When done right, corporate apparel isn’t just about outfitting your team. It’s about expressing your brand identity, building unity and giving your employees something they actually want to wear.
The truth? Most corporate uniforms fall flat. They’re itchy. Oversized. Branded like a billboard. That hoodie or polo you hoped would create team spirit? It ends up collecting dust.
Let’s fix that.
At Matly Digital Solutions, we help businesses in Kentucky and Ohio create custom-branded apparel that blends comfort, style and subtle branding. We offer a variety of house brands and name brand clothing that employees wear proudly and often – helping you enhance company culture and create a sense of belonging across teams.
Why Most Corporate Apparel Gets Ignored
Most companies miss the mark because they focus on their logo, not the people wearing it. The result? Generic fits, poor fabric and out-of-touch designs.
If you want employees to choose your apparel over their favorite hoodie, it has to check three boxes:
- Stylish: Modern cuts, seasonal versatility and trend-aware colors
- Comfortable: Soft, breathable fabrics that fit real bodies
- Subtle: Logos and designs that blend into wearable street-style, not stand out like a sales pitch
When apparel meets these standards, it naturally contributes to team spirit and strengthens brand identity.
What Employees Actually Want to Wear
Soft T-Shirts and Polos That Breathe
You can never go wrong with high-quality cotton or performance-blend T-shirts and polos. These pieces are great for:
- Office wear in business-casual environments
- Client meetings
- Field reps or trade show appearances
Add a tone-on-tone logo or small chest embroidery to keep it polished but low-profile. Adding your business’ tagline on the sleeve is a nice touch as well.
Outerwear They’ll Layer All Season
Branded outerwear like fleece vests, lightweight jackets, and hoodies are functional and fashionable. Bonus: every time an employee wears it out, it’s free marketing.
Options to consider:
- Softshell jackets for cool mornings
- Puffer vests in neutral colors
- Moisture-wicking zip hoodies
These pieces offer both comfort and utility, creating a sense of professionalism and personal style.
Stylish Headwear & Accessories
Custom beanies, caps, or even branded backpacks and laptop sleeves let employees show off your brand without it feeling forced. These accessories are especially popular for remote teams and casual Fridays.
Key Factors for Employee Adoption
Fit & Comfort Are Non-Negotiable
A tailored fit and breathable material goes further than any design trick. Skip the boxy T-shirts and invest in gear that’s made to move, stretch, and wear beautifully.
Offer Variety
One-size rarely fits all, Provide multiple options:
- Tees, polos, and button-downs
- Hoodies and quarter-zips
- Lightweight vs insulated outerwear
- Men’s and women’s cuts + size-inclusive options
Offering variety ensures employees feel considered and included, which boosts buy-in.
Ask for Input
Employees are far more likely to wear what they help pick. A simple survey or internal vote can drive better adoption and shows you value their opinion. Involving them in the process also creates a sense of ownership and helps them feel connected to the brand.
Keep It Accessible
A digital company store makes it easy for staff to order exactly what they want, when they want it. Matly Digital Solutions helps you build private storefronts where employees can choose gear by role, department, or size.
This accessibility makes it easier for employees to express their individuality while reinforcing a shared visual identity.
Apparel as Brand Identity, Without Being Pushy
When corporate apparel is well-designed, it becomes a silent brand ambassador. A subtle embroidered logo, brand-consistent color palette, and quality construction all reinforce what your company stands for.
Great apparel can:
- Increase brand visibility (especially when worn in public)
- Reinforce unity during events, trade shows, or client meetings
- Serve as appreciation gifts or onboarding perks
- Strengthen team-building efforts across departments
What Makes Matly Different?
We’re not just a print shop. Matly Digital Solutions is your local partner for custom corporate apparel across Louisville, Shelbyville and Fairfield. Here’s what sets us apart:
- Design Guidance: From logo placement to apparel selection
- High-Quality Printing & Embroidery: Long-lasting results and reasonable turnaround time
- End-to-End Partnership: Apparel, signage, printing and more
With every custom apparel order, we help you create branded clothing that employees wear with pride, creating a sense of team spirit and unity. Contact us to get started today!
