Whether you're a plumber, electrician, painter, decorator, carpenter, joiner, or kitchen fitter, choosing the right workwear can make a big difference to your working day.
For tradesmen and women working mainly indoors, comfort, durability, and practicality are essential. You need clothing that allows you to bend, stretch, kneel, and move freely, while looking professional when visiting customers.
Branded workwear can also help your business stand out. Adding your company logo to polo shirts, t-shirts, hoodies, and jackets creates a consistent, professional appearance while promoting your business.
From practical work trousers to personalised clothing and money-saving bundles, here are our top 10 workwear essentials for tradespeople.
1. Durable Work Trousers and Holster Trousers
A reliable pair of work trousers is one of the most important pieces of clothing for any tradesperson. Plumbers, electricians, joiners, and kitchen fitters often spend hours bending, kneeling, and working in awkward spaces. Comfortable, hard-wearing trousers with practical pockets can make everyday tasks easier.
There are several styles worth considering:
- Portwest PW3 Work Trousers are a practical choice for everyday trade work.
- Portwest Stretch Slim Combat Trousers offer a slimmer style with stretch for improved freedom of movement.
- Result Work-Guard Lite Trousers are a lightweight option for tradespeople who prefer less bulky workwear.
Holster trousers are particularly useful for tradespeople who regularly need access to small tools and accessories. Their additional pockets help keep essential items within easy reach.
The Mens Portwest PW3 Work Holster Trousers are worth considering for tool-intensive jobs, while the Regatta Ladies Ada Stretch Holster Trousers offer a women's workwear option combining stretch and practical holster pockets.
For specialist tasks, protective clothing may also be necessary. For example, Combat Trousers with Cut Resistant Front are great for joinery work where additional cut protection may be appropriate. Always check the garment's certified protection against the specific hazards of your job.
Specialist Trousers & Bibs for Painters and Decorators
Painters and decorators have their own workwear requirements. Whether you're preparing walls, painting ceilings, or decorating an entire property, you need clothing that allows comfortable movement while standing up to the demands of the job. Specialist painters' trousers and bib-and-brace garments are popular because they combine practicality with useful storage.
The Portwest Bolton Painters Bib 'n' Brace (pictured above) provides a traditional bib-and-brace style for decorating work. Alternatively, Painters Pro Trousers offer a practical trouser option specifically aimed at painters and decorators. For businesses with several decorators, matching workwear helps create a recognisable team identity.
GOGO tip: Look for the right combination of durability, fit, flexibility, and pocket space rather than simply choosing the heaviest trousers available.
2. Trade Work Shorts and Holster Shorts
When working in warm properties, workshops, or during summer, work shorts can be a comfortable alternative to trousers. Shorts are particularly useful for carpenters, joiners, plumbers, and installers who need freedom of movement throughout the day.
Holster shorts offer additional practicality by providing dedicated pockets for small tools, fixings, and other frequently used items. For example, Granite Holster Shorts are designed with practical tool storage in mind.
Alternatively, Portwest DX4 Holster Pocket Shorts offer another option for tradespeople looking for functional work shorts with convenient holster pockets.
Work shorts can be particularly useful for indoor jobs where full-length trousers aren't required for protection.
Always consider the working environment, as some tasks require additional leg coverage.
3. Branded Polo Shirts for Trades People
First impressions count, particularly when you're working in customers' homes. A smart polo shirt featuring your company logo can help establish a professional image from the moment you arrive. Embroidered polo shirts are especially popular with plumbers, electricians, heating engineers, kitchen fitters, and property maintenance businesses. They're comfortable enough for everyday work while providing a smarter appearance than a basic t-shirt.
Logo embroidery offers a durable, professional finish that works particularly well on polo shirts. Explore our range of branded and personalised polo shirts, available for custom printing or embroidery.
GOGO tip: Consider adding your company logo to the left chest and choosing colours that complement your business branding.
4. Custom Printed T-Shirts for Everyday Trade Work
For physically demanding indoor jobs, comfortable t-shirts are a workwear staple. They're lightweight, easy to layer, and practical for plumbers, decorators, plasterers, carpenters, and other tradespeople.
You could include your company logo on the front, with your business name, website, or contact details printed on the back. For larger teams, matching printed t-shirts help create a consistent appearance without requiring expensive uniforms.
Browse our extensive range of custom printed and personalised t-shirts for tradespeople and businesses.
5. Trade Work Jackets for All-Weather Protection
Even if most of your work takes place indoors, you'll still spend time travelling between jobs, unloading equipment, and visiting suppliers. A practical work jacket can help protect you from cold, wind, and rain during the working day.
Lightweight jackets, softshells, and warmer outerwear offer different levels of protection depending on the weather and your working conditions. Branded jackets provide another opportunity to display your company logo when you're out and about.
Browse our range of personalised work jackets and outerwear.
6. Embroidered Fleeces for Lightweight Warm Trade Workwear
Fleeces are another excellent option for tradesmen and women who need extra warmth without too much bulk. They're particularly useful when moving between indoor and outdoor jobs or working in cooler properties. A fleece can be worn over a polo shirt or t-shirt, making it a versatile addition to your workwear wardrobe. Embroidered fleeces also create a smart, coordinated look for businesses with multiple employees.
