How to Design Club Uniforms That Actually Get Worn

Let’s be honest: every gun club committee has been there. Hours spent picking a “new look” only to find those polos or jackets never see the light of day. They end up shoved in a drawer, worn once at presentation night and forgotten.

The problem isn’t that members don’t want to wear uniforms — they do. When designed right, club gear builds pride, creates unity and makes your team look sharp on range days. The problem is bad design. Too hot. Too stiff. Wrong colours. Logos that look like they were slapped on in Microsoft Paint.

The good news? With a few smart moves (and a list of mistakes to avoid), your next round of club uniforms can actually become favourites.

Here’s how to design shooting gear your members will wear with pride.

Start With Colours That Mean Something

Colour is powerful. It’s the first thing people notice and the thing that sticks in memory. In psychology, colour taps into identity and emotion — which is exactly what you want for a gun club.

• Bold colours (deep blues, reds, blacks) project strength, heritage and pride.
• Neutrals (grey, khaki, olive) look sharp and practical for range wear.
• Accent colours (yellow, orange) can nod to safety while still looking slick.

Common mistake: Choosing colours just because they’re “cheap to print” or “looked good online.” Neon lime might pop on a screen but in real life, members feel like highlighters. Always order samples before signing off.

Get Logo Placement Right

Your logo is your badge of honour. Where you place it determines whether it’s a subtle mark of belonging or a billboard nobody asked for.

• Chest or sleeve placements feel classic and wearable.
• Large back prints work well for events or competition gear where visibility matters.
• Caps and beanies are low-key walking ads — keep the logo clean and well-stitched.

Common mistake: Making the logo too big. When it dominates the whole shirt, it tips from pride into parody. Aim for balance — members want to look like part of a team, not a sponsored race car.

Balance Team Identity With Individuality

People love being part of a club — but they also love standing out. Social Identity Theory backs this up: when individuals feel they can express themselves within the group, they’re more loyal to it.

For gun clubs, that means:

• Offering optional personalisation (names, shooting discipline, year joined).
• Allowing small design tweaks (different cap colours or patches).
• Creating “event-only” merch that adds collectability.

Common mistake: Going one-size-fits-all in design and style. Members want to feel like their gear is theirs, not just another copy-paste shirt.

Prioritise Comfort and Fit

Range days aren’t fashion shows — but uniforms still need to feel good. If the gear isn’t comfortable, it won’t get worn. End of story.

• Choose breathable fabrics (poly-cotton blends or moisture-wicking tech).
• Offer inclusive sizing for every body type. Nothing kills morale like ill-fitting gear.
• Think about weather conditions — jackets for winter comps, polos for summer events.

Common mistake: Ordering the cheapest, stiffest polo just to tick a box. If it scratches, clings, or fades in one wash, members won’t wear it again. Invest in quality — it pays off in pride and visibility.

Add Subtle Details That Elevate

Small design touches make the difference between “meh” and “must-wear.” Think:

• Contrast stitching in club colours.
• Embroidered patches for milestones (e.g., 50-year anniversary).
• A discreet slogan or motto inside the collar.

Psychology shows that subtle design cues increase perceived value. Members are more likely to wear something that feels considered and crafted.

Common mistake: Overloading the design. Too many slogans, clip-art images, or colour clashes turn uniforms into clown suits. Keep it simple and strong.

Make It Range-Day Ready

Club uniforms shouldn’t just look good in photos — they should work on range days. That means:

• Pockets in the right places.
• Fabrics that handle dust, sweat and the odd splash of gun oil.
• Hats and outerwear for outdoor events.

Common mistake: Designing “show-only” uniforms that don’t survive the range. Members want practical gear they can shoot in comfortably.

Checklist: Uniforms People Actually Wear

Before you sign off on your next design, ask:

• Do the colours connect with our club’s identity?
• Is the logo placed with pride but not overkill?
• Have we built in personalisation options?
• Are the fabrics comfortable and fit for purpose?
• Did we add subtle details that lift the design?
• Will this actually work on a range day?

If you can tick each one, you’ve got a uniform members will be proud to wear — not just once, but again and again.

Final Thoughts

Gun clubs are built on pride, heritage and belonging. Your uniforms should reflect that. Get the design right and you’ll see members showing up in club gear at range days, competitions and even around town. Get it wrong and you’ll be left with a pile of unused polos in the clubhouse storeroom.

Design smart. Avoid the common mistakes. And remember — when members actually wear the gear, your club brand travels further, builds credibility and strengthens community.

Thanks for reading and check back in next Wednesday for our latest post.

Mad Dog Team