Getting one polo to fit is easy. Getting fifteen people kitted out, in the right sizes, in garments that fit differently from one another, is where it gets fiddly. Do it badly and you are dealing with returns, reorders and a team grumbling about a too-tight jacket. Do it well and everyone gets comfortable kit that fits, looks sharp and lasts. Here is the method we recommend.
1. Why sizing varies between garments
A medium polo and a medium softshell are not the same size, and two brands' mediums can differ too. Cut, fabric and intended fit all change how a garment sits. A slim-fit t-shirt and a roomy work jacket designed to layer over a fleece will feel completely different on the same person. That is why you cannot assume one size carries across everything someone wears, and why checking against the actual garment matters.
2. How to measure properly
A soft tape measure and two minutes per person beats guessing. The key measurements for workwear are:
- Chest: around the fullest part of the chest, tape level and not pulled tight. This is the main number for tops, polos, fleeces and jackets.
- Waist: around the natural waistline for trousers, again without pulling tight.
- Inside leg: from the crotch to the bottom of the ankle for trouser length.
Measure over a light layer, not a thick jumper, and write the numbers down. Then match each person's measurements to the size chart for the specific garment, rather than relying on the size they usually wear on the high street.
3. Think about how it should fit
Fit is about the job, not just the number. Someone climbing, reaching and bending all day needs room to move, so a slightly roomier fit often works better than a snug one. Outer layers should have space for what goes underneath. Ask how the garment will be worn before locking in a size, and size up where someone is between sizes or needs to layer.
4. Use free samples for the team
This is the single best way to avoid sizing problems. Order a sample in a middle size, let people try it, and you quickly learn how that garment runs, whether it is true to size, generous or on the small side. For a team order it is worth getting a couple of sizes to try on the people most likely to sit at the edges of the range.
We offer free 48hr samples so your team can check fit and comfort before you commit to a full order. Trying one garment first is far cheaper and faster than processing a pile of returns later.
5. Keep a size record
Once you have everyone's sizes, write them down and keep the list. A simple sheet with each person's name and their size in each garment type saves you starting from scratch every time. It makes kitting out a new starter a two-minute job and means reorders go in correctly without chasing people for measurements again.
6. Make reorders painless
With sizes recorded and your logo kept on file, reordering becomes simple: same sizes, same branding, same fit as the rest of the team. New starter? You already know the common sizes to hand them. Garment worn out? Replace it like-for-like. The groundwork you do on the first order pays off on every one after it.
7. A quick checklist
- Measured chest, waist and inside leg for each person
- Matched measurements to the chart for the specific garment, not a high-street size
- Considered how the garment will be worn and allowed room to move
- Ordered free samples to check how each garment runs
- Recorded everyone's sizes for next time
- Logo kept on file so reorders match exactly
Spend a little time on sizing up front and a team order goes in clean, fits well and avoids the returns merry-go-round. When you are ready, browse our branded workwear or tell us your team and we will help you get the sizing right.
