As harrowing as it might be to work outside in the heat, or to be stuck in a dimly lit underground car park, the appropriate work clothes can make all the difference to your comfort and safety whilst on the job. Oftentimes, we tend to overlook the importance of wearing proper clothing in favour of focusing on the task at hand, but it can significantly benefit your productivity, morale, and overall wellbeing.

What Work Clothes Do You Need?

Generally speaking, the type of work clothes you need will depend on the nature of your job. But the common denominators in any situation are ease of movement and breathability. After all, you don’t want your clothes to be a hindrance when you’re trying to get the job done.

Shirts

When you’re out on a construction site or moving heavy machinery around, a sweat-soaked T-shirt is the last thing you want to be wearing. The more you move, the more you sweat, and before you know it your clothes are sticking to you and you’re starting to feel uncomfortable.

A shirt made from lightweight fabric is your best bet in these situations. You want something that will wick away sweat and keep you feeling fresh, even when the mercury is rising. Avoid wearing cotton shirts, as they will absorb sweat and hold onto it, making you feel damp and sticky.

Instead, opt for a synthetic material like polyester or nylon. These fabrics are designed to move moisture away from the body, keeping you feeling dry and moist-free all day.

Shorts

When the conditions are too hot and humid to handle, you don’t want to be weighed down by a pair of long pants. Getting a light and durable pair of work shorts is just the thing you need to avoid sweating buckets in these situations.

Most shorts meant for the worksite are made from a cotton and polyester blend, which contributes to their breathability and moisture-wicking properties. As such, they provide a good degree of comfort even when the temperature is soaring.

The key thing to look for in a pair of work shorts is a good fit. They should be snug but not too tight, and long enough to cover your thighs without being excessively baggy. They should sit just above the knee or lower, so you can move freely without worrying about them riding up.

Next, the waistband should be relaxed yet secure, without digging into your flesh or irritating your skin. A wide waistband with a drawstring is often the most sought-after feature in work shorts, as it allows you to adjust the fit to your liking.

Other handy features of the quality workwear shorts are the many pockets they often come with. Apart from the two on each hip, you’ll often find a cargo pocket on one or both legs, which is perfect for stashing your phone, keys or other small items. This is particularly useful for outdoor conditions where you don’t have constant access to storage.

Pants

For jobs that require a bit more coverage, you should opt for a pair of work pants. This is especially true for occupations such as carpentry where you’re constantly kneeling down or crawling around on the floor.

Since they’ll be covering you from your waist to your ankles, the pants should follow your body’s contours without being too tight or restrictive. Any unnecessary friction points should be avoided, as they can quickly become uncomfortable and even painful after a few hours.

These days, some of the most popular brands of work pants for women and men alike are made from a cotton and spandex blend. This gives them just the right amount of stretch to ensure a secure yet cosy fit.

Hi-Vis Jackets

If you work in an environment where there’s little to no natural light, or you’re constantly moving between different light conditions, a hi-vis jacket is an essential piece of clothing to have.

These jackets are designed to make you more visible in low-light conditions, so you’re less likely to be involved in an accident. They usually come equipped with reflective strips or patches, which help to mirror light back to its source and make you easier to spot. The brightly coloured base fabric also makes you more visible during the day.

Boots

Walking around a construction site or factory all day can take its toll on your feet and legs, resulting in fatigue and even injuries. To avoid these unpleasant scenarios, wearing a good pair of work boots is a must.

Work boots are designed to provide support and cushioning for your feet, as well as protect them from hazards such as nails, glass or other sharp objects. They usually have a steel or composite toe cap which helps to deflect any heavy object that may fall on your feet. The soles are also designed to be slip-resistant, so you don’t have to worry about losing your footing.

Gloves

If you’re handling any kind of material that could potentially cause skin irritations, you should wear a pair of gloves. Their goal is to protect your hands from contact with these substances, as well as provide a bit of insulation in cold weather.

There are various types of gloves available on the market, so it’s important to choose the right pair for your specific needs. For example, if you’re handling chemicals, you should look for a pair that’s resistant to them and won’t degrade over time. If you’re working in a cold environment, choose a pair that’s insulated and will keep your hands warm.