Fleeces

About Fleeces

Work fleeces are essential mid-layer garments engineered to provide warmth, comfort and flexibility for tradespeople and outdoor workers across the UK. Unlike standard casual fleeces, professional work fleeces feature enhanced durability, technical fabric properties and practical features such as reinforced panels, multiple pockets and compatibility with PPE equipment. MyToolShed.co.uk stocks a comprehensive range from lightweight micro-fleece jackets for mild conditions to heavy-duty borg fleeces for maximum warmth in cold environments, with leading brands including Portwest, DeWalt, Apache and Stanley.

Modern work fleeces incorporate specialist features such as hi-vis panels for enhanced visibility on site, flame-resistant materials for working near heat sources, and anti-static properties for ESD-sensitive environments. Whether you're working on construction sites, conducting outdoor maintenance, or spending long hours in warehouses and workshops, a quality work fleece from MyToolShed.co.uk offers the perfect balance of insulation and breathability without restricting movement. Options range from half-zip pullovers to full-zip jackets, and from single-tone designs to two-tone hi-vis styles suitable for every trade and safety requirement.

Applications

Work fleeces are worn across virtually every trade and outdoor profession:

• Construction Workers: Bricklayers, labourers, site managers and general builders working in outdoor conditions year-round
• Electricians: Sparkies requiring anti-static properties when working with sensitive electrical components
• Plumbers and Heating Engineers: Tradespeople working in unheated properties or outdoor installations
• Groundworkers and Landscapers: Professionals spending entire days outdoors in variable weather conditions
• Joiners and Carpenters: Workshop and site-based chippies needing unrestricted arm movement
• Warehouse and Logistics Staff: Workers in temperature-controlled or unheated storage facilities
• Road Workers: Personnel requiring hi-vis fleeces meeting EN ISO 20471 standards for roadside safety
• Agricultural Workers: Farmers and estate workers exposed to cold, wind and variable conditions

Choosing The Right Fleeces

Weight and Insulation: Lightweight micro-fleeces (200gsm or less) suit mild conditions and high-activity work, mid-weight fleeces (250-300gsm) offer versatile year-round use, whilst heavyweight borg fleeces (400gsm+) provide maximum warmth for cold weather or static work.

Visibility Requirements: If you work on construction sites or roads, choose a hi-vis fleece meeting EN ISO 20471 standards. Check if your site requires Class 2 or Class 3 visibility ratings. Two-tone designs help hide dirt whilst maintaining visibility.

Special Properties: Match the fleece to your working environment. Electronics workers should select anti-static or ESD fleeces. Those working near heat sources or welding need flame-resistant options meeting EN ISO 11612 standards. Consider water-resistant finishes for outdoor work in damp conditions.

Fit and Features: Look for articulated sleeves, stretch panels and ergonomic cuts allowing full range of movement. Assess pocket configuration for phones, tools and valuables. Full-zip designs offer better temperature regulation than half-zip styles. Check for reinforced shoulders and elbows if you carry materials or work in abrasive environments.

Safety Information

When selecting work fleeces for environments with specific safety requirements, always verify that the garment meets relevant British and European standards. Hi-vis fleeces should comply with EN ISO 20471, displaying appropriate certification with class rating clearly marked. Ensure reflective tape remains clean and intact, as dirt and wear reduce visibility effectiveness.

Flame-resistant fleeces must meet standards such as EN ISO 11612 and should never be modified, as this compromises FR properties. Follow manufacturer's washing instructions and never use fabric softeners on FR garments. For anti-static and ESD fleeces, verify appropriate ESD certification is displayed and test periodically according to your workplace's ESD control programme.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I wear a work fleece under a safety harness?

Yes, work fleeces are designed to be worn comfortably under safety harnesses and fall arrest equipment. Choose closer-fitting technical fleeces rather than bulky styles to ensure harness straps fit correctly and safety equipment functions properly. The harness should always be worn over the fleece and adjusted to fit snugly.

How do I maintain hi-vis fleeces to preserve visibility?

Wash hi-vis fleeces inside-out using standard detergent at the temperature specified on the care label (typically 40°C). Avoid bleach and fabric softeners which can degrade reflective tape and fluorescent fabric. Replace fleeces when the hi-vis colour fades significantly or reflective tape becomes damaged, as this compromises safety.

What's the difference between work fleeces and casual fleeces?

Work fleeces feature reinforced stitching in high-stress areas, more robust zips, practical pocket configurations for tools and equipment, and fabrics engineered to withstand industrial washing and tough site conditions. They often incorporate safety features like hi-vis panels, flame resistance or anti-static properties that casual fleeces lack, typically lasting significantly longer in professional environments.