How to Start a Uniform Program for Your Small Business

If you've been thinking about getting your team into matching uniforms but aren't sure where to start, you're not alone. A lot of small business owners in the Lowcountry come to us knowing they want a consistent, professional look for their crew but feeling overwhelmed by the options. Here's a straightforward guide to setting up a uniform program that works for your business without overcomplicating it. ## Why Uniforms Matter More Than You Think Uniforms aren't just about looking good — though they definitely help with that. For small businesses, they serve a few practical purposes that directly affect your bottom line: **Brand recognition.** When your crew shows up in matching polos with your logo, customers remember you. Whether you're a landscaping company, a marine service team, or a restaurant staff, branded uniforms make you look established and trustworthy. **Professionalism.** Customers make snap judgments. A team in coordinated, clean uniforms with [embroidered logos](/embroidery/) signals that you take your work seriously. It's one of the easiest ways to stand out from competitors who show up in random t-shirts. **Team identity.** There's something about putting on a uniform that shifts people into work mode. It builds a sense of belonging and pride, especially for newer employees. ## Step 1: Choose Your Garments Start with what makes sense for your industry and environment. Here in the Lowcountry, heat and humidity are real factors, so breathable fabrics and moisture-wicking materials matter. **Common uniform garments by industry:** - **Marine and outdoor services:** Performance polos, moisture-wicking t-shirts, lightweight hoodies, hats - **Restaurants and hospitality:** Polos, aprons, chef coats, hats - **Trades and construction:** Hi-vis shirts, work polos, heavyweight t-shirts, hats - **Office and professional services:** Polos, button-downs, jackets - **Retail:** Polos, t-shirts, aprons Don't overthink it on the first order. Start with one or two garment types — usually a polo and a hat — and expand from there once you see what your team actually wears. ## Step 2: Pick Your Decoration Method The two main options for logo placement are embroidery and printing. Each has its strengths: **[Custom embroidery](/embroidery/)** is the standard for professional uniforms. It produces a raised, textured finish that never cracks, peels, or fades. Embroidered logos look premium on polos, jackets, and hats, and they hold up through hundreds of washes. There's a one-time digitizing fee to convert your logo into a stitch file, but once that's done, it's saved for every future order. **DTF printing** is better suited for large, full-color designs — think back-of-shirt graphics with lots of detail or photographic elements. It's also a good option for budget-conscious first orders where you want to test garment styles before committing to embroidery. Many of our business customers use both: [embroidered logos](/embroidery/) on the front chest and a printed design on the back. ## Step 3: Nail Down Your Logo and Placement If you already have a logo, we can work with most file formats — vector files (AI, EPS, SVG) give the best results for both embroidery and printing. If your logo needs cleanup or you need help adapting it for embroidery, we can handle that during the digitizing process. **Standard placement options:** - **Left chest** — The most common and professional placement for logos. Works on polos, button-downs, and t-shirts. - **Right chest or right sleeve** — Good for a secondary mark, employee name, or job title. - **Back yoke** — Between the shoulder blades, popular for a clean look when a full back print isn't needed. - **Hat front** — Standard for [embroidered caps](/embroidery/). Keep designs simple and sized appropriately for the panel. ## Step 4: Figure Out Sizing and Quantities This is where a lot of small businesses get tripped up. Here are a few tips: **Get sizes from your team before ordering.** Don't guess. Send around a size chart or order a sample set to try on. Returns and exchanges on decorated garments are usually not possible since each piece is customized. **Order a few extras.** Get 2-3 extra shirts in your most common sizes (usually L and XL). New hires, replacements for worn-out gear, and the occasional sizing mistake will use them up quickly. **Start small if you need to.** We have no strict minimums on [embroidery orders](/embroidery/), so you can start with 5 polos and 10 hats if that's what makes sense for your team right now. ## Step 5: Plan for Reorders A uniform program isn't a one-time purchase — it's ongoing. Think about: - **How often will you reorder?** Quarterly is common for teams that wear uniforms daily. Twice a year works for office environments. - **New hire onboarding.** Build uniform ordering into your onboarding checklist so new employees get their gear in the first week. - **Seasonal needs.** Lightweight polos for summer, quarter-zips or hoodies for winter. Plan ahead so your team isn't scrambling when the weather changes. Once your logo is digitized and your garment preferences are set, reorders are fast and straightforward. We keep your logo file and garment specs on record, so repeat orders are as simple as sending us a size list. ## What Does It Cost? Uniform costs vary based on garment quality, decoration method, and quantity. As a rough guide for budgeting: - **Embroidered polos:** Garment cost varies by brand and style, plus a per-piece embroidery fee based on stitch count. The one-time digitizing fee applies to your first order only. - **Embroidered hats:** Similar structure — garment plus embroidery. Hats are one of the most affordable uniform pieces and make a big visual impact. - **DTF-printed t-shirts:** Generally lower per-piece cost, especially for full-color designs. Per-piece pricing decreases with larger quantities, so consolidating orders when possible helps your budget. [Contact us for a custom quote](/contact/) based on your specific garments, logo, and team size. ## Getting Started The easiest way to start is to browse our [online shop](/public-store/) where you can select garments, choose your decoration method, and upload your logo all in one place. Our [How to Order guide](/how-to-order/) walks you through the full process if it's your first time. You can also browse our [stock apparel designs](/public-store/designs.php) if you want to see ready-made embroidery and print options. If you'd prefer to talk it through first, [reach out with your logo and an idea of what you need](/contact/). We'll help you choose garments that fit your industry and budget, recommend the right decoration method, and get your first order into production. Most uniform orders are ready within 2-3 weeks from artwork approval. If you're a Summerville, Charleston, or Lowcountry business looking to get your team looking sharp, we'd love to help you build a program that works. --- *First In Upholstery provides [custom embroidery](/embroidery/), DTF printing, and full uniform programs for businesses in Summerville, SC, serving Charleston and the Lowcountry. [Browse our shop](/public-store/) or [request a free quote](/contact/).*