penny per view, it’s one of the most cost-effective ways to put your brand in front of thousands of potential clients.

For construction crews, hat selection should prioritize durability and practicality. Canvas and cotton hats hold up to dirt, sweat, and frequent washing. Trucker-style hats with mesh backs provide ventilation during hot weather. Structured caps maintain their shape better than unstructured options, which matters when you want your logo to look crisp and professional.

Embroidery is the standard for custom hats because it creates a durable, professional-looking design that won’t peel, crack, or fade over time. The slight texture of embroidered logos also adds a quality feel that printed logos can’t match. For construction company hats, keep your design simple: your logo or company name works better than complex graphics.

“We decided to stand out in the league by ordering new custom shirts from Custom Ink. We love it and so does the league. We’ve received many compliments on the shirts. Ordering was easy and the staff helped out with the colors.”Tim Geleta, Holley Hill Construction

Featured Hats for Construction Crews

Carhartt Ashland Duck Canvas Hat
Carhartt Ashland Duck Canvas Hat
  • 100% firm hand duck cotton
  • Rugged durability for job sites
  • Adjustable back closure
Carhartt Rugged Professional Trucker Hat
Carhartt Rugged Professional Trucker Hat
  • Mesh back for ventilation
  • Stretch technology and sweat-fighting band
  • Pre-curved visor
Custom trucker hats collection
Shop All Trucker Hats
  • Dozens of colors and styles
  • Embroidery or printed options
  • Great for crew gifts or giveaways

Design Tips for Construction Company Logos

The best construction company apparel designs are simple, readable, and instantly recognizable. You have a few seconds to make an impression when someone sees your crew on a job site or passes one of your trucks on the road. A clean logo with your company name and perhaps a simple graphic element works better than complex designs with lots of detail.

When designing for workwear, consider how your logo will appear at different sizes and on different colored fabrics. A design that looks great on white paper might disappear on a dark t-shirt or become a blob when embroidered on a hat. Our design experts review every order and will let you know if your artwork needs adjustments for the best results.

Think about placement as well as design. Left chest logos are standard for a professional, uniform look. Back panel designs are great for visibility when workers are bending over or facing away. Some companies use both: a small logo on the front for identification and a larger design on the back for marketing visibility.

  • Keep it simple: Limit your design to 2-3 colors and avoid fine details that won’t reproduce well on fabric
  • Include contact info: Your phone number or website on the back of shirts turns every crew member into a marketing tool
  • Use our Design Lab: Upload your logo to see exactly how it will look on different products before you order
  • Ask for help: Our design experts can refine your artwork or create something new at no extra cost

More Design Templates for Your Logo

Concrete company design templatePlumbing company design templateYour logo here design template

How to Order Branded Gear for Your Crew

Getting your crew outfitted with branded workwear is straightforward. Whether you know exactly what you want or need guidance choosing products and finalizing your design, we make the process simple.

  1. Choose your products: Browse our workwear collection or filter by brand to find Carhartt, Dickies, or other trusted names. You can mix different products in a single order.
  2. Upload or create your design: Open our Design Lab to upload your logo, use one of our templates, or work with our design experts to create something new. You’ll see exactly how your design looks on your chosen products.
  3. Collect sizes from your crew: Use our group order feature to let each crew member choose their own size and have it charged to your order. No more chasing down sizing info.
  4. Review and place your order: Our team reviews every design before printing to make sure it will look great. We’ll reach out if we spot any issues with your artwork.
  5. Receive your order: Standard orders arrive within two weeks with free shipping. Need it faster? Rush options are available for an additional charge.

If you’re ordering for a large crew or want to set up an ongoing uniform program, contact our team to discuss bulk pricing and reorder options. We work with companies of all sizes, from solo contractors to crews of hundreds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What’s the minimum order for custom construction workwear?

Many of our workwear products can be ordered with low or no minimums. Just check the product details or filter by “no minimum” to find options that work for small crews. Bulk discounts are available for larger orders, so you save more as your order size increases.


Q: Should I use screen printing or embroidery for construction crew shirts?

Both work well, but embroidery is typically better for workwear that gets heavy use. Embroidered logos won’t crack, peel, or fade over time like printed designs can. Screen printing is more cost-effective for t-shirts and larger designs, while embroidery is ideal for hats, polos, and jackets where a premium look matters.


Q: How long does it take to receive custom construction uniforms?

Standard orders arrive at your door within two weeks with free shipping. If you need your gear faster, we offer rush production and shipping options. Check our delivery options page for current turnaround times and rush pricing.


Q: Can I order different sizes for each crew member?

Yes. Our group order feature lets you send a link to your crew so each person can select their own size. You can even have crew members pay for their own items or add personal customization like their name. Everything ships together when the order closes.


Q: What file format do I need for my construction company logo?

Vector files (AI, EPS, or PDF) work best because they can be scaled to any size without losing quality. We can also work with high-resolution PNG or JPG files. If your logo needs cleanup or conversion, our design team can help at no extra cost.


Q: Do you offer ANSI-certified safety vests with custom logos?

Yes. We carry safety vests in ANSI Class 2 and Class 3 ratings that can be customized with your company logo. The vests maintain their safety certification after printing. Browse our safety apparel collection to see all options.


Q: Can I get help designing apparel for my construction company?

Absolutely. Our design experts are available seven days a week to help you create the perfect design, refine your existing logo, or troubleshoot artwork issues. This service is free and included with every order. Just start a design in our Design Lab and click “Get Design Help” or contact us directly.


Q: What brands of workwear do you carry for custom printing?

We carry workwear from trusted brands including Carhartt, Dickies, CornerStone, and DriDuck. These brands are built for job site conditions and hold up to the demands of construction work.

Ready to outfit your construction crew with professional branded gear? Start designing in our Design Lab or browse our complete workwear collection to find the right products for your team.

Shop Workwear


Lissa has been helping customers create their perfect custom swag at Custom Ink since 2014 and loves to share her insights, tips, and tricks.

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