Seasonal Uniform Planning for Landscapers and Contractors

Indiana weather is bipolar. Your crew uniforms should adapt. Here’s how smart contractors handle seasonal gear without breaking the bank. Call Nick at (812) 537-3461 – we outfit half the trades in southern Indiana.

True story: Last March, a landscaping crew showed up to work in hoodies. By noon, it was 75 degrees and they’re dying. The next week? Snow. That’s Indiana for you.

After 10 years of outfitting contractors, here’s the seasonal system that actually works.

The Four-Season Reality Check

Spring (March-May): The Wildcard Season

• Morning: 35°F – Need layers
• Afternoon: 70°F – Down to t-shirts
• Smart move: Long sleeves + t-shirts combo
• Don’t forget: Rain gear for April

Summer (June-August): The Sweat Factory

• Moisture-wicking everything
• Light colors for heat reflection
• UV protection for all-day sun
• Extra shirts (they’ll need changes)

Fall (September-November): The Transition

• Hoodies become daily wear
• Layer-friendly options
• Visibility gear for shorter days
• Fleece for those surprise cold snaps

Winter (December-February): The Test

• Insulated options without bulk
• Wind-resistant outer layers
• Beanies (more popular than you’d think)
• Base layers that actually work

See our full contractor uniform guide for specific recommendations.

The Budget-Smart Ordering Calendar

Here’s when successful contractors place orders:

February Order (For Spring):

• Mix of short and long sleeves
• Light hoodies for mornings
• Rain-resistant options
• Budget: $40-60 per employee

May Order (For Summer):

• Moisture-wicking tees (lots)
• UV protection shirts
• Breathable hats
• Budget: $50-70 per employee

August Order (For Fall/Winter):

• Hoodies and fleece
• Thermal options
• High-vis for dark mornings
• Budget: $60-80 per employee

Total annual uniform budget: $150-210 per employee. That’s less than one workers comp claim.

Real Contractor Solutions

The Landscaping Crew System:

Luis runs a 6-person landscaping business. His system:

• Each employee gets 5 summer tees
• 3 long sleeves for spring/fall
• 2 hoodies for cold mornings
• Reorder damaged shirts quarterly

Cost per employee per year: About $180. Professional look: Priceless.

The Roofing Crew Approach:

Different work, different needs:

• Moisture-wicking only (cotton kills)
• Bright colors for visibility
• Extra pockets for tools
• Tear-away tags (comfort matters)

Start with our contractor bundle and build from there.

The Mistakes That Cost Money

I’ve seen contractors waste thousands on uniforms. Here’s what not to do:

Mistake 1: Buying all cotton for summer
Cotton holds sweat. Your crew will be miserable by 10 AM. Moisture-wicking costs $3 more but keeps people working.

Mistake 2: Cheaping out on winter gear
Freezing employees work slower, call in more, get injured more. Good hoodies are an investment in productivity.

Mistake 3: Ordering once per year
You can’t predict Indiana weather or crew changes. Order seasonally, stay flexible.

Mistake 4: Ignoring visibility requirements
OSHA doesn’t care that hi-vis is ugly. Keep compliant options in stock.

The Features That Actually Matter

After thousands of contractor orders, here’s what crews actually want:

• Tagless labels – Tags itch when you sweat
• Reinforced seams – For durability
• Fade-resistant printing – Logo should outlast the shirt
• Pre-shrunk fabric – Size stays consistent
• Pocket on long sleeves – For phones/cards
• Athletic fit option – Not everyone wants boxy

Smart Money Moves

Want to save without sacrificing quality?

• Order ahead: 20% cheaper than rush orders
• Buy seasonal bundles: Better pricing on packages
• Standardize colors: Easier reorders
• Track what lasts: Invest in what works
• Employee purchase program: They buy extras at your cost

Some contractors use our team packages for bulk seasonal orders.

The System That Scales

Whether you have 2 employees or 20, the system works:

1. Start with basics (5 tees, 2 hoodies per person)
2. Add seasonal items as needed
3. Track what gets worn most
4. Reorder popular items
5. Phase out what doesn’t work

Simple. Flexible. Affordable.

P.S. – That landscaping crew from the beginning? They now order seasonally like clockwork. Their guys stay comfortable, productive, and professional. Even when Indiana weather goes full psycho.