Cornerstone vs. Red Kap: Which Workwear Brand Offers the Best Value
By: Diana Posted on: Feb 14, 2025Quality workwear does more than just cover your team. It's a safety measure, a reflection of professional pride, and in many cases a productivity booster too. From the mechanic who can move freely while reaching into an engine bay to the construction worker staying warm and dry in harsh weather, the right gear makes a considerable difference in productivity, job satisfaction, and even loyalty to the employer.
But only a few brands managed to deliver the kind of workwear the American workers needed. Among them is the iconic Red Kap - with its 101-year legacy of outfitting industrial workers and the dependable CornerStone - known for pushing innovation in practical workwear.
Continue reading this blog for a breakdown that will make it easier for you to decide between the two, starting with the most important factor.
Price Point
You’d expect a century-old, successful workwear brand to cost a little for offering arguably the finest blank industrial workwear in the market. But Red Kap doesn’t. Red Kap shirts come at reasonable prices, even more so in ShirtsBargain - up to around 15% less than comparable options from CornerStone. CornerStone’s slightly higher prices are justified by the brand’s premium fabrics and garment toughness that rival Red Kap's. While Red Kap is more focused on industrial workwear, CornerStone brings something for every work environment focusing more on professional appeal, customizability, and premium feel. Regarding prices, both brands deliver durability, long-term value, and an array of features in their offerings.
And that brings us to…
Durability
Durability varies with garment categories. Jackets from CornerStone are among the biggest reasons behind the popularity of the brand along with polo shirts. CornerStone jackets are nearly unrivaled when it comes to durability at that price point. Because Red Kap jackets belong in a slightly lower price range, they dominate in their segment too. Both brands offer tough jackets with reinforced stitching, industrial-grade zippers, and convenient utility features. Some Red Kap jackets are known to have bar tacks at stress points though our collection only offers one style as of now. Both hold up well, but our customer feedback shows CornerStone edges a little ahead in severe conditions.
Comfort
If durability is what made CornerStone jackets popular, comfort did the same for their polo shirts. We’d say both CornerStone polo shirts and Red Kap industrial work shirts are comfortable despite the toughness. However, you can’t expect industrial workwear to be as comfortable as everyday workwear. Industrial workwear is a Red Kap specialty. Everyday workwear is CornerStone’s. Considering fabric factors, material quality, and feel, CornerStone gets a win here.
Features
When it comes to features and utility, there aren’t many workwear brands that can beat Red Kap. They had a century to work on their craft, perfecting it and then innovating upon it. Industrial-grade work shirts from Red Kap have no equal unless you can dish out a lot of money for premium brands. On the other hand, heavy-duty workwear from CornerStone set new benchmarks a few years ago. Particularly when many organizations didn’t have a lot of options but to invest in premium brands like Carhartt. Workwear from Red Kap and CornerStone comes with every feature you would expect - from moisture-wicking and snag-resistance to stain-release and odor-resistance.
Industry-Specific Unforms
- Automotive & Manufacturing: Red Kap dominates here with oil-resistant fabrics with stain-release and wickability. Their decades of experience serving these industries show.
- Construction & Outdoor Work: CornerStone's weather-resistant materials and modern insulation make their offerings a great pick for outdoor crews.
- Hospitality & Retail: CornerStone's polished appearance and comfort features make them the preferred choice for customer-service environments, at least among ShirtsBargain’s customers.
TLDR: CornerStone vs. Red Kap
CornerStone Clothing Advantages
- Superior comfort features
- Polished and professional appeal
- More modern fits
- Better breathability in hot conditions
- Durability
Red Kap Clothing Strengths
- Classic, proven designs
- Superior convenience features like utility pockets
- More wallet-friendly
- Traditional industrial comfort
- Extensively tested to ensure toughness
When you consider long-term costs:
- Red Kap: Lower initial cost, proven durability, basic features
- CornerStone: Slightly higher upfront price, premium features, excellent longevity
Which Brand Offers The Best Value?
To be honest, both. Depending on your needs, however. If you need heavy-duty blank workwear for your crew working outdoors, our CornerStone apparel collection will have just the style you need. If you’re looking for budget-friendly basics like work pants and shirts, especially for the industrial workforce, Red Kap is a solid choice. Options like the SP14 Industrial Work Shirt and PT88 Industrial Cargo Pant will deliver much-needed utility and toughness. For business owners sourcing uniforms, both Cornerstone and Red Kap present good options though we would recommend checking out CornerStone’s blank polo shirts like the CS412 Snag Proof and CS4020 Industrial Snag Proof Pique. If the environment demands it, even a CornerStone hoodie can help. Both brands offer competitive pricing, especially when you take advantage of bulk discounts available through ShirtsBargain.
Make sure you take the following into account when choosing a brand and its offerings for your team.
- Work environment demands
- Season appropriateness
- Budget constraints
- Employee preferences
- Customization preferences
- Replacement frequency
There's no single "best" brand. Your specific needs should drive the decision. At ShirtsBargain, we stock curated selections from both manufacturers and can help you compare options for your specific situation.
Let us get you the gear you need to get the job done right.