Branding workwear often sounds like routine.
The garment is defined, cut and colour are approved, the supply chain is set – all internal requirements are ticked off.
And then there’s “just” the logo.
Chest. Sleeve. Back. A heat transfer – done.
In reality, this is often the point where projects start to slip. Not because heat transfers don’t work, but because workwear follows different rules than fashion, merch or promotional apparel.
And because a logo here isn’t just a nice detail – it’s part of the garment’s performance.
Why workwear plays by different rules
Workwear isn’t worn to follow trends. It’s worn to function – every single working day.
Typical requirements include:
- frequent, hot washing
- constant movement and abrasion
- changing working environments
- a look that still feels professional after months of use
- standards and compliance requirements that must be met
This means: the logo isn’t decorative. It’s part of the overall product. And when it fails, it doesn’t just look bad – it creates unnecessary stress.
The 3 most common mistakes when branding workwear
1. “A logo is a logo”
Sounds logical. But it’s risky.
Transfers are not automatically universal. A heat transfer that performs perfectly on a fashion hoodie can, on workwear:
- adhere less reliably
- age visibly faster
- start lifting at the edges
- break down under heavy wash and wear
And then you get what nobody wants: complaints, replacements, internal discussions – and pressure on purchasing and quality.
2. Decisions are made based on appearance
It’s human: you see the logo and think “looks good”.
But what matters is not how it looks at approval – it’s what happens later:
- how it looks after 30 or 50 wash cycles
- whether it holds reliably on the actual material
- whether it stays flexible instead of cracking or tearing
A logo can look perfect at sign-off – and still become a problem very quickly.
3. No testing on the original garment
“We used this on another collection.”
“This fabric is similar.”
This is probably the most common – and most expensive – mistake. In practice, even small differences can change everything:
- a different fabric blend
- different finishing or coating
- different dyeing
- a different surface (smooth, rough, coated, treated)
That’s why the rule is simple: test on the real garment – not on a ‘similar fabric’.
Three applications where the logo becomes critical
Some workwear applications aren’t just demanding – they are safety-relevant. And that’s where the logo becomes part of the responsibility.
1) Flame-resistant protective clothing
Once a garment is certified as flame-resistant, the logo is automatically part of the system.
A transfer that melts, drips or continues burning under heat can compromise the protective performance of the entire garment – and create a real risk.
In these applications, it’s essential that the transfer:
- is self-extinguishing
- does not drip
- does not continue burning
- is compatible with relevant standards (e.g. EN ISO 11612, ISO 11611, FIA 8856-2018)
Standard solutions are usually not suitable here. The logo also needs to be tested, documented and selected in a compliant way.
For a deeper dive into standards, test methods and typical pitfalls, see: “Do you need a flame-resistant logo?”
2) Reflective logos on safety clothing
Reflective logos are meant to improve visibility – but they must not compromise function, comfort or compliance.
In practice, not every reflective technology works for every use case.
Key points include:
- reflective performance remains stable after repeated washing
- the transfer stays flexible and adapts to the garment
- adhesion remains reliable on the chosen fabric
- placement and execution meet compliance requirements
A reflective solution can be technically “good” and still fail in real-life use if these points don’t align.
3) Workwear for industrial laundering
For many industries, industrial laundering is standard.
High temperatures, intensive wash processes, strong mechanical stress and washing chemistry create much tougher conditions than home laundering. DIN EN ISO 15797 defines these conditions – and it applies to the entire garment, including the logo.
A suitable heat transfer must:
- adhere reliably over time
- keep colours stable
- age in a controlled way (not unpredictably)
- remain reproducible across reorders
One successful wash test is not enough. What matters is consistent performance across many cycles.
For a deeper technical perspective, see the masterclass: “Logos for textiles that must withstand industrial laundering.”
Cost: why “cheap” is rarely cheap in workwear
In workwear, the unit price is only part of the truth.
It becomes expensive when:
- complaints come in
- replacements have to be produced
- internal loops and discussions start
- new tests are needed
- different logo qualities are circulating (new batch vs old batch)
A stable, tested solution may cost slightly more upfront – but it saves what is most expensive in workwear: time, risk and rework.
Conclusion
Heat transfers can be an excellent solution for workwear – if they are chosen for the real use case and tested on the original garment.
Most issues don’t happen because heat transfers don’t work. They happen because testing starts too late, or because teams assume “it will be fine”.
If you treat the logo as part of the system (not as the final step), you reduce risk and avoid complaints, internal discussions and costly corrections later on.
If you’re planning a workwear project and want to make sure the branding performs long-term, speak with us early. We’ll help you select the right transfer solution and validate it under realistic conditions.
TRUSTED BY