Explore our collection of branded and embroidered fleeces and add your company logo for a professional finish.
7. Trades Hoodies and Sweatshirts
Not every indoor job takes place in a warm building! As a tradesperson, you may regularly work in properties undergoing renovation, extensions, or refurbishment, where heating may not yet be operational.
You may prefer a hoodie or sweatshirt to a fleece to provide a comfortable extra layer. Adding your company logo through printing or embroidery can transform an everyday hoodie into professional branded workwear.
Explore our range of customised hoodies for individuals and teams and custom sweatshirts here.
8. Work Gilets and Bodywarmers
Gilets and bodywarmers are an excellent choice for tradesmen and women who need extra warmth without restricting arm movement. They're particularly practical for joiners, electricians, plumbers, and kitchen fitters working in cooler properties, workshops, or buildings undergoing renovation.
Unlike a bulky jacket, a sleeveless gilet keeps your body warm while allowing greater freedom to reach, bend, and work comfortably.
Here are several styles to consider:
- The Brook Taverner Eugene Core Padded Gilet (pictured below) is a unisex option featuring recycled polyester insulation and zipped pockets - available in navy or black.
- The mens Russell Athletic Smart Soft Shell Gilet offers a smart softshell style for a professional appearance - available in black, grey, and navy.
- The Premier Ladies Recyclight Padded Gilet provides a women's padded option - available in navy or black.
- The Tee Jays Crossover Padded Bodywarmer is another practical choice for layering over branded workwear - available in Black.
GOGO tip: Pair an embroidered gilet with a branded polo shirt or sweatshirt for a coordinated, professional look.
Explore our full collection of branded gilets and bodywarmers here.
9. Workwear Caps and Beanies for Trades
Branded headwear is a simple way to complete your workwear wardrobe. Caps can be useful when travelling between jobs or working in suitable warmer environments, while beanies provide extra warmth during colder months. Adding an embroidered company logo helps create a consistent appearance across your team.
Explore our range of custom embroidered caps and beanies.
10. Workwear Bundles for Better Value
Workwear bundles offer a convenient way to purchase coordinated branded clothing while taking advantage of package deals and savings.
Workwear bundles include varying combinations of the following, all with your logo on the left breast:
- Polo shirts
- Hoodies
- Padded Gilet
- Softshell jacket for additional warmth.
- Beanie
Our workwear starter bundles start at £140 including VAT - a great place to begin if you're looking for practical branded clothing at competitive prices. Alternatively you can mix and match any items you wish.
Ordering for a larger team? Contact GoGo Designs for a quote on bulk orders and personalised workwear.
Below is an example of a custom bundle we made for Mellors Painting & Decorating including t-shirts, fleece, bucket hats, and beanies.
Why Choose Branded Workwear for Your Trade Business?
Customised workwear isn't just about looking smart. It can also help promote your business and create a professional impression.
- Build customer confidence: A coordinated, professional looking uniform helps customers recognise your business when you arrive at their property.
- Promote your company: Your logo is visible while you're working, travelling, or visiting suppliers.
- Create a consistent team identity: Matching branded clothing helps employees look professional and recognisable.
- Choose practical clothing: Combine comfortable, durable garments with professional printing or embroidery.
- Save on larger orders: Workwear bundles and bulk orders can offer better value when equipping a team.
Workwear Suggestions for Different Trades
The best workwear depends on your trade, your working environment, and the tasks you carry out. Here are some suggestions:
- Plumbers and heating engineers: Flexible work trousers, holster pockets for small tools, branded polo shirts, and comfortable layers for colder properties.
- Electricians: Practical trousers with suitable pockets, smart polo shirts, and clothing that allows freedom of movement. Where electrical hazards exist, specialist protective clothing must be selected according to the risks.
- Painters and decorators: Specialist painters' trousers or bib and brace, comfortable t-shirts, and sweatshirts for working in cooler properties.
- Carpenters and joiners: Durable work trousers, holster shorts where appropriate, branded t-shirts, and comfortable workwear that doesn't restrict movement.
- Kitchen and bathroom fitters: Smart polo shirts for customer visits, flexible work trousers, and branded hoodies or fleeces for cooler environments.
- Plasterers: Comfortable, washable workwear, practical trousers, and breathable t-shirts for physically demanding indoor work.
Some trades also require specialist protective clothing. For example, the Portwest Bizweld Work FR Bib and Brace is a flame-resistant garment intended for appropriate higher-risk working environments, rather than ordinary everyday uniform.
Where to Buy Personalised Workwear for Tradesmen and Women
At GoGo Designs in Leek, Staffordshire, we supply customised workwear for plumbers, electricians, painters, decorators, carpenters, joiners, installers, and other trades across the UK.
Whether you need embroidered polo shirts, printed t-shirts, practical work trousers, branded hoodies, or complete workwear bundles, we can help you find clothing that suits your business.
We offer professional printing and embroidery to help your business look the part, whether you're a sole trader or managing a larger team.
Explore our workwear starter bundles, or contact GoGo Designs to discuss your requirements.
Need a larger order? Get in touch for a personalised quote and ask about bulk workwear savings.
