Best Clothing for Working Outside
Working outdoors can have its advantages and disadvantages. On the one hand, you’re not confined to a stuffy office and get to move around a lot more. On the other hand, you’re often exposed to the elements. In good weather, this can be a positive, but even sunny days can quickly become an issue if you have to work in them for several hours.
If you’re used to working outdoors, you likely already have a wardrobe of clothes that you use to keep yourself warm, dry or cool, depending on the weather. If you’re starting your own business, you may need to provide uniforms for your employees, and it makes sense to ensure that they’re comfortable and protected while working outdoors. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the best important outdoor workwear that anyone could have.
Waterproof Clothing
Rain is almost unavoidable when working outdoors, even in the summer months. In 2023, it rained for a total of 173 days in the UK, which amounts to a little less than half of the year. Even in light drizzle, you need to ensure you have waterproof clothing, especially if you have no choice but to continue working.
In some cases, you might be able to take shelter and wait the rain out, but most of the time, the work will need to continue no matter what the weather is doing. Make sure that you have waterproof clothing available if you’re going to be working outdoors for long periods. Waterproof work jackets are the most obvious choice, protecting your body from wet rain and wind. It’s also worth having a pair of waterproof gloves and waterproof trousers to ensure you stay dry in all conditions.
While waterproof clothing is effective, it needs to be maintained properly to ensure it keeps you dry in all weather. Seams should be checked regularly for damage, and they should be washed and dried often to prevent the buildup of dirt and residue. Avoid washing at high temperatures and dry out by leaving it to air rather than using a tumble dryer. Keep waterproof clothing stored away in a cool place away from sunlight.
Thermal Clothing
If you’re working outdoors in the winter, you definitely need to make sure you have suitable protection from the cold. Extremely cold conditions are rare in the UK, but even above freezing, you can suffer from hypothermia if you’re not properly protected. Thermal base layers provide insulation from the cold, trapping heat against your body.
You should use thermal clothing to keep your core warm and protect your extremities, such as fingers and toes. Keeping your core warm is essential to avoid hypothermia, which can be a serious condition if left untreated. Meanwhile, your extremities will suffer in cold weather as your body diverts blood flow away to preserve warmth. This can result in frostbite if you’re not careful.
Sun Protection
Working outdoors in the sun sounds like a dream, but it’s important to remember that that the sun’s rays are harmful. If you’re working outdoors in sunlight, especially during the summer, you need to ensure you have protection. Short sleeves and shorts may allow you to keep cool during the heat, but you will be exposing a lot of your skin to the sun. Either use UV-protective clothing or ensure you apply sunscreen throughout the day.
Sunglasses are important too. Your eyes can be damaged by the UV rays from the sun in the same way that your skin can. Make sure you have a pair of UV protective glasses that keep your eyes safe and allow you to see clearly while working.