The Ultimate Workwear Checklist for New Business Owners in the UK

Starting a business in the UK is no small job. There’s a lot to sort out, staff, supplies, services, and one thing that’s often overlooked is what your team wears. 

The right workwear doesn’t just keep people safe or comfortable. It shows professionalism, builds your brand, and sets the tone for how customers see your business.

The Workwear Place understands that business owners already have a lot on their plates. Having a solid workwear checklist is a smart move; it helps you stay organised, saves time, and avoids last-minute stress.

Why Do You Need a Workwear Checklist for Your Business?

Getting staff clothing sorted early makes a big difference. It’s not just about looking smart; it's also about meeting safety rules and keeping your team happy. 

Here’s why a proper workwear checklist matters:

• It helps you budget better

• Keeps your team safe and visible

• Builds a sense of team identity

• Supports your brand image

• Helps meet UK workplace regulations

According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), employers must provide suitable personal protective equipment (PPE) for workers when needed. That includes everything from hi-vis jackets to safety boots.

What Should Be on Your Workwear Checklist?

Your workwear checklist should cover comfort, safety, and brand consistency. What you need may vary depending on your industry, but here’s a more detailed guide to help you get started:

Essential Clothing Items

These are the basics your team will likely wear every day:

• Polo shirts or t-shirts (with logo if needed)

• Work trousers or shorts

• Jackets or fleeces (especially for outdoor work)

• Waterproofs for rainy days and unpredictable UK weather

The British Safety Council suggests that layering for seasonal shifts, especially in outdoor roles, is essential for worker wellbeing.

Safety and PPE

For safety, it’s important to follow UK regulations. Items include:

• Hi-vis vests or jackets

• Steel-toe boots or safety shoes

• Hard hats (if required on site)

• Gloves (grip, thermal, or cut-resistant)

• Eye protection (goggles or safety glasses)

A study from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) shows that proper PPE and visibility gear reduce workplace injuries significantly.

Also, the UK magazine Health & Safety Matters reports that businesses with consistent PPE practices see fewer incidents and greater staff confidence on the job.

Branding and Extras

Uniforms help your team look unified and can make a big impact on how customers see your business. You might want to include:

• Embroidered logos or printed uniforms

• Name badges for customer-facing roles

• Beanies or caps for colder seasons

• Aprons for hospitality or cleaning roles

According to Retail Focus Magazine, branded uniforms help reinforce brand visibility and trust, especially in customer-facing industries.

Industry-Specific Items

Some businesses may also need job-specific gear:

• High chemical-resistance gloves for cleaning or laboratory work

• Fire-retardant clothing for welding or construction

• Non-slip shoes for food service and healthcare

Don’t forget to involve your team in choosing these items; they know what helps them work better and safer.

How Do You Choose the Right Workwear for Your Team?

Picking the right workwear isn’t just about grabbing the first set of shirts and boots you see. It’s about thinking smart, about your workplace, your team’s comfort, and even UK rules around safety and clothing. 

Making good choices early on saves money, keeps your team happy, and shows customers you mean business.

Here’s how to make smarter choices for your team:

Think About the Job Role

Different roles mean different needs. A builder’s uniform won’t fit the bill for a café barista or warehouse staff. Ask yourself:

• Does the job need safety gear?

• Will staff be outdoors or indoors most of the time?

• Will they be on their feet or moving a lot?

The British Safety Council notes that dressing according to job demands reduces risks and increases productivity. If unsure, check their workplace safety tips.

Pick the Right Materials for UK Conditions

UK weather can be wild. One day it’s hot, the next it’s pouring. Your workwear needs to work in all conditions. Consider:

• Lightweight, breathable fabrics for warm days

• Waterproof jackets for rainy shifts

• Thermal wear for colder months

Health & Safety Matters UK explains that proper seasonal clothing helps reduce work-related stress and fatigue, especially for outdoor jobs.

Choose Easy-Care and Hard-Wearing Options

Nobody wants to spend hours cleaning uniforms. Pick clothes that:

• Are machine-washable

• Hold up after multiple washes

• Resist stains and damage

The Journal of Cleaner Production reports that long-lasting workwear reduces ongoing replacement costs and supports environmental goals through sustainable textile use.

Check for Comfort and Fit

Comfort isn’t just nice, it’s a safety factor. Poorly fitting gear can lead to accidents. Make sure team members can:

• Move freely without pulling or pinching

• Bend, lift, and stretch easily

• Stay covered in all positions

According to RoSPA (Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents), comfortable, properly fitted clothing improves posture and lowers the risk of slips and strains at work.

What Are the Legal Rules for Workwear in the UK?

You might be wondering if there are official rules for what your staff should wear. The answer is yes, especially when it involves safety.

According to GOV.UK, employers are legally required to provide personal protective equipment (PPE) at no cost to workers when the job calls for it. 

To meet UK laws and keep your team safe, you must:

• Carry out a full risk assessment that includes PPE and workwear needs

• Provide safety equipment and clothing that fits properly

• Maintain and replace damaged or worn items promptly

• Offer training so workers understand how and when to use PPE correctly

According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), failing to meet these responsibilities can put your workers at risk and leave your business facing penalties.

A study by the British Safety Council shows that companies with strong PPE compliance have lower accident rates and improved worker morale. 

Clear communication, proper storage, and access to replacement items are key to making this work in practice.

It’s also worth noting that under the Personal Protective Equipment at Work (Amendment) Regulations 2022, employers must now provide PPE to all workers, including those on casual or zero-hours contracts, if the risk assessment shows they need it.

So yes, there are rules, and they’re serious. Providing the right workwear isn’t just best practice. It’s the law.

How Many Sets of Workwear Should Each Staff Member Have?

There’s no fixed number, but here’s a good rule of thumb:

• 3 shirts or tops

• 2 pairs of trousers

• 1 jacket or fleece

• 1 waterproof outer layer

• 1 full set of PPE

Having a spare set means staff can always show up looking neat, even if one outfit’s in the wash.

How Can You Keep Track of Staff Uniform Needs?

Running a team means staying organised. A workwear checklist helps, but it also helps to:

• Keep a uniform record for each staff member

• Track sizes, issued items, and replacements

• Set reminders for checks and reorders

Some businesses even use digital trackers or simple spreadsheets. If you're just starting, pen and paper work too.

What Branding Options Should You Consider for Workwear?

Uniforms are more than just clothes; they’re part of your business look. 

Adding your logo to shirts or jackets helps build trust with customers. It shows you're professional, prepared, and serious about what you do.

You don’t need to go over the top. 

Even a small embroidered logo can make a big difference. The Workwear Place offers custom branding options to help you with this. It’s one of those little touches that help you stand out.

Build Your Workwear Checklist for Your New Business Today

Starting a business is exciting and a bit overwhelming. 

Sorting your team’s clothing might not feel urgent, but it’s one of the easiest ways to show you're serious. A smart workwear checklist makes life easier, keeps your team safe, and boosts your brand from the start.

Whether you run a construction crew, a cleaning company, or a coffee shop, the right workwear matters. 

If you need help picking the right items or custom branding, The Workwear Place is here to help, without the pushy sales pitch.

Check out our collection of high-quality and sustainable workwear here and make your checklist a reality today.