Workwear for winter weather – this is how to stay warm and dry!
Do you work outdoors or in unheated areas? Then you know better than anyone how important it is to be properly dressed in winter. Cold and wet weather can not only make your work unpleasant, but also affect your productivity. Fortunately, with the right workwear, you can stay comfortable and protected no matter the weather. In this blog, we give you practical tips on wearing the right work clothes in winter.
1. The right base layer: staying warm and dry
The first layer is perhaps the most important. This is the layer you wear directly on your skin that determines whether you stay warm and dry. Choose a base layer of the right material, with the characteristic that best suits you and the work you do.
- Choose moisture-wicking materials: Thermal clothing made of merino wool, bamboo or thermal synthetic fibers such as polyester or polypropylene all retain heat. Exactly what advantages and disadvantages the fabrics have can be seen in the overview below.
- Avoid cotton: This material retains moisture, causing you to cool down quickly and become clammy.
- Look at thickness: The higher the grammage, the warmer the clothing. However, it does not always mean better insulation. The material composition (such as wool or thermal synthetic fibers) also plays a big role.
View a selection of our base layers
Projob basislaag thermische lange broek
Craft basislaag CORE warm baselayer set
Helly Hansen basislaag LIFA merino
Advantages and disadvantages of different materials
| Materials | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| Wool (natural) | Heats and cools, breathable, moisture management, neutralizes odors, antibacterial, environmentally friendly, long lasting | More expensive than synthetic materials, special washing instructions |
| Bamboo (natural when mechanically processed)* | Heats and cools, moisturizes, soft, neutralizes odors, antibacterial | Less insulating than wool, less abrasion resistant than synthetic fabrics |
| Polyester/Polypropylene (synthetic)** | Lightweight, quick drying, long life, easier to wash | Less odor resistant, less moisture control, environmentally harmful due to use of fossil fuels and microplastic pollution |
*There is a difference between mechanically processed bamboo and chemically processed bamboo (bamboo viscose). Chemically processed bamboo is environmentally damaging and many good properties of bamboo are lost.
**Virgin polyester is very environmentally polluting. Clothing made from recycled polyester offers a more environmentally friendly alternative. Our brands work with high quality polyester. The breathability and moisture management in these blends is excellent.
Of course, there are also many advanced blends and innovations. Wool-synthetic blends combine the warmth and odor-resistant properties of wool with the longevity and quick-drying properties of synthetic fibers.
2. The interlayer: insulation that works
A good middle layer ensures that the heat your body produces is not lost.
- Fleece or an insulated jacket: Fleece keeps you warm, is lightweight and breathable. An insulated jacket or body warmer can provide extra protection from cold and wind.
- Adaptability: Choose a layer that you can easily put on or take off as the temperature changes.
View a selection of our interlayers
Tenson tussenlaag TXLite zip jacket (dames)
Helly Hansen tussenlaag Kensington knitted fleece jacket
Helly Hansen tussenlaag Kensington LIFALOFT vest
Printer tussenlaag Speedway fleece jacket
View a selection of our outer layers
Helly Hansen buitenlaag Oxford waterdichte shelljas
Projob buitenlaag wind- en waterdichte 3-in-1 jas
MASCOT buitenlaag waterdicht winterjack Advanced
3. The outer layer: wind and waterproof protection
- Protection: The outer layer protects you from rain, wind and snow. Whether you need waterproof or water-resistant workwear depends on your duties and working conditions. A water-repellent jacket or pants provides sufficient protection in light rain. For heavy rain or wet conditions, you need fully waterproof workwear with taped seams and zippers. In this blog, we clearly explain the difference between water-repellent and waterproof and help you choose the right work jacket, work pants and work shoes.
- Breathability: A jacket should be able to wick away moisture from the inside so you don’t get clammy. Ventilation zippers under the armpits or on the back help with extra air circulation.
- Weight and comfort: Find a good balance between freedom of movement (stretch and fit) and the thickness and weight of your jacket.
- Reflective details: In winter, the days are shorter. Make sure you are highly visible with reflective elements on your work clothes.
Indispensable accessories
In addition to a good work coat, work pants and work boots, accessories are essential to stay warm and dry.
- Gloves: Choose water- and windproof gloves that keep your hands warm without restricting movement.
- Hat and neck warmer: Much of your body heat is lost through your head. A wool or fleece hat or neck warmer helps keep you warm.
- Work socks: Thermo socks or wool work socks provide warm and dry feet.
Work socks made from recycled materials
We take in discarded company clothing and work shoes and fiberize them to have them made into new raw materials or products. Among other things, we make socks from 100% recycled yarn, which you can have made with your own logo or other unique design and which are also warm and comfortable!
View a selection of our warming accessories
Personaliseer je eigen muts met logo of beeldmerk
Personaliseer je eigen (werk)sok met logo of beeldmerk
Helly Hansen LIFA merino losse col
Custom workwear for your business
Besides functionality, of course you want your workwear to match the look of your company. We personalize jackets, fleeces and hoodies and even your accessories with your logo and colors. Do you really want a unique look? Then we can completely custom design your workwear to perfectly match your corporate identity.
We are happy to advise you on a complete and comfortable clothing package that meets all safety requirements. A clothing package suitable for both mild and icy winter days. If you work with the three-layer system as described in this blog, you can always be comfortable: remove a layer when it gets too hot, and add one when you get cold.
Want personal advice or to view our collection of workwear, work shoes and accessories for winter weather in the showroom? Contact us at info@outfit.nl or call 0183-634377.