Which winter layer is right for your team?
When the weather turns, staff need a warm layer that still carries your brand. Softshells, gilets and fleeces are the three most popular choices. Each has strengths, and many teams use a combination.
Softshell jackets
Softshells are stretchy, wind resistant and often water repellent, with a soft inner lining. They are smart enough for customer-facing roles and practical enough for outdoor work in cool, breezy weather.
- Best for: trades visiting customers, outdoor supervisors, event staff.
- Branding: takes embroidery well on the chest. Some softshells have a membrane, so we advise on the best method.
Browse our softshell jackets.
Gilets
Gilets, or body warmers, keep the core warm while leaving the arms free to move. They are popular with trades, drivers and warehouse teams who are in and out of vans and buildings.
- Best for: active roles, layering over polos or sweatshirts.
- Branding: an embroidered chest logo and printed back logo work well.
Browse our gilets, and read our deeper guide to the benefits of custom gilets.
Fleeces
Fleeces are warm, light and affordable, making them a great mid-layer or outer layer on dry days. They are not windproof or waterproof on their own.
- Best for: indoor-outdoor roles, warehouse staff, clubs and schools.
- Branding: fleece takes embroidery very well.
How do they compare?
- Warmth: fleeces and padded gilets are warm; softshells add wind protection.
- Weather: softshells handle wind and light showers best.
- Movement: gilets give the most arm freedom.
- Look: softshells are the smartest.
- Value: fleeces usually cost least.
How should outdoor teams layer?
A practical winter kit is a polo or t-shirt base layer, a fleece or sweatshirt mid-layer and a softshell or gilet on top, with a waterproof jacket for heavy rain. Choose colours that work together so the whole team looks consistent. For site work, add branded hi-vis where needed.
Starting a new trade business?
Our branded workwear checklist for new trade businesses helps you plan a complete kit.
Do we supply customers near you?
We are based in Worcestershire and dispatch orders across the UK, and customers nearby can arrange local collection. See how we work with customers locally on our pages for embroidery in Walsall and embroidery in Cradley Heath, or browse all areas we serve in the West Midlands.
Frequently asked questions about winter workwear
Can you embroider softshell jackets?
Yes, in most cases. Some softshells have a waterproof membrane, so we advise on the best position or method to protect water resistance.
Are gilets warm enough for winter?
A padded gilet keeps the core warm and works well layered over a fleece or sweatshirt. For very cold or wet days, add a jacket.
Which winter layer is best value?
Fleeces are usually the most affordable, while softshells cost more but offer wind protection and a smarter look.
Is there a minimum order?
We welcome small orders as well as large ones, so a sole trader kitting out one van and a club ordering a full squad are both looked after. Tell us your quantity when you ask for a quote and we will advise on the best value option.
Can I see a proof before you make my order?
Yes. Once your logo is prepared we can send a visual showing the position and size on the garment for you to approve before anything is embroidered or printed.
Order branded winter workwear
Tell us the garments, sizes and quantities, and share your logo. You can request a quote, call 07825 818684 or message us on WhatsApp.
