Custom workwear for the Port of Antwerp: what really works

The Port of Antwerp is Europe's second-largest port, with tens of thousands of workers in logistics, handling, security, customs and technical services. For the companies employing them, custom workwear is both an HSE requirement and an identity tool. Here is how to order it well.

The 4 categories of port workwear

• Logistics and handling: breathable polos, softshells, high-visibility vests EN ISO 20471. Visible branding mandatory.
• Security and access control: dark or identifiable outfits, legible "SECURITY" marking, sometimes with barcode or QR.
• Office and reception: premium polos or embroidered softshells. Corporate rather than field.
• Technical maintenance: stain- and oil-resistant workwear, discreet marking.

DTF, flock or embroidery: which to choose?

• Premium reception and office polos → embroidery (durable, 90°C washable, corporate)
• Logistics polos, softshells → DTF (colorful logo possible, photo-realistic, 50+ washes)
• HV vests, caps, tees → flock (fast, economical, ideal for "STAFF", "SECURITY")
• Individual identification (first name, badge number) → flock (each piece unique)

Port-specific standards and constraints

• HV vests mandatory in handling zones (EN ISO 20471 class 2 or 3). Our flock work respects the norm as long as it stays under 30% of the fluorescent surface.
• Breathable in summer (container peak June-August). Prefer pique polos 220 g with light DTF marking.
• Industrial wash resistance (60-90°C). DTF and embroidery hold up; flock needs professional heat press (our standard).
• Multilingual identification: NL/FR/EN on certain markings (customs, security).

Realistic lead times

• Standard workwear (polos + DTF logo, 50 pieces): 12-15 working days.
• Technical workwear (softshells, HV vests with embroidery): 15-20 working days.
• Urgent refresh: express production 5 days +20%.
• Delivery Antwerp: 24-48h via Bpost or DPD after production.

Case study: 80-person handling company

Typical annual outfitting:

• 80 logistics pique polos 220 g + DTF logo (chest) + flock first name (sleeve)
• 80 winter softshells + embroidered logo (chest) + DTF logo (back)
• 80 class-3 HV vests + flock "LOGISTICS" + individual badge number in flock
• 40 caps + DTF logo (mixed seasonal teams)

Indicative cost: about EUR 145 excl. VAT per person for the full annual kit. Production in 3 weeks, delivery to your port site.

Why Beetee is positioned for the Port of Antwerp

• 50 minutes from Huizingen to Antwerp via E19: D+1 delivery or pickup by appointment for urgent needs.
• Bilingual NL/FR team.
• No minimum imposed: start with 1 new hire, scale to hundreds without changing supplier.
• Pro textile catalog: Stedman, Russell, B&C, Result Genuine Recycled.