Edition Eight: Wholesale clothing markets for decorators – where to find new clients and grow sales

  Ralawise  •  12 March 2026

Most decorators fish in the same ponds: schools, sports clubs, local trades. Solid markets, reliable repeat business, but crowded. Everyone competes on price for the same slice of action.

The decorators who really grow look beyond the obvious. They find sectors where demand is strong but competition is thinner. They spot opportunities others overlook – the hidden sales.

The sales you’re not making? They’re right here…

Go beyond the obvious – hidden markets for decorators

Healthcare – the quiet giant of uniform opportunities

Healthcare is massive, yet often overlooked. Private clinics, dental practices, care homes, veterinary surgeries, and the wider healthcare network all need to look professional.

Polos excel here: smart enough to inspire confidence, comfortable for long shifts, practical for frequent 60°C washes. Understanding infection-control policies and colour-coding requirements is key.

The opportunity? Most providers order through generic uniform suppliers. A decorator offering dedicated branded options stands out instantly.

For more on high-performance polos, see High Performance Polos.

Hospitality – niches within the niche

Hotels, restaurants, and bars are familiar territory, but there’s room to dig deeper. Boutique hotels, indie coffee shops, event caterers, pop-up restaurants and food trucks all need unique solutions.

Beyond traditional hotels: holiday parks, glamping sites, serviced apartments, boutique B&Bs. Often underserved, these businesses value decorators who understand their needs.

The sell isn’t “we do tees and polos.” It’s demonstrating how uniforms become a marketing investment rather than a cost – orders naturally follow.

Garden centres and retail – staff visibility meets comfort

Garden centres: often underserved, staff need to be identifiable, comfortable, and presentable. Tees and polos tick all boxes.

Broader retail: from farm shops to furniture showrooms, stylish staff visibility matters. Independent retailers often fall between too-small-for-big-uniform-suppliers and too-professional-for-basic print-on-demand – decorators can fill the gap.

Many retailers want uniforms that reflect their values. See Better Fashion, Not Faster Fashion for guidance.

Education – beyond the classroom

Schools are competitive, but education extends far beyond the classroom. Nurseries, childcare providers, training centres, universities, and support staff all need uniforms that are practical, washable, and professional.

These sectors are often overlooked by decorators but present genuine opportunities.

Trade and construction – the premium play

Builders and tradespeople are a crowded market. Instead of racing to the bottom on price, position at the premium end. Established businesses want uniforms that reflect quality, reinforce brand, and last longer.

Knowledge of fabrics becomes a real sales advantage. A small upfront investment for clients can save money over time – positioning you as a trusted consultant, not just a supplier.

Sports and fitness – expanding beyond traditional clubs

Fitness businesses – personal trainers, yoga studios, CrossFit gyms, climbing centres – all need branded uniforms that reinforce identity and team spirit. A properly decorated polo or tee is much more than a uniform; it’s content, credibility, and engagement.

Design-focused brands

Creative agencies, architects, and design studios demand style. Generic corporate polos won’t cut it. Oversized tees, heavyweight fabrics, washed finishes, and considered colour palettes signal expertise.

The opportunity? Present curated options that match aesthetic expectations – saving clients time and positioning yourself as an expert.

Lead with insight – winning business in new sectors

Decorators who succeed in new sectors lead with understanding and support, not just products. Study each industry’s challenges, ask questions before pitching, and position yourself as a problem-solver.

Start small. Pick a sector, dive deep, understand their pain points, cycles, and decision-makers. Then approach with genuine insight rather than generic sales patter.

The markets are there. The demand exists. Ready to go find it?

👉 Explore tees and polos at Ralawise