Table of Contents
Introduction
Custom apparel is an excellent way for businesses to foster team spirit, promote brand identity, and provide employees with comfortable, practical clothing. However, not all custom apparel makes it out of the drawer. Understanding what types of customized clothing employees actually wear — and what tends to stay tucked away — can help companies make informed choices and ensure their investment is well-loved and worn consistently.
Why Some Custom Apparel Gets Worn More Than Others
Several key factors influence whether employees regularly wear custom apparel or if it ends up forgotten:
- Comfort and Fit: If a shirt or jacket isn’t comfortable or doesn’t fit well, employees will avoid wearing it. Choosing quality, well-fitting fabrics is essential.
- Style and Appearance: Apparel with appealing styles, colors, and tasteful designs are more likely to be worn. Overly flashy or outdated looks can deter wear.
- Practicality for the Work Environment: Apparel unsuitable for the employee’s tasks or climate rarely sees use. For instance, heavy sweatshirts in hot environments won’t get worn.
- Variety and Choice: Offering multiple options—like t-shirts, polos, hoodies, or hats—allows team members to pick what suits their personal style and work needs.
- Brand Representation: Employees are more likely to wear items that represent the company well and that they feel proud to associate with.
Types of Custom Apparel Employees Prefer
Custom T-Shirts and Polos
Among the most popular choices, custom t-shirts are versatile and comfortable. Soft fabrics, like those found in soft t-shirts, tend to be favorites. Polos also have broad appeal because they offer a slightly dressier look while remaining casual and comfortable. See our custom polos collection for ideas.
Outerwear Like Hoodies and Jackets
Many employees value custom hoodies and custom jackets because they’re practical and stylish layers, especially in cooler climates. Options like crewneck sweatshirts, quarter zips, and full zip sweatshirts accommodate a range of preferences.
Headwear and Accessories
Branded gear such as custom hats, custom trucker hats, and custom beanies are great employee favorites for casual use. Accessories like bandanas or fanny packs can also be appealing perks.
Items That Often End Up Unworn
Despite good intentions, some custom apparel doesn’t get the love it deserves. Consider common reasons:
- Uncomfortable Fabrics or Poor Fit: Heavy, stiff, cheap feeling materials or ill-fitting apparel discourage everyday wear.
- Impractical Styles: Apparel too flashy, overly branded, or not suited for the workplace climate can feel awkward for employees to wear.
- Limited Options: Forcing one uniform style without input often reduces enthusiasm.
- Seasonal Inappropriateness: Issues like providing only sweatshirts for warm months or only t-shirts in cold seasons can cause apparel to be unused.
How to Ensure Your Custom Apparel Gets Used
Involve Employees in the Decision
Gather feedback on preferred styles, colors, and fabric types. This helps encourage buy-in and satisfaction.
Offer Variety and Quality
Provide options such as short sleeve t-shirts, long sleeve t-shirts, custom sweatshirts, and practical outerwear like windbreakers. Choose quality fabric that lasts.
Consider Your Work Environment
Match apparel choices to job duties and climate. For example, moisture-wicking shirts may be preferred for physical work.
Customization That Works
Use tasteful logos placed strategically to keep apparel professional and wearable. Embroidery (embroidery) and screen printing (screen printing) offer different effects and textures depending on your brand style.
Additional Custom Products Employees Enjoy
Besides apparel, many companies include custom drinkware, promotional products, or custom bags that employees find useful and proudly display.
FAQ
How can I make sure to order the right sizes for my team?
We recommend collecting size information directly from employees to ensure a proper fit, which increases the chance they’ll wear the apparel often.
What printing methods are best for durability?
Both screen printing and embroidery provide durable options. Embroidery is excellent for logos, while screen printing offers vibrant, versatile designs.
Can I order different styles and colors for my team?
Absolutely! Offering a mix of styles, colors, and apparel types improves employee satisfaction and wear rates.
Conclusion: Choosing Custom Apparel Employees Will Wear
When thoughtfully selected, custom apparel is a powerful tool for uniting your workforce and showcasing your brand with pride. Prioritize comfort, style, and practicality, and involve your team in the decision. Our experts at Underground Printing are here to help you explore our extensive product collections, including options for custom business apparel and workwear, all designed to ensure your team looks and feels their best.
Ready to start your order? Visit our Get Started page or contact us for a personalized quote today. And if you need items fast, our 2-day rush delivery service has you covered.