Tabards
When you hear the word tabard, what comes to mind? For a lot of people, it’s probably something quite plain, an apron-like garment, maybe something you wore in school during art lessons to avoid going home with paint splattered across your shirt. Or perhaps you picture charity volunteers in brightly coloured layers, standing at busy events with collection buckets. That image isn’t wrong. It’s part of the story.
But the funny thing is, tabards have always been a little more than that. They aren’t just about keeping clothes clean. They’re practical, yes, but they also carry identity. They make groups look unified, help people spot staff in a crowd, and even send a quiet message about the team behind the uniform. You don’t necessarily think of them as “statement pieces,” yet that’s what they end up being.
It’s surprising, actually, how versatile something so simple can be. Over time, tabards have shifted from being thought of as protective workwear to being seen as an essential part of professional clothing. They’ve found their place in hospitals, classrooms, restaurants, shops, you name it. An unsung hero, really, quietly doing its job in the background without asking for much attention.
At Totally Branded, tabards are a bit of a specialty. We’ve worked with all kinds of organisations, schools, healthcare teams, retailers, hospitality groups, helping them design garments that aren’t only practical but also instantly recognisable. Some go for embroidered logos. Others prefer bold prints. Many want a balance of both. Our collection covers all of it: custom tabards, personalised designs, printed versions.
Custom Tabards
There’s something almost understated about a custom tabard. On the surface, it’s simple: a garment with a splash of colour or a logo stitched neatly on the front. But in reality, it tells people, this is our team. And in crowded or busy spaces, that small detail matters.
One of the big advantages of custom tabards is how flexible they are. Some businesses opt for bright, brand-matching colours, while others prefer subtle, neutral tones with a small logo. Some want full-coverage designs that stand out, while others prefer a light, minimal layer that staff can barely feel. The range is broad enough that no two organisations end up looking the same, unless they want to.
And here’s something I’ve noticed: consistency makes a quiet difference. When people see a team dressed in matching tabards, their perception changes. There’s a sense of order, of professionalism, even authority. In healthcare, that helps patients know who to trust. In catering, it reassures customers that the team is organised. For charities, recognisable uniforms mean volunteers are easy to spot in a sea of people.
Of course, durability matters too. Tabards aren’t fashion pieces that hang in a wardrobe; they’re workhorses. Strong stitching, easy-to-wash fabrics, the kind of resilience that survives constant laundering without shrinking or fading. That’s one reason businesses often buy them in bulk. They know these garments will last, and replacements won’t be needed every other month.
Personalised Tabards
Customisation is one thing. Personalisation takes it a step further. Adding a name, a role, even a small detail alongside a logo shifts the whole feel. Suddenly, it’s not only about branding, it’s about people.
Imagine being a customer walking into a shop. A plain tabard with a logo tells you someone works there. That’s helpful. But if the tabard also says Maria – Customer Support, the interaction feels warmer. More approachable. You already know who you’re talking to, and it takes away a tiny layer of awkwardness.
Schools have been clever with personalisation too. When children wear personalised tabards on trips, they’re easier to spot and keep track of. Teachers, on the other hand, benefit from carrying both authority and approachability at once. Healthcare facilities use them for the same reason, it helps staff feel recognised as individuals, not lost in a faceless group.
At Totally Branded, we’ve seen the demand for personalised tabards grow steadily. People seem to appreciate those small details. It’s a reminder that uniforms don’t have to strip away individuality, they can balance professionalism with personality. And sometimes, that balance is what makes the difference between a uniform that feels cold and one that feels human.
Tabards in Schools
If there’s any place where tabards truly prove their worth, it’s schools. They’ve been in classrooms for decades, usually for very practical reasons. Art class, science experiments, cookery, tabards save uniforms from paint splashes, flour clouds, or the occasional messy accident no one really wants to clean up afterward.
But beyond protection, they’re also about safety. Bright, colourful tabards make children easy to spot during outdoor activities or school trips. Teachers and assistants wearing tabards with the school crest become instantly recognisable, not only to pupils but also to parents and staff. That visibility reassures people. It makes authority clear, but it also signals care.
And if you’ve ever seen how kids treat clothes, you’ll know durability is non-negotiable. Tabards in schools get pulled, splashed, and generally put through their paces daily. Teachers don’t have the luxury of treating them gently either. That’s why schools so often order in bulk, practical, reliable garments that will stand up to classroom life without fuss.
Tabards with Logos
Logos are small details, but they carry weight. Add a logo to a tabard, and suddenly it’s no longer just a piece of fabric, it’s a branded uniform. It signals professionalism, unity, and trust.
In customer-facing industries like retail, hospitality, or catering, logo tabards act almost like silent introductions. People see the logo and instantly know who represents the business. At charity events, a logo does double duty, making volunteers both approachable and recognisable.
There are options, of course. Embroidery has a premium look and lasts a long time, while printing allows for bold, colourful designs that can be larger and more flexible. Neither is “better,” really, it depends on the purpose. What matters is that either approach transforms a simple garment into a visible, meaningful part of an organisation’s identity.
Printed Tabards
Sometimes, the goal isn’t subtle branding, it’s visibility. Printed tabards stand out, and that’s why they’re popular for events, exhibitions, and fundraisers. Full-colour logos, bold graphics, even slogans can be displayed front and centre.
Cost is always a question, of course. Budgets matter, especially for schools and charities. The good news is that printed tabards are among the most affordable options. Even with bright, detailed designs, they tend to remain cost-effective, particularly when ordered in bulk. They pull double duty as uniforms and marketing tools, which makes them good value.
And they don’t sacrifice practicality. Printed tabards are lightweight, easy to wear, simple to wash, things that busy teams actually care about. No one wants a uniform that creates extra work.
Tabards Next Day Delivery
There’s always that moment when you realise uniforms are needed urgently. A new event added at the last minute. Extra staff hired. Or perhaps an unexpected shortage. Whatever the reason, speed becomes the priority.
That’s why Totally Branded offers next day delivery on a wide range of tabards. It means you don’t have to compromise when time is tight. And importantly, speed doesn’t mean cutting corners on quality, we’ve streamlined production so both can exist side by side.
You might not think you’ll need this kind of service, but when you do, it feels like a lifesaver. Schools, businesses, and charities all rely on that kind of reliability, and we’re glad to provide it.
Why Choose Totally Branded?
Plenty of suppliers can sell you tabards. But choosing the right one makes a noticeable difference. At Totally Branded, our approach rests on three things: quality, reliability, and flexibility.
Quality, because every garment is built to last, no matter the setting. Reliability, because no one wants to chase down a late order. Flexibility, because no two organisations are the same, some need embroidery, others print; some order ten, others hundreds.
Over the years, we’ve worked with schools, healthcare providers, retailers, caterers, and event organisers. What stands out to us is how unique each requirement really is. Listening closely and tailoring solutions to fit those needs has helped us build lasting relationships. In many cases, clients come back not only for the product but because they trust the process.
Order Your Tabards Today!
Yes, a tabard is practical. But it’s also something bigger, a symbol of identity, organisation, even professionalism. A way for people to feel connected to a group, and for others to recognise them instantly.
At Totally Branded, we take pride in offering tabards that balance durability with design, practicality with personalisation. Competitive pricing, quick delivery, thoughtful options, it’s all part of how we work.
If you’re considering new uniforms, explore the collection today. Whether you need custom tabards for a team, personalised options for schools, or bold printed designs for an event, you’ll find something that fits. Place an order, and give your staff, volunteers, or pupils a consistent, professional appearance that lasts.
