What's the best workwear clothing for builders?

When it comes to choosing builders workwear, it is important to find sturdy clothes that are suitable for working in a range of different conditions. In this article we did some digging to find the best workwear clothing for builders.

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The importance of quality workwear clothing for builders

If you're working in a hands-on profession such as the construction trade, you'll know the difference that good clothing can make for your work day.

When it comes to choosing builders’ workwear, it needs to fulfil several functions:

• It should be functional, allowing you the freedom of movement

• It should be durable and able to withstand a few scrapes and knocks

• It should be practical, being fit for purpose while looking the part

Where possible, as with buying tools, we recommend buying the best quality you can afford. Top-quality construction workwear will last longer, making them more economical in the long run.

Buying cheaper items can be a false economy, as they’re likely to wear out and need replacing much more quickly.

Luckily, Checkatrade members can make great savings on their workwear. We've partnered with people like Wickes and Selco to help you get more for less.

What clothing is required on a construction site?

This is not just for your benefit, but means that everyone working can be easily identified, and importantly, everyone is kept safe.

This is particularly helpful during building work, which can often be very busy and have multiple tasks occurring at the same time. Especially for larger projects.

There are a number of situations when wearing the right workwear clothing can really help builders.

For example:

• Do you work with vehicles?

• Do you operate plant machinery?

• Do you work during low light?

• Do you work at heights (such as on scaffolding)?

The different scenarios you encounter as a builder will mean your choice of work clothes is important.

In order to meet the HSE guidelines for safe working working environments, employers should provide the right PPE for construction workers. That won't necessarily mean your standard clothing.

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Hi-vis workwear

You must wear hi-vis clothing as part of your construction workwear. Visibility is key for somewhere as busy and potentially hazardous as a construction site.

Hi-vis waistcoats, worn over other clothing, tend to be the usual form of workwear for improving a person's visibility.

However, there are now more options than ever. Higher visibility workwear clothing for builders can also include:

• Overcoats

• Jackets

• T-shirts

• Jogger trousers

• Hoodies

• Gloves

On busier sites, or in poorer light, having more hi vis is useful, as it obviously increases your chances of being seen.

Something to think about is there are a good variety of choices available at Selco. They are one of our trusted partners, where Checkatrade members can make great savings.

Hard hats

Another form of PPE that anyone on a construction site should wear, hard hats are vital for builders.

Here are a couple of good all rounders:

• JSP Evo2 Mid Peak Helmet

• Site Yellow SHE210 Safety Helmet

• Delta Plus Quartz Up IV Rotor Wheel Ratchet Safety Helmet

As someone working on a building site, your employer should provide these. If you own your own building firm, PPE like hard hats is something that you should provide for anyone on site.

Gloves

Depending on the type of building work you're doing, it is often good to have a variety of gloves to hand.

There are a number of factors to consider, such as grip, seasonality, waterproofing and warmth.

Here are a few good choices to consider:

• Caterpillar Thermal Gripster

• Blackrock Viper Gloves

• Scan Waterproof Thermal Gloves

• Site Cut Resistant Gloves

You might consider having a few different varieties in your van or work vehicle so you have them when you need them.

Tops and jackets for builders

Already, we can see that an outer layer of hi-vis clothing is a must. That can be through a waterproof or insulating overcoat.

But it is also useful for builders to layer up in the autumn and winter. Exposure to the elements is often a key part of the job after all.

Depending on your tastes and requirements, there are a broad variety of tops and jackets for builders.

• T-shirts

• Hoodies

• Microfleece jumpers

• Padded work shirts

• Bodywarmers

• Thermal layers

• Overcoats

• Waterproof jackets

Having to deal with the UK weather can be no fun as a builder. Choosing appropriate workwear can also prove difficult when the weather is changeable.

Getting your top half correct can really make a big difference to your working day. Get it right, and it's perfect. Get it wrong, and it certainly puts a dampener on things. Especially when its raining!

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Choices of builders workwear trousers

When it comes to your lower half, trousers tend to be the 'go to' option for most builders. Especially when it comes to workwear clothing for wearing on a construction site.

There are certain things to look out for with trousers:

• Durable fabric (that will last despite conditions)

• Speed of drying (in case of bad weather)

• How they fit (not all trousers sit the same)

• Useful features (such as kneepad pockets and hanging loops)

Construction workwear is often made from strong fabrics, and tends to be in a certain style. Made for practicality, rather than design.

With that in mind, we've put together a few of our favourites. Although your tastes and requirements may be a little different!

• DeWalt Harrison Pro Stretch Trouser

• Caterpillar H2O Defender Trouser

• Scruffs Flex Multi-pocket Trousers

• Blackrock Workman Trousers

Of course, when it comes to trousers, as with all clothing, it is often advisable to try them out before you buy.

Finding the right workwear clothing for builders means picking the best option within your price range. Don't forget that if you're looking, you could get your trousers for less as a Checkatrade member.

Want to find out how Checkatrade could help?

As someone working in a building firm or construction company, it's always important to have a steady flow of leads coming your way. Looking for more builder job leads? Maybe we can help.

Fixed membership from Checkatrade means you can expect a certain number of leads throughout the year.

Along with finding more work, there are a number of other reasons to consider a Checkatrade membership:

• You’ll get access to discounts and member benefits

• You get your own business profile for reviews details and job photos

• Enjoy more work coming your way

• Your jobs are guaranteed if booked through us (T&Cs apply)

• Save on the cost of your PLI (public liability insurance)

• Be trusted by association with a longstanding name like Checkatrade

At Checkatrade, we bring on only the best builders as members... think you've got what it takes to come on board?

Once you get in touch with a few details, we'll contact you to discuss the best options for membership. Our fixed membership option lets you build the plan that’s perfect for you and your business needs.

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