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How to Reduce Uniform Sizing Mistakes Before Branding

5 September 20262 min read
Professional uniform model for uniform sizing mistakes guide

A sizing mistake is inconvenient on an undecorated garment. Once a name or company logo has been added, it can become much harder to correct. The best approach is to deal with sizing before production.

Use the exact garment size guide

Do not assume a medium in one brand fits like a medium in another. Use the manufacturer's size information for the exact style being ordered, and check whether the measurements shown are body measurements or finished garment measurements.

Measure, don't guess

Give wearers clear instructions for taking the measurements required by the manufacturer's guide. Where garment measurements are provided, compare them with a similar garment that already fits well rather than treating them as body measurements.

Do not translate high-street sizes automatically

Workwear and uniform cuts vary. A person's usual retail size is useful context, but it should not replace the garment-specific information.

Use samples for larger teams or major changes

Where practical, samples or a size set can reduce uncertainty, particularly when changing brand, style or fit across a larger workforce. Test representative sizes before decorating the full order.

Check different fits separately

Unisex, men's, women's, regular, classic and slim fits should not be treated as interchangeable. Record the exact brand and product code as well as the confirmed size.

Record approvals before personalisation

Make the wearer or responsible manager confirm the selected garment and size before names or logos are applied. A simple sign-off stage is much cheaper than correcting a decorated order.

Use a team size schedule

For larger orders, keep one controlled list showing employee, approved garment, product code, colour, fit and confirmed size. You can use our Team Uniform Size Collection Sheet as the starting point.

Keep the information for new starters

Once a range works, keep the approved product codes and sizing process. Our new starter uniform checklist explains how to make replenishment repeatable.

For a fuller process, read our Workwear Sizing Guide for Team Orders.

Need help planning a team order?

Request a business quote and include the garments, approximate quantities and any sizing questions.

Need help with your uniform order?

Tell us what you need, the approximate quantities and any branding requirements. We can help you compare the right garments for your team.

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See it in practice

Uniform ideas related to this guide

A few real garments from the Love My Uniform range to help make the guidance easier to picture.

View Polo Shirts →

Keep the final choice controlled. Once a garment works, record the manufacturer, product code, colour, size and branding position so future orders reproduce the same uniform rather than starting again.

LMU buyer tip: Keep the garment code, manufacturer colour, confirmed size, branding position and approved artwork together as one specification. It makes replacements and new-starter orders much easier to reproduce.

Questions buyers often ask

Can I use an employee's normal clothing size?

Use it only as a starting point. Workwear cuts and brand sizing vary, so check the guide for the exact product and use a sample where fit remains uncertain.

Should we collect sizes before choosing the garment?

Choose the intended garment first. Otherwise employees can return a size that relates to a different brand or fit and the schedule may need to be collected again.

What should we record for future orders?

Record the exact product code, manufacturer colour, fit and confirmed size. If the product changes later, check sizing again rather than automatically transferring the old size.