Top summer workwear you need as a trade

Essential summer workwear options for trades

Working during summer can often be more demanding than any other season. As temperatures begin to rise and the sun’s UV ray are stronger, you’ll need to both stay as cool as possible and protect yourself from sun burn.

To do this, you’ll need some essential summer workwear items.

To keep you and your team cool and protected you may need:

• Lightweight t-shirts
• Durable shorts
• Caps or other headwear
• Showerproof jackets (because let’s face it, the British weather isn’t always the best, even in summer!)
• Appropriate footwear

These essential items are a great place to start when creating your summer workwear wardrobe.

It’s important, however, that during the summer, you don’t forgo safety in favour of comfort.

The importance of summer PPE

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) should never be compromised. We all know that it can be tempting to dress lightly when it gets hot. However, wearing shorts and T-shirts should always be done appropriately and with health and safety in mind.

Hi-vis t-shirts are a great example of combining PPE with summer workwear. There are many options available from fluorescent yellow polo shirt to striped hi-vis bands incorporated into shorts and t-shirt designs.

You should also ensure that, where required, you should always wear items such as safety gloves, goggles, and protective boots.

Although it may be tempting to do away with these sometimes-cumbersome items, in the long run, you’ll be thankful for the protection if an accident does occur.

What summer workwear is best for me and my team?

The most appropriate summer workwear will depend on the type of work you and your team do, and the location where you work.

If you work mainly indoors, your summer workwear may be very similar to what you wear at other times of the year.

If you work mainly outside, you’ll probably have to change your workwear to suit the conditions.

Summer workwear t-shirts

Lightweight high-quality t-shirts are a staple of any trade business. Whether you prefer polo shirts or standard collarless t-shirts, they should always be made from lightweight cotton to maximise comfort.

The great thing about t-shirts is that they are available in all sorts of sizes, colours, and designs.

You can add your own logo to promote your business, and, as mentioned above, incorporate hi-vis elements into your t-shirts to optimise safety.

Summer workwear shorts

Wearing shorts in the summer is a great way to cool down. When you’re doing physically demanding work, they are an essential part of your summer wardrobe.

Work shorts are available in all shapes and sizes. For the best I comfort and functionality, you could consider elements such as elasticated waist bands, multiple pockets, belt loops, and straps.

Summer headwear

Protecting your head from the hot sun is an essential part of avoiding sunstroke. Caps are often the go-to headwear item for trade workers.

A cap’s peaked design provides excellent protection from the sun. Caps are also available in a range of colours and designs, can incorporate your business logo, and can even feature mesh panels to help regulate temperature.

If you’re not a fan of the classic cap, you could choose a bucket hat instead. These provide ample protection from the sun and are a great headwear alternative.

Summer jackets

Let’s face it, the UK is not exactly known for its consistent weather. We all know that rain can arrive in any season.

When summer showers are looking likely, you’ll want to stay as dry as possible to remain comfortable while working.

A lightweight jacket is another essential part of your summer workwear.

Summer jackets are often single layered to keep you cool. They will have a handy hood and may even be sleeveless.

Summer footwear

For some trades such as brick layers, construction workers, or civil engineers, protective boots will be needed regardless of the weather.

In other trades, you may want to change your heavy boots to lightweight trainers during the summer to maximise comfort and keep your feet cool.

Get summer workwear discounts as a Checkatrade member

As a Checkatrade member, you can save significant amounts on all types of summer workwear. Well, actually, you can save on workwear all year round!

Thanks to our partnerships with a range of companies, like Clothes2Order, Selco, Wickes and Tradepoint, you could get your summer workwear for less

It’s important to remember, however, that not everyone can join Checkatrade.

To become a member, you‘ll need to pass up to 12 checks.

Contact our team today to find out more!