Workwear

About Workwear

Professional workwear is essential for tradespeople, contractors, and DIY enthusiasts who demand clothing that can withstand the rigours of demanding work environments. Whether you're working on construction sites, in workshops, outdoors in all weathers, or maintaining gardens and landscapes, the right work clothing provides durability, protection, comfort, and functionality that everyday garments simply cannot match. Quality workwear is designed with reinforced stitching, abrasion-resistant fabrics, and practical features like multiple pockets, tool loops, and knee pad inserts to support you throughout your working day.

Our comprehensive workwear range encompasses everything from chainsaw protective clothing and high-visibility jackets to steel toe cap boots, work gloves, and multi-pocket trousers. We stock trusted brands including Snickers, DeWalt, Scruffs, and Portwest, ensuring you have access to garments engineered to meet rigorous safety standards whilst delivering exceptional comfort and longevity. From specialist protective equipment designed for hazardous tasks to everyday work trousers and polo shirts, our collection caters for men, women, and children across all trades and professions.

Beyond basic clothing, our workwear category includes essential accessories such as tool belts and braces for carrying equipment hands-free, knee pads for ground-level tasks, waterproof jackets and overtrousers for outdoor work, and work socks designed to provide cushioning and moisture management during long shifts. Whether you need flame-resistant garments, cut-resistant gloves, or simply durable clothing that won't let you down on site, you'll find solutions tailored to your specific requirements.

Jargon Buster

• EN Standards: European safety standards (e.g., EN ISO 20471 for high-visibility clothing, EN 381 for chainsaw protection) that workwear must meet to provide certified protection. These regulations ensure garments offer adequate safety for specific hazards.
• Ripstop Fabric: A weave technique that uses reinforced threads at regular intervals to prevent tears from spreading. Commonly used in work trousers and jackets to enhance durability without adding excessive weight.
• Cordura: A brand name for a collection of highly durable fabrics, typically made from nylon, that resist abrasion, tears, and scuffs. Often used in knee pad pockets and high-wear areas on premium workwear.
• Class 2 / Class 3 Hi-Vis: Classification levels for high-visibility clothing based on the amount of reflective and fluorescent material. Class 3 offers the highest visibility and is required for high-risk environments like motorways, whilst Class 2 suits lower-risk situations.
• Water Column Rating: Measured in millimetres (e.g., 5,000mm), this indicates how waterproof a fabric is. Higher ratings mean greater water resistance—essential for outdoor work in British weather conditions.
• Breathability Rating: Often expressed as MVTR (Moisture Vapour Transmission Rate), this measures how well fabric allows perspiration to escape. Higher breathability prevents overheating during physical work whilst maintaining waterproof protection.

Who Uses Workwear?

Professional workwear serves a diverse range of trades and industries:

• Construction Workers: Bricklayers, labourers, site managers, and general builders requiring durable, multi-pocket trousers and protective footwear
• Electricians and Plumbers: Tradespeople needing functional clothing with tool storage and knee pad provision for installation work
• Carpenters and Joiners: Chippies requiring hard-wearing work trousers with hammer loops and reinforced pockets for fixings
• Groundworkers and Landscapers: Professionals working outdoors who need waterproof, breathable clothing and sturdy boots
• Arborists and Forestry Workers: Specialists requiring chainsaw protective clothing that meets EN 381 standards
• Warehouse and Logistics Staff: Workers needing high-visibility clothing, steel toe cap boots, and comfortable all-day wear
• Mechanics and Engineers: Technicians requiring oil-resistant, flame-retardant clothing and protective gloves
• Painters and Decorators: Tradespeople needing washable, paint-resistant work clothing with practical storage
• Agricultural Workers: Farmers and estate workers requiring weather-resistant, durable outdoor clothing
• DIY Enthusiasts and Homeowners: Individuals undertaking home improvements and garden maintenance who want proper protection and functionality

How to Choose the Right Workwear

Assess Your Work Environment: Consider the specific hazards and conditions you'll face. Construction sites may require high-visibility clothing and safety footwear, whilst workshop environments might prioritise flame resistance or chemical protection. Outdoor workers should focus on waterproof, breathable fabrics suitable for unpredictable British weather.

