Toolden’s Essential Winter Workwear
Winter can be especially challenging for contractors and trade workers who operate outdoors. The increasingly cold and damp conditions make it more difficult to carry out work effectively and affect the health and safety of workers on site.
Concerns like these make it more important than ever to invest in high-quality workwear that ensures you’re as comfortable, safe, and warm as possible on the job site. Your workwear needs to be comfortable and endure the working conditions—it also needs to endure the elements!
This blog post will examine the different types of protective winter workwear, the factors to consider, and some of our top picks.
Essential Types of Winter Workwear
When your job requires you to spend most of your time working outside, there are some key items you should wear to protect yourself against the elements and give yourself added comfort over long working sessions.
Of course, this will heavily depend on the job and what you find most comfortable with. Many professions, such as carpenters and builders, require specific gear that isn’t necessary for many other jobs.
Some are not optional; however, working outside without a proper jacket is a recipe for disaster!
Below are a few essentials which you should always look for when working outside during winter:
- Hi-Vis Clothing
- A warm, waterproof jacket
- A hoodie, fleece or sweatshirt
- Thermal layers
- A bodywarmer or gilet
- Warm hats and gloves
That said, the type of winter workwear you’ll need will depend on several factors, which we’ll discuss below.
What to consider when choosing winter work clothing
- Temperature: temperature is one of the first things you should think about. If the day is particularly cold, a pair of thermal trousers or a thermal top will make a huge difference in keeping you warm and help reduce sweat build-up on demanding tasks.
- Weather: Checking the weather forecast is always recommended before setting out on any job—otherwise, you can’t prepare yourself! If it’s going to be a particularly wet day, waterproof clothing is a must, and if it’s going to be gale-force winds, a windbreaker can’t hurt.
- Time of day: If you expect to be working outside later in the day when it becomes dark, you’ll want to wear high-visibility clothing so that others can see you easily.
- Job risks: For environments with specific hazards, you may want work clothing designed to protect you against these.
Our Top Winter Workwear
At Toolden, we stock a wide range of PPE and protective workwear suitable for all seasons. Let’s take a look at some of our top picks for essential winter work clothing.
Hi-Vis Workwear
With the days being much shorter in the winter, it’s always a good idea to invest in some high-visibility clothing to protect yourself while working in darkened conditions—especially when working near traffic or heavy machinery!
The most common high-visibility workwear is jackets and trousers; however, it’s also common to see hi-vis fleeces, hats, and gloves.
Make sure to look out for the following key features:
- Durable and reflective details are incorporated into the design, with bright and noticeable colouring
- Lightweight and flexible construction
- Waterproof, insulated outer shell
- Additional pockets for storing valuables
Waterproof Jackets
A proper, high-quality, waterproof jacket makes a huge difference when working outside, especially in winter!
The best waterproof work jackets are ultra-durable, fully insulated and fully waterproof, allowing you to work unhindered in even the harshest weather conditions.
A good waterproof jacket should be:
- Fully waterproof and ideally windproof
- Comfortable and warm, with a soft lining
- Fitted with zipped pockets to keep valuables dry
Thermal Layers
Thermal layers work to keep in all of your body’s heat while allowing moisture, such as sweat, to escape.
Usually made from breathable 2-ply materials such as polyester, nylon, or cotton blends, they are excellent at preventing dampness and cold.
The most important things to consider are:
- High-quality, breathable and warm fabric
- Lightweight fit for extra flexibility
Work Boots
Proper foot protection is important year-round, but it’s especially crucial in the winter when conditions are colder and damp.
Good work boots should offer excellent protection, have a durable construction, and be comfortable. Many also feature steel toe caps, shock-absorbing cushioning, and a robust outer.
Features to look for include:
- Water-resistant, robust design
- Shock absorbing sole
- Steel toe cap protection
- Ultra-comfortable shape with low heel height
Gloves
With your hands often being the most exposed body part, it’s unsurprising that work gloves are very popular during winter.
As well as keeping your hands warm, work gloves protect your hands against job site damage and poor weather.
Additional features like extra padding, cut protection, and thermal lining help make work gloves more comfortable, durable, and protective.
Hats
Hats, especially beanie hats, are very popular in the winter months – especially with tradespeople and contractors. Since you lose most of your body heat through your head, a winter hat is always a smart choice!
A good work hat will protect you against harsh weather conditions, prevent heat loss, and keep your ears covered. Most are made from lightweight and insulated materials and have a comfortable fit.
Some extra features include integrated LED work lights, advanced insulation and quick-drying materials.
FAQ
How can I protect myself from rain while working outdoors?
- Wear Waterproof Clothing: Stay dry with waterproof jackets, pants, and boots.
- Use Non-Slip Footwear: Wet surfaces can be slippery, so wear shoes with good traction.
- Plan for Shelter: Take regular breaks in covered areas to avoid getting soaked.
- Use Waterproof Equipment Covers: Protect your tools and machinery from moisture.
How should I stay safe when working in windy conditions?
- Secure Equipment and Materials: Wind can blow around tools, debris, or materials, so make sure everything is securely fastened.
- Wear Protective Gear: Use safety goggles to protect your eyes from dust or debris carried by the wind.
- Avoid High Structures: Strong winds can make working on scaffolding, ladders, or rooftops dangerous.
- Assess Wind Strength: Postpone work if the wind is too strong, especially for tasks involving heavy lifting or precise work.
What gear is essential for working in extreme weather conditions?
Having the right gear for protection and comfort is crucial when working in extreme weather conditions. Wear lightweight, breathable clothing, sun hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen in hot weather, and stay hydrated with plenty of water. Insulated clothing, thermal layers, gloves, hats, waterproof boots, and hand warmers help maintain warmth in cold conditions. Waterproof jackets, pants, boots, and non-slip footwear, along with rain covers for equipment, are essential in rainy weather. During windy conditions, safety goggles, wind-resistant clothing, and secured equipment are necessary to ensure safety and control your work environment.
Need help deciding which to choose? Need some help with your order? Our new help centre has a wide range of helpful articles and guides!
If you have any additional queries, please do not hesitate to contact us at 01358 726719 or by email at admin@toolden.co.uk