Ensure you're wearing the best winter workwear

When working during the colder months, dressing in the best winter workwear can make a big difference. Keep reading to learn more about the best men's and women’s winter work attire.

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When it is cold outside, and you have to go and work, you may think that dressing warm is easy. But as a tradesperson, you know that to dress right requires the right knowledge.

Would you go to a job without your tools? Or use a knife instead of a screwdriver? No, and that’s why you are the best.

Getting the right clothing is simply another way of using the right tool for the job.

As tradespeople, we know that not every job is inside in the warm, as much as we'd all love that! So, when the temperature drops, you need to keep your body operating at its peak. If you get cold, that becomes much harder.

What's the best way for tradespeople to keep warm?

So how do we usually wrap up in the cold? .....LAYERS. However, ensuring these layers are the right material and layered correctly is crucial.

When you start to work hard, you begin sweating. But when you wind down and begin to relax, that moisture cools and causes you to feel cold and shiver.

If it’s raining or snowing, you'll then have the problem of water on the inside as well as outside.

That’s why you need breathable as well as waterproof workwear. Something that offers both crafted ventilation and the ability to regulate your body heat.

That's exactly what you get if you dress in three layers – ensuring comfortable work garments and the perfect temperature.

When your clothes are balanced, you can do your best work.

The benefits of good winter workwear

Getting the best winter clothing means layering up to maintain your core temperature and protect your extremities.

Having the right workwear:

• Keeps you safe

• Lowers the chances of you getting ill

• Makes you look smart and professional

The issue of sick pay is much easier to avoid if you don't become unwell in the first place.

And if you want to avoid causing yourself harm, you’ll also need the right PPE. Of course, this will also need to be seasonally appropriate.

This is especially true with branded clothing that features your logo.

Seasonal workwear options for tradespeople

The leaves are falling from the trees and the days are getting shorter. But what does that mean for you in terms of your workwear? Workwear should keep you safe and comfortable no matter what the weather or season. To help you make sure your work clothes are appropriate for the time of year, we’ve

Learn more

Getting layered up for working in winter

It’s no surprise that there are many workwear brands when it comes to winter gear. However, there are specific garments designed for the durability required by tradespeople.

So, when it comes to choosing your winter wardrobe, what you need to remember is that more layers are better. They work together to do different things.

The three main layers for the best winter clothes are:

1 - Moisture transport

• The small gaps in some materials can encourage sweat to leave your skin, keeping you dry

• High elasticity means the garment remains fitted to the body

• Long-sleeve t-shirts provide a great first layer for winter gear

• Having an absorbent first layer is crucial to the layering process

• Thermal vests, leggings and t-shirts tend to be more closely fitted to go under other clothes

2 - Insulation

• There is a warm air pocket created by a fleece layer that keeps you warm

• It breathes when you are too hot and holds on to the air when you cool

• Getting the right insulation means you will maintain the right temperature

3 - Protect against the elements

• Here we use weatherproof garments

• That means water-resistant and waterproof outdoor clothing

• These need to let body moisture leave and keep outside moisture away

• Wearing the correct clothing for the weather means you can work without being hindered by external factors

• Exterior clothing also keeps you safe and sensible

Men’s winter workwear

All seasonal clothing for winter needs to ensure you stay well insulated and therefore warm.

Men’s workwear is cut for men, and is designed for a specific type of body.

There are countless options when it comes to cold-season workwear for men. Maybe you’ve got a smaller frame or you might need something a little more XL.

Trade jobs can vary greatly. If you're a bricklayer or roofer, you may find you do more outdoor jobs. Whereas plumbers, electricians and gas engineers tend to be more in demand during winter.

As a man working in trade, you'll want the following for working in winter:

• Trousers

• Long sleeve t-shirt/vest

• Fleece

• Overcoat or jacket

• Hat

• Gloves

• Boots/work shoes

One of the best winter workwear items you may want to consider for men is an insulated work parka. Insulated, weatherproof, durable... and with a whole host of useful pockets. It’s a great all-rounder!

Women’s winter workwear

Regardless of your gender, when working in winter you need to make sure you stay layered and therefore warm.

There is a broad variety of workwear that you need to invest in as a tradesperson.

Women working in trade need to wear the same as their male counterparts. The only difference is the way the clothes are cut, to accommodate shaped hips and torsos.

You'll want the following when you're carrying out work in winter:

• Trousers

• Long sleeve t-shirt/vest

• Fleece

• Overcoat or jacket

• Hat

• Gloves

• Boots/work shoes

Unfortunately, even in this day and age, there are still fewer options when it comes to women’s winter workwear.

With fewer women working as tradespeople, there is sadly less demand, but more clothing brands are beginning to catch up.

If you’re on the lookout for women’s workwear, our guide on the best women's workwear for trades in 2024 might be helpful.

There’s also a good selection of women’s winter gear on the Screwfix website, including jackets, body warmers, fleeces, and gloves.

How Checkatrade members can save on their winter work gear

As our partners, we know that Selco, Tradepoint and Wickes all stock a good volume of work clothes for trades.

They have a broad variety of seasonal work clothing for both men and women. So, whatever your trade, and whatever your sex, you'll be able to find the right item of clothing.

Become a member today, and you can save on workwear from our partners at:

• Selco

• Wickes

• Tradepoint

Getting the best work garments throughout the year is key as a tradesperson. You can benefit from a membership at Checkatrade, so why not contact us today?