Custom Apparel for Contractors: What Crews Actually Order
Short answer: contractors order five things most: a branded hat (usually a Richardson 112 trucker with a leather patch or embroidered logo), work tees with a small front and large back logo, hi-vis shirts or ANSI safety vests for road and utility crews, a hoodie or jacket for cold months, and an embroidered polo for estimators and office staff. Most crews start with hats and tees, then add hi-vis and outerwear.
We outfit construction, excavation, utility, electrical, plumbing, fencing, landscaping and roofing crews from our shop in Temple, Georgia, and ship to job sites in all 50 states. Here is what crews actually order, what it costs, and how to build a crew kit.
The 5 items contractors order most
1. Custom hats
Hats are the first thing most contractors brand. Every crew member wears one every day, and they show up in every job site photo. The Richardson 112 trucker is the most requested style. Genuine leather patch hats look premium and hold up to sweat and sun; embroidered logos are the classic choice.
2. Work t-shirts
Crews go through shirts fast, so most companies order tees in bulk with a small logo on the front and a large logo on the back. Gildan DryBlend is the work-tee standard; Comfort Colors is the step up for a softer, heavier shirt.
3. Hi-vis and safety apparel
Road, utility and site crews often need ANSI high-visibility shirts or safety vests. We decorate ANSI vests and hi-vis tees with your logo so the crew stays compliant and branded. FR (flame resistant) workwear is available for electrical and utility crews.
4. Hoodies, jackets and cold-weather gear
For fall and winter, crews order branded hoodies, Carhartt jackets and knit watch caps. Embroidered Carhartt gear is a favorite for foremen and as an end-of-year gift.
5. Polos for the office and bids
Estimators, project managers and owners wear an embroidered polo for client meetings and bids. Sport-Tek, Nike and adidas performance polos are the most requested.
What it costs: per-piece pricing by quantity
Item | Starting price | Hats 12-23 / apparel 15-24 | Hats 50-99 / apparel 50-74 | 100-199 | 200+ |
Richardson 112 leather patch hat | $28 | $24 | $20 | $18 | $16 |
Richardson 112 embroidered hat | $32 | $28 | $24 | $22 | $22 |
Gildan DryBlend tee, front + back print | $18 | $17 | $15 | $13 | $12 |
Comfort Colors tee, front + back print | $26 | $25 | $21 | $17 | $16 |
Gildan heavy blend hoodie, DTF | $35 | $34 | $31 | $28 | $26 |
ANSI safety vest, embroidered logo | $28 | $25 | $21 | $19 | $18 |
Sport-Tek polo, embroidered | $32 | $31 | $28 | $26 | $24 |
Starting price is for hats 1 to 5 and apparel 1 to 14. Quantity pricing is per design. Sizes 2XL add $2, 3XL $4 and 4XL $6. Long sleeve tees are $3 more than short sleeve. Final pricing is confirmed on your quote.
Example: a 12-person crew kit
Item | Quantity | Each | Total |
Richardson 112 leather patch hats | 12 | $24 | $288 |
Gildan DryBlend tees, front + back print (2 per person) | 24 | $17 | $408 |
Gildan heavy blend hoodies, DTF | 12 | $35 | $420 |
Crew total | 48 pieces | about $93 per person | $1,116 |
Plus Georgia sales tax and shipping, or free pickup in Temple. Prefer a bundle? See our Crew Packs.
Leather patch vs embroidery vs print for work gear
Method | Best for | Minimum | Durability |
Genuine leather patch | Hats | None | Sewn on, ages well, no peeling |
Embroidery | Polos, jackets, hats, vests | None | Outlasts the garment |
Screen print | 50+ matching tees | 50 pieces | Long-lasting, lowest cost at volume |
DTF | Small runs, full-color logos, hoodies | None | Bright and flexible, no ironing on print |
Frequently asked questions
What hat do most contractors choose?
The Richardson 112 trucker with a leather patch. Camo versions like Mossy Oak Bottomland are popular with utility and excavation crews.
Can you put our logo on Carhartt?
Yes. We embroider Carhartt tees, jackets, vests and watch caps.
Do you ship to job sites?
Yes, anywhere in the US, or pick up free in Temple, GA.
Is there a minimum?
No overall minimum. Orders of 1 to 4 pieces carry a $15 setup charge per design, waived at 5 or more. Screen printing starts at 50 pieces.
Outfit your crew
Hobbs Peak is a family-owned custom apparel shop in Temple, GA serving contractors and crews across Georgia and shipping nationwide. Free digital proof on every order and about 10 business days production after approval. See custom hats for contractors or design one in Build Your Hat.
Text your logo to (770) 796-4770, email info@hobbspeak.com, or get a free quote.
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