Determine Required Safety Standards: Check whether your work requires compliance with specific HSE regulations or EN standards. High-risk environments demand certified protective equipment—chainsaw users need EN 381-compliant trousers, whilst those working near traffic require Class 2 or 3 high-visibility garments meeting EN ISO 20471 standards.

Prioritise Durability and Fabric Quality: Look for reinforced stitching, ripstop fabrics, and abrasion-resistant materials in high-wear areas like knees, pockets, and hems. Premium brands like Snickers and DeWalt incorporate Cordura reinforcements and triple-stitched seams that significantly extend garment lifespan, offering better long-term value despite higher initial costs.

Consider Comfort and Fit: Workwear should allow full range of movement without restriction. Features like stretch panels, articulated knees, and adjustable waistbands enhance comfort during physical tasks. For ladies' and mens workwear, ensure you select appropriately tailored options rather than unisex sizing for optimal fit and comfort throughout long working days.

Evaluate Functional Features: Assess pocket configuration, tool loops, hammer holders, and knee pad inserts based on your specific needs. Electricians benefit from multiple secure pockets for small components, whilst carpenters require hammer loops and nail pockets. Consider whether you need integrated knee pads or prefer removable options for washing.

Select Appropriate Footwear: Safety boots should match your work requirements—steel toe caps for impact protection, puncture-resistant midsoles for construction sites, or waterproof membranes for outdoor work. Comfort is paramount for all-day wear, so consider cushioned insoles, ankle support, and breathability alongside protective features.

Weather Protection: British weather demands versatile clothing. Waterproof jackets with adequate breathability (minimum 5,000mm water column rating) prevent both rain ingress and internal condensation. Layering systems allow adaptation to changing conditions—base layers for warmth, mid-layers for insulation, and waterproof shells for protection.

Popular Accessories

• Knee Pads: Essential for floor layers, tilers, plumbers, and electricians who spend extended periods kneeling. Available as strap-on styles or inserts for trouser pockets, providing cushioning and protection against joint strain and injury.
• Tool Belts and Braces: Keep essential tools and fixings within easy reach whilst keeping hands free for work. Adjustable braces distribute weight evenly across shoulders, reducing lower back strain during long working days.
• Work Gloves: Specialised gloves for different tasks—cut-resistant for handling sharp materials, thermal-lined for cold conditions, impact-resistant for demolition work, or precision gloves for detailed assembly tasks.
• Work Socks and Insoles: Often overlooked but crucial for comfort during long shifts. Cushioned work socks with moisture-wicking properties prevent blisters, whilst supportive insoles reduce foot fatigue and provide additional comfort in safety boots.
• Hats and Caps: Baseball caps and beanies protect from sun exposure and cold weather respectively, whilst bump caps provide additional head protection in low-headroom environments without the bulk of full hard hats.
• Work Aprons: Protect clothing during painting, welding, woodworking, or gardening tasks. Leather aprons offer excellent protection for welders and metalworkers, whilst canvas versions suit carpenters and general workshop use.
• High-Visibility Accessories: Hi-vis vests, armbands, and belts supplement everyday clothing when full high-visibility garments aren't required, ideal for roadside emergencies or occasional site visits.

Safety Information

Selecting appropriate workwear is fundamental to workplace safety and compliance with Health and Safety Executive (HSE) regulations. Employers have legal obligations under the Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 to provide suitable protective clothing where risks cannot be eliminated through other means. Employees similarly have responsibilities to use provided PPE correctly and report any defects.

