SETTING UP A SIMPLE EMPLOYEE APPAREL PROGRAM: A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE

Introduction to Employee Apparel Programs

Creating a streamlined employee apparel program can enhance your company’s brand, boost team morale, and ensure consistency in appearance. Whether you’re aiming to outfit your team with custom t-shirts, branded polos, or embroidered gear, this guide walks you through an easy setup to order sizes, handle reorders, and manage new hires' apparel needs.

Step 1: Define Your Apparel Needs

Start by deciding what types of apparel your employees will need. Common choices include business apparel like polos or button-downs, casual t-shirts for events, or more specialized items such as embroidered shirts. Consider factors such as your work environment, climate, and whether outerwear like custom jackets is necessary.

Consider Apparel Varieties

• Crewneck sweatshirts or custom hoodies for colder environments
• Dri-Fit t-shirts or performance polos for active or outdoor work
• Custom hats for sun protection or branding

Step 2: Collect Employee Size Information

Gather accurate sizing to avoid waste and improve satisfaction. For a small team, personal size requests can work. For larger teams, use standardized size charts from your apparel provider. Consider offering a sizing kit if available, or ordering a few samples for fittings. Many companies choose to include a variety of styles such as women's t-shirts or long sleeve shirts to suit different preferences and needs.

Step 3: Choose a Reliable Custom Apparel Provider

Select a printing partner with a good reputation for quality and service. They should offer easy ordering, multiple decoration methods like screen printing, embroidery, or direct-to-garment printing. Look for those that offer bulk orders with clear rush delivery options for last-minute needs. Get started by requesting a quote to evaluate your options.

Step 4: Decide on Ordering and Reordering Processes

Establish a simple, repeatable process for placing initial orders and handling reorders. Here are some tips:

• Initial order: Order based on your collected size data with an extra margin for growth or replacement.
• Reorders: Use an inventory tracking system—either a simple spreadsheet or an online platform—to monitor stock and prompt reorder before shortages.
• Online stores: A custom online store can simplify individual orders and reduce administrative overhead.

Step 5: Manage Apparel for New Hires

Integrate apparel ordering into your onboarding process. Provide new employees an easy way to submit sizes and have apparel ordered promptly. For growing teams, consider maintaining a small surplus stock of common sizes or styles for quick fulfillment. Automating requests through your HR system or a unified platform improves efficiency.

Step 6: Keep Your Apparel Program Organized

Effective management means maintaining records of orders, employee sizes, and inventory levels. Here are suggestions to keep things running smoothly:

• Create a centralized spreadsheet or database to track orders by employee name, size, and order date.
• Set reorder alerts based on inventory thresholds.
• Solicit employee feedback on fit and comfort to adjust future orders.
• Review your roster regularly to account for departures and additions.

Additional Tips for Success

• Choose versatile, high-quality fabrics for durability, such as soft t-shirts or custom polos.
• Maintain consistent branding with standardized logo placement using embroidery or screen printing.
• Use a preferred apparel catalog from your supplier to streamline ordering and ensure uniformity.
• Account for seasonal changes by offering items like jackets or sweatshirts.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How many apparel pieces should I order per employee?

Typically, start with 2-3 pieces per employee to cover regular wear and replacements. Adjust based on usage and feedback.

Can I order different types of apparel for different roles?

Yes. For example, customer-facing staff can wear polos while warehouse workers might wear durable work jackets or work shirts.

What if I have new hires after the initial order?

Have a process in place to collect sizes early on and reorder quickly. Online group ordering systems can help with this.

Is it better to screen print or embroider employee apparel?

Screen printing works well for large, colorful logos or designs on t-shirts, while embroidery offers a professional look suitable for polos and jackets.

How can I handle rush orders?

Look for providers offering 2-day rush or expedited shipping to meet tight deadlines.

Conclusion and Next Steps

Implementing a simple employee apparel program is manageable with the right planning and resources. Define your apparel needs, collect sizes, partner with a trusted supplier, and set up organized ordering and reordering processes. Explore custom business apparel options that fit your workforce and brand.

Ready to create a professional, branded look for your team? Get started with a custom quote today!