What Features Should Good Workwear Have
The best workwear combines all the features that offer safety, comfort, and productivity for you and your team.
Employees who feel good in their workwear will produce their best work, all while providing a smart, distinctive walking advert for your business. MyWorkwear has been supplying customised, quality workwear for 50 years and has everything you need for a protective and smart corporate uniform.
When choosing your workwear, there are some key features you should look out for to ensure that what you buy will be durable, comfortable and safe.
Durability and longevity
Buying durable workwear is an investment, so you need it to last. To avoid having to replace workwear too often, make sure you choose good quality and that it is designed for the job you need it to do.
Materials are important when it comes to durability. Heavy duty materials like denim, canvas, leather and specialist ripstop fabrics will stand up to the wear and tear of work life much better than flimsier fabrics, and can usually be repaired to extend their life further.
Quality workwear will last longer. Look for features like reinforced seams, especially in areas likely to take a battering, protective coatings and sturdy fabrics.
Safety and protection
Some workwear doesn’t just need to look good, it needs to keep your team physically safe. Protective workwear includes everything from hi-vis vests to safety boots and fireproof clothing.
There are several key features to look for to ensure workwear safety:
Whatever workwear your team needs, you will want to know that it meets European (EN) and international (ISO) standards. An EN ISO standard is an international standard that has been adopted by the European Union – it is important to only buy protective workwear which has been tested and accredited against a recognised standard, as garments that don’t reach those standards might leave your employees at risk of harm.
As you browse through MyWorkwear’s protective workwear options, you will see each item has its safety accreditations listed in the garment description. Many items will meet more than one standard. For example, an item that is approved to the EN ISO 20471 and EN ISO 11612 standards is certified both high-visibility and flame retardant.
Comfort and fit
Everybody feels better in comfortable clothes, and your workers are no different. To work at their best, they need workwear which is suitable for the job they are doing, well fitted and comfortable.
There are several things to consider:
Too warm or too cool?: Make sure you are choosing the right fabric for the job your workers are doing. If they are going to be outside in poor weather, they need warm and waterproof clothing. If they are working in a hot kitchen, they will need cool, breathable fabrics to avoid overheating.
Fit: It might sound obvious, but making sure workwear fits is vital if your workers are going to be comfortable and safe. Clothing that is too tight will restrict movement and be uncomfortable to sit and move in, as well as presenting a poor image of your company. At the other extreme, clothing which is too big looks scruffy and could present a snag or trip hazard, as well as be distracting for employees who are always having to roll up sleeves or hitch up trousers.
Stretch fabric: Stretch fabrics, like those with added lycra, can be especially popular with workers who need a full range of movement in their workwear. The lycra also helps fabrics to keep their shape longer, although care should be taken with washing and drying to preserve the elasticity.
Extra features: Adjustable waistbands, ribbed cuffs, drawstrings and adjustable straps can all help to make sure garments fit each individual perfectly to help them perform at their best.
Functionality and Design
Small design features can make all the difference to how practical and comfortable workwear is. Most tradespeople want multiple, accessible pockets to carry tools, and a waist loop can be useful for those who need to clip a radio to their clothing while out and about.
Garments that are missing these features mean your team won’t be able to carry out their roles as efficiently, leading to wasted time and a lot of frustration.
Look out for:
Pockets: Everybody likes to have pockets, and for some workers, the more the better. Think about the roles your employees are doing and how many pockets they need and where is best to have them. Large cargo pockets on the side of trousers are useful for small tools, tape measures etc, and breast pockets are perfect for pens and pencils. Side pockets hold all manner of things, including mobile phones. Consider whether it would help your team if some of these pockets zipped shut, or if Velcro would be a more practical option.
Fastenings: Zips, Velcro, buttons, poppers – there are many ways to fasten a garment. Velcro and poppers offer quick access but zips and buttons are less likely to come undone unexpectedly.
Reinforced areas: If your employees spend a lot of time on their knees, or are continually bending their knees and elbows, garments with reinforced sections in the high-stress areas will last longer. Some trousers and overalls come with special pockets for removable knee pads, so people who are on their knees a lot can put the pads in for work and take them out again when they want less rigidity, such as when driving.
Washability: A key question when looking at functionality of workwear is, does it go in a washing machine? Work shirts that are dry clean only are unlikely to go down well with employees, while fabrics that can’t be washed at high temperatures won’t be suitable for people who work in kitchens or medical settings.
Weather resistance
The only thing that’s always true about the great British weather is that there is a lot of it. Daytime temperatures can stay below zero for days on end in winter, and stay consistently in the high 20s and low 30s for periods in the summer. And, of course, it rains – a lot.
If you are asking your employees to work outside, whatever time of year, you need to provide them with workwear which is appropriate for the conditions. Offering them layers of clothing, with cool cotton T-shirts, cosy sweatshirts or hoodies and a waterproof coat to go on top, gives workers the flexibility to add or take off garments as the weather changes.
Hats – including for sun protection in the summer – gloves and footwear suitable for the job are also important to keep your employees safe, comfortable and able to work to the best of their abilities.
Customisation
Whatever garments and accessories you choose, the best workwear will be customised to show off your company branding and present a smart, professional and unified impression of your business.
The MyWorkwear team can print or embroider your logo onto any item, and can even provide fire retardant embroidery for specialist items.
We’re here to help
When you’ve decided what workwear you need, use the Quick Quote tool or contact our experienced team for advice on the best durable, cost-effective workwear with all the safety features you need while offering your workers the best in comfort and practicality.
James Worthington is Co-Owner and Co-Managing Director of MyWorkwear, having taken over the business from his father and founder of the company, Mike. James has decades of experience in the workwear industry, supporting businesses across the UK with their workwear requirements.
