Excellent choice! Custom work jackets with your logo are a powerful tool for branding, team unity, and professionalism. Here’s a comprehensive guide to getting them right, from planning to production.
1. Planning & Purpose
First, define your goals:
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Branding: Making your company visible on-site or at events.
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Uniform/Team Identity: Creating cohesion for staff or crews.
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Safety & Compliance: Adding high-visibility strips, flame resistance (FR), or insulation for specific jobs.

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Promotional/Giveaway: As gifts for clients or employees.
2. Choosing the Right Jacket Style
Match the jacket to the work environment:
| Style | Best For | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Fleece Jackets | Indoor/light outdoor, corporate teams, retail | Lightweight, comfortable, professional look. |
| Softshell Jackets | Active outdoor work, technicians | Wind/water resistant, breathable, stretchy. |
| Hi-Vis Safety Jackets | Construction, road crews, warehouses | ANSI/ISO compliant reflective tape, durable. |
| Insulated Winter Jackets | Cold storage, outdoor winter work | Quilted lining, waterproof shell, hoods. |
| Rain Jackets | Landscaping, maritime, any wet condition | Waterproof (not just resistant), taped seams. |
| Denim & Canvas Jackets | Workshops, mechanics, “heritage” brands | Durable, classic look, good for embroidery. |
| Hybrid / 3-in-1 Jackets | Variable climates, field services | Versatile (shell + liner worn together or apart). |

3. Key Features to Consider
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Durability: Look for reinforced stitching, ripstop fabric, and robust zippers.
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Functionality: Multiple pockets (especially secure zippered ones), radio loops, detachable hoods, knit cuffs/hem for warmth.
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Fit: Offer a range of sizes (XS-5XL) and consider a “uniform fit” (slightly roomier) vs. “active fit.”
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Color: Start with your brand colors. Navy, black, and royal blue are popular. Hi-vis colors are orange, yellow, and lime green.

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4. Logo & Design Tips
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Placement: Common spots are the left chest, center back, and on the sleeve. A left chest logo is professional; a full back logo makes a big impact.
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Method:
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Embroidery: Premium, durable, textured feel. Best for simple logos with limited colors (like company initials or mascots). Works great on fleece, twill, and denim.
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Screen Printing: Vibrant for full-color, detailed graphics. Best on smooth fabrics like polyester or nylon. Good for large back prints.
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Direct-to-Garment (DTG): Like printing on paper, excellent for photorealistic designs. Best on light-colored jackets.
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Patch: A sewn-on patch can be very durable and has a classic, rugged look. Can be combined with other methods.
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Simplicity is Key: Ensure your logo is clear and legible, even when reduced to a small chest size. Avoid overly detailed text.
5. The Ordering Process
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Find a Supplier: Search for “custom workwear,” “promotional products,” or “uniform suppliers.” Major B2B companies include:
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SanMar (huge selection, requires tax ID)
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S&S Activewear
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Local Embroidery Shops (great for personalized service and smaller runs)
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Request Samples: Crucial step. Feel the fabric, check the fit, and see the quality firsthand.
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Get a Quote: Provide your jacket style, quantity, and logo art. Prices drop significantly at higher quantities (e.g., 50+).
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Provide Artwork: Supply a high-resolution vector file (
.ai,.eps,.svg) for the cleanest results. -
Approval of Proof: The supplier will create a digital or physical mockup. Check every detail—spelling, colors, placement—before approving.
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Production & Delivery: Lead times vary from 1-6 weeks depending on complexity and supplier.

the ordering process
6. Budget & Minimums
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Low End (Basic Fleece): $25-$40 per jacket
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Mid-Range (Softshell/Insulated): $40-$80 per jacket
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High End (Technical/FR/Hi-Vis): $80-$200+ per jacket
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Setup/Art Fees: Often one-time fees, sometimes waived with larger orders.
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Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ): Can be as low as 6-12 pieces from some decorators, but blank jackets may have a carton minimum (e.g., 10-24).
Pro Tips:
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Order Extras: Always order a few extra jackets for new hires.
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Care Instructions: Provide them to your team to ensure jackets last.
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Employee Input: If they’ll be wearing them daily, get feedback on fit and features—it boosts adoption.
Next Step: Start by browsing the catalogs of a few suppliers to narrow down the jacket style, then reach out for samples and quotes.
Would you like recommendations for a specific industry or help decoding jacket material specs (like denier or breathability ratings)?