High-Visibility Requirements: Workers near moving vehicles or plant machinery must wear high-visibility clothing meeting EN ISO 20471 standards. Class 2 hi-vis (0.5m² fluorescent material, 0.13m² reflective tape) suits most construction and roadside work, whilst Class 3 (0.8m² fluorescent, 0.2m² reflective) is mandatory for high-risk environments like motorway maintenance or night work.

Chainsaw Protective Clothing: Anyone operating a chainsaw must wear appropriate protective equipment meeting EN 381 standards, including chainsaw trousers or chaps, safety boots, gloves, and helmet with visor and ear protection. The protective layers contain long fibres that jam the chain mechanism upon contact, potentially preventing serious injury.

Footwear Standards: Safety footwear is classified by protection level—SB (basic requirement with toe protection), S1 (closed heel, antistatic, energy absorption), S2 (S1 plus water resistance), and S3 (S2 plus penetration-resistant midsole and cleated sole). Select appropriate classification for your work environment and hazards.

Regular Inspection and Replacement: Workwear deteriorates with use and washing. Regularly inspect garments for damage, paying particular attention to reflective strips on hi-vis clothing, protective layers in chainsaw gear, and safety toe caps in boots. Replace items showing significant wear, as compromised protective equipment cannot provide adequate safety.

Proper Care and Maintenance: Follow manufacturer washing instructions to maintain protective properties. High-visibility garments lose effectiveness as fluorescent fabrics fade and reflective tape degrades. Waterproof clothing requires periodic reproofing treatment to restore water-repellent properties after repeated washing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between workwear brands like Snickers, Scruffs, and Portwest?

Snickers represents premium workwear with advanced ergonomic design, extensive pocket systems, and exceptional durability—favoured by professional tradespeople who work in their clothing daily. Scruffs offers excellent mid-range options balancing quality, functionality, and value, popular with both professionals and serious DIYers. Portwest provides budget-friendly workwear meeting safety standards, ideal for occasional use or businesses kitting out multiple workers. DeWalt workwear bridges premium and mid-range, offering robust construction with recognisable branding.

How often should I replace my work boots and safety footwear?

This depends on usage intensity, but typical lifespans range from 6-12 months for daily site work to 2-3 years for occasional use. Replace boots immediately if you notice compromised toe protection, sole separation, significant wear to tread patterns, or water ingress. The midsole support and cushioning degrade before visible exterior damage appears, so consider replacement if you experience increased foot fatigue even when boots look acceptable.

Do I need Class 2 or Class 3 high-visibility clothing for my work?

Class 2 hi-vis suits most construction sites, roadside work away from live traffic lanes, and environments where vehicle speeds don't exceed 30mph. Class 3 is legally required for high-risk situations including motorway work, night-time road maintenance, railway environments, or anywhere with vehicles travelling above 30mph. When uncertain, Class 3 provides superior visibility and broader compliance. Ensure hi-vis clothing covers your torso—a hi-vis vest over dark clothing may not meet requirements if the vest rides up during work.

Can I wash chainsaw protective clothing in a regular washing machine?

Yes, but follow manufacturer instructions carefully. Use mild detergent without fabric softeners or bleach, which can degrade protective fibres. Wash separately to prevent contamination from other garments. Never tumble dry or iron chainsaw protective clothing, as heat damages the protective layers. Air dry thoroughly before storage. Inspect regularly for cuts, excessive wear, or compressed protective padding—any compromise to the protective layers means the garment must be replaced, as it cannot provide adequate protection.

What features should I look for in work trousers for comfort during long days?

Prioritise stretch panels (typically around the waist, crotch, and knees) that allow unrestricted movement during bending, kneeling, and climbing. Articulated or pre-bent knees reduce fabric bunching behind the knee. Adjustable waistbands accommodate layers underneath and provide custom fit. Breathable fabrics with moisture-wicking properties prevent overheating. Reinforced knee pad pockets (preferably adjustable height) protect joints during ground work. Consider slightly longer leg lengths if you regularly wear knee pads, as they raise trouser position. Weight is important too—lighter fabrics reduce fatigue without sacrificing durability.