Workwear, Hi-Vis and Scrubs Printing: Logos, Names and Uniforms Explained

Logos, names and uniforms for work: where to place prints, how to handle hi-vis and scrubs, and what to order for a team.

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Where should a logo go on a polo shirt?

The left chest is the standard position, roughly in line with the pocket area on a shirt that has one. It sits where customers see it in conversation and keeps the shirt looking smart. A sleeve or back print can add visibility. Keep a chest logo modest in size, because large prints on a polo can feel stiff and sit awkwardly around the placket.

Should my workwear have a chest logo or a back logo?

Use both if you can, with different jobs. A small chest logo identifies staff when they are facing people, and a larger back print gets seen when they are walking away, on site or in a queue. If you only have budget for one, pick the chest for customer-facing roles and the back for outdoor or site work where people are viewed from behind.

Can you print on hi-vis vests and jackets?

Printing on hi-vis is possible in many cases, but the garment may be a certified product, so you should ask before you order. Print can cover part of the fluorescent or reflective material, which may matter for its rating. Check the label, check your employer's requirements, and ask the printer which areas of the garment are suitable. Do not assume a printed hi-vis garment is still compliant.

How do I check a hi-vis garment is EN ISO 20471 certified?

Look for the pictogram and the standard number, EN ISO 20471, on the garment's label, with the class shown beside it. The manufacturer's documentation or declaration of conformity should back that up, so ask your supplier for it. If you are unsure, check with the garment maker rather than the printer. Whatever garment you choose, confirm its certification yourself before having it printed.

What do hi-vis classes 1, 2 and 3 mean?

Under EN ISO 20471, the class reflects how much visible material the garment has, with class 3 giving the most. The standard sets minimum areas of fluorescent background material of 0.14, 0.50 and 0.80 square metres for classes 1, 2 and 3 respectively, plus minimum retroreflective areas. Which class you need depends on your risk assessment, so check your site or employer rules.

Can printing on hi-vis change its class?

It can in principle, so treat it carefully. A German accident-insurance guidance quoted by one workwear maker says printing or adding a badge can reduce the fluorescent area below the minimum, which could drop a garment into a lower class. Small sizes are most at risk. Ask the garment manufacturer whether printing is allowed and where, and keep any logo small and away from reflective bands.

Can scrubs be printed with a name and role?

Yes, a name and job title on the chest is the usual choice, such as "Sam, Nurse" or "Dr Patel". Keep text short and in a clear font so it can be read from a few steps away. Pick a print colour with enough contrast against the scrub colour. For clinical settings, check your employer's uniform policy first, because some set rules on what can appear on uniforms.

Are printed names better than name badges?

A printed name is always visible and cannot be lost or left at home, which suits busy shift work. A badge can be swapped between people, handy where staff share uniforms or roles change often. A printed name suits regular, fixed staff. Many employers use both, with a printed name for the role and a badge for identification. Check any rules your sector has on identification.

What is the best way to start uniforms for a small business?

Choose one garment type, usually a polo or T-shirt, and one clean logo, and order a small first batch. A short trial lets you check how the print looks after washing before you commit to more. Send the logo as a clear image file, and ask for a quote. FabricForge has no minimum order and gives a discount on 5 or more items, which suits a small team.

What should kitchen workwear be like?

Kitchen wear needs to cope with heat, frequent hot washes and splashes, so choose fabric and print with care. Cotton-rich or poly-cotton garments tend to be durable, and a simple, flat print copes better than a heavy, thick one. Ask the printer about wash temperature limits for the print. Kitchens often favour aprons and chef jackets, so say what garment you want when you ask for a quote.

What matters for trades workwear?

Durability and clarity matter most. Trades garments get hot washes and rough wear, so pick sturdy fabric and a logo that stays legible after repeated washing. Large back prints help on site, and a small chest logo helps for customers. For high-risk work, check whether the job needs certified garments, such as hi-vis, and confirm with the supplier before printing anything on them.

How do I make sure my logo colours match my brand?

Send the logo as a high-resolution file and tell the printer your brand colour codes if you have them. Colours on a screen never match fabric exactly, and the garment colour affects how a print looks, so ask for a visual proof. A proof is sent before printing, so you can raise any colour concerns then. Dark garments can make some colours look different from your brand guide.

What fabric is best for workwear polos?

There is no single best one. Cotton feels natural and breathable but can shrink and crease. Poly-cotton blends resist creasing and tend to last well in repeated washing. Polyester is light and dries quickly, so it suits active work, though some polyester can be tricky for printing at high temperatures. Pick by how your staff work, then ask the printer whether a given fabric suits the print.

How many workwear items should I order per employee?

A common rule of thumb is at least two or three per person, so there is always a clean one while another is being washed. For daily wear in a hot or messy job, more is sensible. Think about staff turnover and growth too, and order a few spare sizes. Keep your artwork file and garment details so a later top-up order matches the first.

What should I send when I ask for a workwear quote?

Send the logo file, the garment type you have in mind, a list of roles or names with sizes, and the places you want each print. Add your deadline, because it is the one detail we cannot guess, and order early so there is time for a proof round. A rough count is fine if the list is not final.

How do I decide between a plain logo and a logo with a name?

Use a plain logo when staff are interchangeable and the aim is a consistent look. Add a name when customers deal with the same person repeatedly, as in a salon, a clinic or a delivery round. Names turn one design into many, so check the spelling of each one on the proof.

Does the colour of the garment change which print colours I should use?

Yes, often more than people expect. Dark garments suit light print colours and pale garments suit dark ones. On fluorescent hi-vis, dark artwork is generally easier to read than pale. If your brand has a light and a dark version of its logo, send both.

Can different departments have different garments in one order?

Yes. Polos for the front desk, hoodies for the yard and scrubs for clinical staff can all be listed together, with one proof set to approve. A discount applies on 5 or more items across the order.

What goes wrong most often with workwear orders?

Three things: a low-resolution logo, a mis-typed name and sizes guessed instead of collected. A proper list and a careful look at the proof prevent nearly all of it. If you are unsure about a size, ask the wearer to measure a garment they already like and compare it with the size guide.

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