Industry Guides

How To Choose The Right Personalised Polo Shirt For Your Team

8th April 2026

When it comes to workwear, few garments strike the balance between smart and practical quite like the polo shirt. Comfortable enough to wear all day, professional enough to represent your brand, and versatile enough to suit almost any industry; it’s no wonder polo shirts remain one of the most popular choices for personalised staff uniforms across the UK.

From office teams and hospitality staff to tradespeople and retail assistants, businesses of all sizes rely on polo shirts to create a consistent, professional appearance. And with the right embroidered or printed logo, a quality polo shirt doesn’t just look the part, it actively promotes your brand every time your team steps out the door.

Not all polo shirts are created equal though. Choosing the wrong one can lead to staff discomfort, garments that wear out quickly, or branding that doesn’t look as sharp as it should. This guide walks you through the key considerations, so you can make a confident, informed decision for your team.

Consider the fabric

The fabric is arguably the most important decision you’ll make when choosing a workwear polo shirt. It impacts how comfortable your team feels, how well the garment holds up over time, and how easy it is to keep clean and presentable.

Cotton

Cotton polo shirts are a popular choice for office teams and customer-facing roles. They’re soft, breathable, and comfortable to wear all day, which makes them great for environments where presentation and comfort are equally important.

Bear in mind that pure cotton can crease more easily, and may need a little more care in the wash than blended alternatives. This is a key consideration if your uniforms are laundered frequently.

Polycotton blends

Polycotton blends combine the comfort of cotton with the durability of polyester. These polos are more resistant to shrinking, creasing, and wear, so they’re a practical option for busy workplaces. They’re especially popular in sectors like retail, logistics, and hospitality where uniforms are washed frequently.

Performance fabrics

For more physically demanding roles, like construction, engineering, or outdoor work, performance fabrics are often the best choice. These materials are designed to wick moisture away from the body, helping keep staff cool and comfortable throughout the day. They’re also a practical option for roles where staff are on their feet for extended periods or working in variable weather conditions.

Ultimately, the right fabric will influence comfort, durability, and how well the garment holds up after repeated washing, so it’s worth taking the time to match it to your team’s needs.

Think about durability

When investing in personalised workwear, durability should be a top priority. The polo shirts you provide to your team need to withstand daily wear, frequent washing, and the demands of the work environment.

Key features to look for include:

Reinforced seams for additional strength
High-quality stitching that won’t unravel
Fabrics that retain their colour after washing
Resistance to shrinking and fading

For industries like construction and logistics, where garments are exposed to tough physical conditions day in, day out, or hospitality, where uniforms may be washed on a daily basis, choosing a durable polo shirt can significantly reduce the cost of replacement over time.

At MyWorkwear, we only supply polo shirts that are built to last, ensuring your team looks professional for longer.

Choose the right fit for your team

Workwear fit is often overlooked when considering function, but it has a major impact on both comfort and appearance. A well-fitting polo shirt can look professional while also ensuring employees feel confident and comfortable throughout their working day.

Classic vs modern fit

Classic fit polo shirts offer a more relaxed shape, making them ideal for physically active roles or teams that prioritise comfort. Modern, or slim fit polo shirts comprise a more tailored look. They are typically preferred in office or customer-facing environments, keeping things smart but simple.

Inclusive sizing & options

It’s important to offer a full range of sizes in your polo shirts, as well as both men’s and women’s fits. This ensures every member of staff has a uniform that fits properly and feels comfortable. And we don’t just mean one style provided in different sizes, polo shirts should be offered in genuinely inclusive workwear options for different body types.

Providing the right fit isn’t just about appearance, it’s about making sure your staff are happy to wear their uniform every day. When employees feel comfortable and confident in what they’re wearing, it shows, and that positive impression extends to your customers, too.

Consider branding & personalisation

One of the biggest advantages of polo shirts is how well they lend themselves to branding. Their structured design and durable fabric provide a clean, consistent surface that helps your logo stand out clearly. Polo shirts are a reliable choice for organisations seeking to create a strong, professional identity across their team.

Embroidery vs print

Embroidery is the most popular choice for polo shirts, as it creates a premium, long-lasting finish. Unlike print, embroidered logos won’t peel or fade, even after several washes. For a closer look at why embroidery is the preferred method for workwear, and how to get the best results, take a look at our embroidered workwear guide.

Logo placement

When placing a logo on your polo shirts, it’s not simply a case of ‘sticking it anywhere’. Placement is key to maintaining a professional, consistent, and on-brand appearance. Common logo placement options include:

Left chest - most popular for a clean, professional look
Right chest - often used for names or job roles
Sleeves - typically used for additional branding elements or detail

The right placement will depend on your logo size, your brand guidelines, and the overall look you’re trying to achieve. If you’re unsure, our team can advise on the best options for your design.

Colour coordination

Choosing the right garment colour is just as important as the logo itself. Your polo shirt should complement your branding, ensuring your logo stands out clearly, and remains easy to read. A strong contrast between thread and garment colour tends to give the best embroidery results, though a more tonal combination can work well for a subtler, more premium look.

At MyWorkwear, we offer a full personalisation service, helping you choose the best embroidery style, placement, and colours to ensure your brand looks its best on every garment.

Think about your work environment

The physical working environment also plays a pivotal role in the decision-making process. Different roles require different features, and your polo shirts should reflect the demands of the job, without compromising on consistency in differing roles.

For example:

Outdoor teams benefit from breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics. Performance polyester or technical blends are ideal here, helping to regulate body temperature during physically demanding shifts.
Manual roles may require heavier, more durable materials. Look for reinforced construction and colourfast fabrics that can handle tough conditions without deteriorating quickly.
Hospitality staff often need easy-care, stain-resistant options that can be washed daily without losing their shape or colour. Polycotton blends tend to be the go-to choice in this sector.
Office teams may prioritise comfort and a smart appearance above all else. A soft cotton or polycotton polo shirt in a modern fit usually strikes the right balance.

Taking some time to think about your team’s environment can save time, money, and frustration further down the line. It’ll also ensure you end up with a uniform that genuinely works for the people wearing it.

Compare different polo shirt options

With so many polo shirt styles available, comparing features like fabric, durability, and fit can make choosing the right option much easier. Different polos offer variable combinations of performance, comfort, and style, so comparing them side by side helps take the guesswork out of the decision.

Whether your priority is fabric performance, long-term durability, or finding the best fit for a mixed team, our polo shirts comparison page helps you find the right match.

Ready to choose the right polo shirt?

Choosing the right personalised polo shirt isn’t just about picking a colour and adding your logo. It’s about finding the right balance of comfort, durability, fit, and branding to suit your team and your working environment.

Get it right, and the benefits speak for themselves. Your staff will feel comfortable and confident in their uniform every day, your garments will stand up to daily wear and frequent washing, and your brand will be presented in a professional, consistent way.

If you’re ready to find the best option for your team, browse our full range of polo shirts or head straight to our polo shirt comparison page to weigh up the options and find the perfect fit for your business.

Here at MyWorkwear, we have been proud suppliers of personalised workwear since 1976.

To see how we can provide the perfect workwear for your team to keep them looking professional and performing at their best, please click the button below.