Top 5 Mistakes Businesses Make When Ordering Custom Workwear (And How to Avoid Them)

Banner graphic titled ‘Top 5 Mistakes Businesses Make When Ordering Custom Workwear,’ featuring embroidered work shirts and polos for local businesses in DeLand and Volusia County
Buyer’s Guide • Workwear That Works

Serving DeLand, Orange City, DeBary, Daytona Beach, Sanford & across Volusia County

When uniforms double as marketing, small mistakes can cost you money, time, and brand trust. Here are the five most common pitfalls we see and exactly how to avoid them like a pro.


1) Submitting the Wrong Art (Low-Res, RGB, or Not Vector)

Pixelated logos, muddy colors, or tiny details that won’t hold up on fabric are almost always the result of sending the wrong files. Screen printing prefers vector artwork (AI/EPS/SVG) with spot colors; embroidery needs a simplified mark with proper line weight and spacing.

How to avoid it: Send vector files and PMS callouts; for embroidery, request digitizing with stitch-count optimization and a small-size legibility check. Always approve a full-size proof on a large screen before production.

2) One-Size Artwork Across All Garments

Using the exact same print size on every garment can look fine on a Large but awkward on Smalls and 3XLs. Logos end up tiny on big shirts or overwhelming on small ones.

How to avoid it: Ask for scaled artwork groups (XS–S, M–XL, 2XL–3XL). For mixed short runs, consider combining methods (e.g., screen print for standard sizes, DTF/DTG for the smallest).

3) Choosing the Wrong Fabric & Print Method

Polyester and performance blends can cause dye migration into light inks; heavy cotton can be too hot for Florida crews. The wrong pairing leads to color issues, cracking prints, or uniforms that employees don’t want to wear.

How to avoid it: For performance shirts, use low-cure inks with a blocker underbase and correct cure temps. For outdoor jobs in Volusia County, choose breathable, moisture-wicking blends. Not sure? We’ll recommend the best method: screen print, embroidery, or DTF, based on fabric and use case.

4) Skipping Compliance on High-Visibility Workwear

If your team uses ANSI/ISEA hi-vis gear, oversized logos or poorly placed prints can reduce required reflective/fluorescent areas and put you out of compliance.

How to avoid it: Keep imprint area modest and confirm placements (left chest, centered back, sleeves) before production so you don’t cover retro-reflective zones. We’ll help ensure your gear looks great and stays compliant.

5) Rushing Proofs & Timelines

Most headaches trace back to rushed approvals, wrong phone numbers, off-center prints, or unexpected placements.

How to avoid it: Always approve a final digital proof and, for larger runs, request a photo of the first shirt on press before the full run. Build in time for art tweaks, digitizing, and garment procurement.

Bonus: Embroidery-Specific Pitfalls

Over-dense fills, missing underlay, or the wrong stitch directions can cause puckering or stiff logos especially on light or stretchy fabrics. Ask us to optimize stitch count, underlay, and pull-compensation for your garment and logo size.


Your Volusia County Playbook (Quick Checklist)

  • Send vector art + PMS colors (we’ll convert if needed).
  • Choose method/fabric by use case (heat, outdoor, marine, hi-vis).
  • Plan for scaled artwork across wide size ranges.
  • Keep hi-vis placements compliant—don’t block reflective zones.
  • Approve digital proof + first-shirt photo before full production.
Professional workwear + consistent branding = more recognition, more trust, and more business.

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