Online workwear and hi-vis supplier
Sell hi-vis, overalls and safety clothing online to small firms and tradespeople, often without holding much stock.
- £500-4k
- Side hustle
- Online
Estimates for a small start in the UK, not guarantees.
Official data
15,000 UK companies in this field, 42% registered in the last 2 years
SIC 46420 “Wholesale of clothing and footwear”. Source: Companies House, November 2026.
What it is
An online shop selling protective clothing such as hi-vis jackets, overalls, waterproofs and gloves. You can start with a small range of stock or have a wholesaler send orders straight to your customers.
Your first three steps
- Open trade accounts with two or three UK workwear wholesalers and compare prices and delivery terms
- Choose a narrow starting range, such as hi-vis and overalls for builders, and set up a simple online shop
- Contact local firms and trade groups to offer a small-business account with repeat ordering
Who pays
Small builders, landscapers, warehouses, farms and other employers, plus self-employed tradespeople buying for themselves.
How it makes money
You buy at trade prices and sell at a mark-up. Repeat bulk orders from small firms and add-ons such as logo printing or embroidery (through a partner) can lift the order value.
Skills that help
- Comfortable selling online
- Knowing which clothing suits which job
- Good customer service and order handling
Watch out for
- Protective clothing is often sold as PPE, so check that products carry the correct UK marking and that you only buy from reputable suppliers
- Check rules on returns and refunds for online sales, and that your product descriptions are accurate
- Check public liability and product liability insurance with a broker
- Thin margins on branded items, so check prices before you commit
- Register for VAT once your turnover goes over the threshold
Deep research report · UK
Everything you need to start: online workwear and hi-vis supplier
Researched with live web search for United Kingdom: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.
- Startup costs with real prices
- Licences, registration and rules
- Pricing: what others charge
- Break-even example
- Finding your first customers
- 30-day launch plan
- Risks and how to reduce them
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to start an online workwear business?
Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around £500 to £4,000, depending on whether you hold a small range of stock or have a wholesaler send orders directly. Check public liability and product liability insurance with a broker.
How much can an online workwear supplier earn?
Estimated monthly revenue is typically around £500 to £5,000, depending on your range and how many customers you win. Margins can be thin on branded items, so check prices before you commit. Estimates suggest at least about 8 hours a week.
What rules should I check before selling protective clothing?
Protective clothing is often sold as PPE, so check that products carry the correct UK marking and that you buy only from reputable suppliers. Also check rules on returns, refunds and accurate product descriptions, and VAT registration once turnover passes the threshold.
Other ways to run this business
Similar retail ideas
Online toiletries and grooming shop
Sell soaps, shaving products and personal care items online from home, focused on one clear niche.
- £500-4k
- Side hustle
- Online
Online power tool and trade supplies shop
Sell power tools, accessories and site kit to tradespeople online, without needing a shop.
- £800-4k
- Side hustle
- Online
Online Irish goods shop
Sell Irish food, knitwear, crafts and gifts online to people in the UK with Irish roots or interests.
- £800-4k
- Side hustle
- Online
Online branded merchandise shop for a niche
Run a website selling custom branded items to one type of customer, such as sports clubs, charities or small trades firms.
- £500-4k
- Side hustle
- Online
Online darts shop
Sell darts, flights, shafts and boards online to players, pubs and clubs across the UK.
- £500-4k
- Side hustle
- Online
Online needlework and stitching shop
Sell embroidery and cross-stitch kits, threads and fabrics to hobby stitchers through your own website or marketplace shop.
- £800-4k
- Side hustle
- Online
Photo: ZeeChow on Pixabay