Staff uniform sizing: how to collect sizes without the headache
Half the delay in a uniform order is collecting sizes. Here is how Battle Born Clothing recommends doing it, which pieces skip sizing entirely, and how to keep a buffer for new hires.
What needs a size and what does not
| Piece | Sizes needed? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Aprons (A500, A700, A702, A703, A510) | No | One size, waist ties, adjustable neck on bibs |
| Hats (Richardson 112, YP 6606, C112) | No | Snapback, one size; 112 has an XL option |
| Beanies (SP12) | No | One size |
| Bucket hats (Decky 961) | Yes | Sized; check the Decky range |
| Tees (PC61, PC54, 3001) | Yes | S-6XL on PC61; women's LPC54 runs smaller |
| Polos (K500, L500) | Yes | XS-6XL; men's and women's cut separately |
If your crew turns over fast, lean on the no-size pieces. An apron-and-hat uniform fits every hire on day one.
The roster
Send a simple list: piece, cut (men's or women's), size, count. We do not need names unless you are ordering names. A spreadsheet or a photo of a sign-up sheet both work.
| Piece | Cut | S | M | L | XL | 2XL | 3XL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| K500 | Men's | 2 | 5 | 6 | 3 | 1 | 1 |
| L500 | Women's | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Extended sizes
Shirts and polos 2XL and up carry a $1-7 upcharge by size. The K500 runs to 6XL and the PC61 to 6XL, so nobody is left out. Aprons and hats have no upcharge.
Buffer stock
Order 10 to 15 percent over the roster in the middle sizes (M, L, XL) for new hires. It is cheaper to add 6 polos now at the 24-47 tier than to reorder 6 later at the 12-23 tier, and it saves a second shipping charge.
Fit notes from the floor
- The PC61 is a classic, roomy cut. Staff who want a slimmer fit should size down or move to a Bella+Canvas 3001.
- The K500 is a standard fit; the L500 women's cut is shaped and sizes run smaller than the men's.
- A full bib apron on a short server can hit the shin; the A510 medium is the fix.
- Richardson 112 fits most heads; order a few XL for the big guys on the line.
Collecting sizes fast
The fastest method we have seen: tape a sign-up sheet by the time clock with the piece names across the top and sizes down the side, give staff three days, then have a manager fill in anyone who missed it by looking at what they wear now. Do not send a group text asking for sizes; half the replies will be a guess and the other half will be a question. If you have a sample set of blanks on hand, let staff try them on. We do not mind selling a few blanks for that.
Women's cuts and unisex
Offer both a men's and a women's polo (K500 and L500) and let staff choose; do not assign by gender. For tees, the PC61 is unisex and most crews are fine with it; add the women's LPC54 only if people ask. Aprons and hats skip the question entirely, which is one more reason to build the uniform around them.
Turnover
Keep your digitized file with us (we do), reorder in small batches, and standardize on pieces that need no size. Tell us on the quote form how often you expect to top up and we will suggest the buffer.
Questions
Can we mix men's and women's cuts in one order?
Yes. List them separately on the roster. Same logo, same order: every piece counts toward the same price break.
What if someone's size is wrong?
Decorated garments cannot be exchanged, which is why we proof placement and ask for a checked roster. If the error is ours, we redo it free.
Do you sell blanks for size sampling?
We do not mind selling blanks. Ask on the quote form and we will price a sample set.