Whether you're hiring Christmas casuals or full-time staff in the next four weeks, the uniforms usually get sorted in the fifth.
Why? Because uniforms are not front of mind, they are normally time consuming and difficult to order and you just don't have the time to devote to it right now - your busy running your business.
Here's the order that saves the scramble when your newbies start.
Get sizes at the trial shift, not the induction. Add one line to the form: shirt size, and apron, or not. Nobody minds being asked, and you'll have every size before anyone starts. This is also useful next time to re-order your uniforms. You'll already have everyone's sizes making ordering less time-consuming and stressful.
Order one spare in each of your two most common sizes. Someone will start late, someone will spill something on day two, and the spare is what stops a new starter working their first shift in a black t-shirt from home. Keeping your staff looking consistent gives your customers a positive impression and reinforces your brand.
Decide now what happens when staff leave. Team members who leave usually keep their shirts, so budget for it rather than chasing them back. A shirt that walks out on someone who liked working for you isn't a bad place for your logo to end up. When they wear it outside of your business, not only is it a wonderful endorsement, but it's also free advertising.
Four weeks is plenty of time. It stops being plenty around week five.