Branded apparel is one of the most powerful forms of corporate identity. When your team wears matching, well-fitted, professionally branded clothing, it builds cohesion internally and projects professionalism externally. But getting it right requires more planning than most people expect.

This guide walks you through every step of ordering branded corporate apparel — from fabric selection to size collection to decoration methods — so your team looks sharp and your budget stays intact.

Step 1: Define Your Purpose

Before choosing garments, clarify what the apparel is for. This determines everything from fabric choice to decoration method:

Daily office wear: Comfortable polos, button-down shirts, or smart-casual knits
Events and trade shows: Eye-catching branded T-shirts or jackets
Outdoor/field work: Durable, weather-resistant jackets and workwear
Client-facing uniforms: Professional, polished garments with subtle branding
Team-building or sport: Performance fabrics with bold, fun designs

Step 2: Choose the Right Fabric

The fabric determines comfort, durability, and which branding methods are available. Here's a quick guide to the most common options:

Cotton

Soft, breathable, and natural. Ideal for T-shirts and casual polos. Look for combed cotton (smoother, more durable) or ringspun cotton (softer handle). Works brilliantly with both screen printing and embroidery.

Polycotton

A blend of polyester and cotton — typically 65/35 or 50/50. More wrinkle-resistant and durable than pure cotton, with better shape retention after washing. The go-to for workwear polos and corporate shirts.

Polyester / Performance Fabrics

Moisture-wicking, quick-drying, and lightweight. Perfect for sports and outdoor apparel. Important: embroidery works well, but screen printing can crack on stretchy polyester — sublimation printing is the better choice here.

Fleece

Warm, soft, and ideal for branded jackets, pullovers, and beanies. Embroidery is the preferred branding method — it looks premium and handles the textured surface beautifully.

Step 3: Collect Sizes Properly

This is where most corporate apparel orders go wrong. Here's how to get it right:

Don't Guess — Measure

Never let team members guess their size. Different brands have different fits, and a "Medium" from one supplier might be a "Large" from another. Always use the specific size chart from your chosen garment.

Account for Fit Preferences

Some people prefer a slim fit; others want a relaxed cut. When collecting sizes, specify which fit the garment has (e.g., "This is a classic fit polo — order your normal size" or "This is a slim fit — consider sizing up if you prefer a relaxed feel").

Order Buffer Stock

For teams of 20+, order 2–3 extra garments in your most common sizes (typically M, L, XL). This covers new joiners, replacements, and sizing swaps without needing a full reorder.

Use a Size Collection Form

Create a simple spreadsheet with columns for: Name, Department, Garment Type, Size (from chart), and any notes. Circulate it with the size chart attached and set a firm deadline.

Step 4: Choose Your Decoration Method

The right branding method depends on the garment type, your logo complexity, and the impression you want to make:

Embroidery

The gold standard for corporate apparel. Stitched directly into the fabric, it creates a premium, professional look that lasts the life of the garment. Best for polos, jackets, caps, and fleece. Works with logos up to about 12cm wide. For detailed guidance, see our embroidery vs screen printing comparison.

Screen Printing

Ideal for bold, impactful designs on T-shirts and cotton garments. Cost-effective for large runs (the more you print, the cheaper per unit). Best for designs with 1–4 solid colours.

Heat Transfer / Digital Print

Perfect for full-colour logos, photographs, or complex multi-colour designs. Works on most fabrics. Great for short runs where screen printing setup costs would be prohibitive. Read more in our branding methods guide.

Sublimation

For polyester garments where you want all-over, edge-to-edge designs. The ink becomes part of the fabric, so there's no texture or cracking. Ideal for performance wear and sportswear.

Step 5: Plan Your Branding Placement

Where your logo sits matters just as much as how it's applied:

Left chest: The classic, professional placement. Subtle and corporate.
Full back: Maximum visibility for events and trade shows.
Sleeve: Modern and distinctive — increasingly popular for premium apparel.
Cap front panel: Standard placement for branded headwear.

Most garments can accommodate branding in multiple positions. Combining a small left-chest logo with a larger back print is a popular approach for event wear.

Step 6: Budget Realistically

Corporate apparel costs include the garment, branding (setup + per-unit), and delivery. Here are rough budget ranges for South African orders:

Branded T-shirts: R60–R120 per unit (screen print, 50+ units)
Branded polos: R120–R250 per unit (embroidered, 30+ units)
Branded jackets: R200–R500 per unit (embroidered, 20+ units)
Branded caps: R50–R120 per unit (embroidered, 30+ units)

These ranges vary based on garment quality, branding complexity, and order quantity. Request a detailed quote for accurate pricing.

Step 7: Timeline — How Long Does It Take?

A typical corporate apparel order follows this timeline:

Quote and approval: 1–3 days
Artwork mock-up and sign-off: 2–5 days
Production: 7–15 working days (depending on method and quantity)
Delivery: 2–5 working days nationally

Total: 2–4 weeks from order to delivery. For rush orders, our Logo24 service can deliver branded items in as little as 24 hours on selected products.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Ordering without a physical sample (especially for new garment styles)
Using a JPEG logo for embroidery (you need a vector file or digitised embroidery file)
Collecting sizes too late and missing your deadline
Choosing the cheapest garment — staff won't wear uncomfortable or poorly-made clothing
Forgetting to account for new hires in your order