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Uneek and Portwest are two of the most popular workwear brands in the UK B2B market. Both are stocked by BR Apparel and available with in-house embroidery and DTF printing from our Bradford facility. But they serve different purposes and different buyers. Here is an honest comparison to help you choose.
Uneek: Best for Hospitality, Corporate and General Workwear
Uneek is primarily known for its polo shirts. The UC101 Classic Polo is one of the best-selling workwear garments in the UK. The brand covers a wide range including polo shirts, T-shirts, sweatshirts, hoodies, fleece jackets and hi-vis. You can see the full range on our Uneek workwear page.
Why buyers choose Uneek:
- Outstanding value: the UC101 polo starts from £6.23 embroidered at 100+ items
- Huge size range: the UC108 Deluxe Polo goes up to 8XL
- Holds embroidery exceptionally well, with a tight weave and clean finish
- Wide colour range: dozens of colours across the core polo range
- Consistent quality wash after wash, which matters for hospitality and daily wear
- Good eco range: the GR series uses recycled and organic materials
Uneek best sellers at BR Apparel:
- UC101 Classic Polo Shirt, from £6.23 embroidered (100+ items)
- UC108 Deluxe Polo (up to 8XL), from £6.83 embroidered
- UC604 Classic Full Zip Fleece, from £11.45 embroidered
- UC502 Classic Hooded Sweatshirt, from £11.51 embroidered
- UC803 Hi-Vis Road Safety Jacket, from £17.27 embroidered
All prices include simple chest embroidery at 100+ items, excluding VAT. Origination (digitising your logo) is a one-off £15 per design.
Portwest: Best for Construction, Logistics, Hi-Vis and PPE
Portwest is the dominant brand in construction and safety workwear. Their hi-vis range meets EN ISO 20471 standards and the brand is trusted on construction sites across the UK. Beyond hi-vis, Portwest also produces excellent workwear trousers, waterproof jackets, fleece and polo shirts. If you are new to hi-vis classes and standards, our hi-vis clothing guide explains them in plain English.
Why buyers choose Portwest:
- Industry-leading hi-vis: Class 1, 2 and 3 certified to EN ISO 20471
- PPE expertise: gloves, eye protection and head protection alongside clothing
- Durable construction: reinforced stitching and robust fabrics for site use
- Comprehensive range, from hi-vis vests to waterproof outerwear
- Multiple collections: PW2, PW3 and DX4 cover different fit and function needs
- Trusted on site: Portwest is the go-to brand for construction procurement managers
Portwest key lines at BR Apparel:
- Portwest Hi-Vis Waistcoat, from £5.23 embroidered
- Portwest Hi-Vis Polo Shirt, Class 2 certified
- Portwest Hi-Vis Road Safety Jacket, EN ISO 20471 Class 2
- Portwest Hi-Vis Bomber Jacket, heavy duty, Class 3
- Portwest Cargo Trousers, durable and practical site wear
Uneek vs Portwest Side by Side
| Factor | Uneek | Portwest |
|---|---|---|
| Best sector | Hospitality, corporate, general | Construction, logistics, PPE |
| Most popular item | UC101 Classic Polo | Hi-vis waistcoat and jacket |
| Price from (embroidered) | From £6.23 per item | From £5.23 per item |
| Size range | XS to 8XL on key lines | S to 4XL on most lines |
| Hi-vis range | Yes, EN ISO 20471 certified | Yes, Class 1, 2 and 3 |
| Eco options | Yes, GR recycled range | Limited eco range |
| Best for embroidery | Excellent, tight weave | Good, especially polos |
| PPE range | No | Yes, gloves, eye and head protection |
Which Should You Choose?
Choose Uneek if you need smart, affordable polo shirts, hoodies or fleece for a hospitality, corporate or general team. The UC101 is unbeatable value and holds embroidery beautifully.
Choose Portwest if your team works on construction sites, in logistics, or in any environment where hi-vis and PPE compliance is required. Portwest is the industry standard for a reason.
Or choose both. Many of our clients use Uneek for front-of-house or office staff and Portwest for site or warehouse teams. We can produce both with the same logo for a consistent branded look across your business.
See Both Ranges in Person
Not sure which brand is right for your team? Visit our Bradford showroom and compare both ranges side by side, call us on 01274 491410 or request a quote online. Both Uneek and Portwest are available with in-house embroidery and DTF printing from Bradford.
