How to Choose Quality Work Clothes
Whether you’re planning a remodelling project or are working as a land worker or a contractor, one of the things that makes a huge difference in your job performance is the clothing. Work clothes should always be comfy, practical and functional enough to let you perform your tasks, yet durable and made of high-quality materials to stand the test of time.
However, many people commonly struggle picking a proper pair of work wear clothing. And this is not even surprising, considering the wide range of requirements manual tasks impose, as well as the huge range of choices the market offers. So, if you were about to pick quality work wear for yourself, here’s what you need to consider.
Pay Attention to the Construction
Whether you’re about to hit your favourite work wear shop, or shop work clothes online, make sure you pay attention to the entire construction of the piece and how durable it is. Hence, a proper work garment should cover a couple of durability aspects: quality stitching, abrasion-resistant fabrics and zippers and being able to wash the garment easily.
Starting from the stitching, it’s recommended to pick something that is twin-needle stitched. Also, keep in mind that strategically-placed bar tacks will reduce seam blowouts and strengthen all the areas that are prone to abrasion and high wear and tear. Abrasion being mentioned, it’s also recommended to look for something that features a good abrasion resistance rating, if the specific job tasks you perform require that.
When it comes to picking fabrics, most workwear online and brick and mortar shops offer garments made of heavy canvas. However, it’s recommended to pick cotton work wear, as it’s a very soft and comfy material that will allow for airflow so your skin can breathe and hence, prevent sweating in steamy work environments. On top of that, cotton is an easily washable material, so you won’t struggle with frequent washes and getting rid of dirt, grime, oil and sweat that gets accumulated to it.
Finally, zippers are not something you don’t see on workwear and are the ultimate feature that can make or break the entire garment. And since zippers should always be 100% reliable, make sure you skip cheap work garments with faulty zippers. This way, you won’t only avoid spending time and money on broken teeth, misaligned zippers and irreparable lockups, but you’ll also add on comfort while working.
Get the Right Fit
The fit is also among the number one priorities, whether buying work clothes online or in your closest physical store. Rocking up to work every day in garments that don’t fit right won’t only impact your performance, but you can also imagine how uncomfortable you’ll feel wearing clothes that are too tight or annoyingly loose. Even though the exact fit is something you may not initially think of, you’ll certainly notice once you’re onsite.
To get the right fit for yourself, keep in mind that different brands and manufacturers may have their own sizing charts that differ from each other. So, make sure you carefully check the specific chart and the exact dimensions and preferably try on the garment before you invest in something that doesn’t fit your body. At the end of the day, a quality workwear garment that fits properly and lets you move freely and unrestricted will serve you for many and many years.
Consider the Environment
The environment you work in on daily basis is also among the most important factors, as wearing something improper will also make you feel ultimately uncomfortable and hinder your performance. On top of that, there’re many roles that require working in bad weather or dynamic environments, so make sure you opt for something tailored to your needs. Luckily, it won’t be as hard finding multiple garments featuring wind-blocking, moisture-wicking, odour inhibiting and fast-drying properties, as well as insulation and slip protection.
On the other hand, instead of carrying your toolbox throughout the entire area, there’re many convenient work garments featuring hammer loops and deep pockets to increase practicality and functionality. Even if you don’t have to carry tools along, deep pockets are recommended for personal belongings such as phones and wallets.
Shop with Protection in Mind
Finally, some high-risk roles will impose wearing protective work clothing that meets several safety standards (PPE). According to the daily tasks you perform, here’s a couple of the most important protective features of specific workwear garments:
Fire Resistance
Firefighters, welders and other roles that are exposed to intense sparks and high heat on a daily basis should opt for fire-resistant garments that offer sufficient protection. However, it’s not uncommon to stumble upon workwear pieces that are rated as “fire-resistant”, to find out that the impact is only temporary. To avoid this, many experts recommend looking for garments made of fire-resistant material, instead of the flame-retardant material being added after the garment is made.
Knee Pads
For the roles that impose prolonged kneeling, it’s essential to pick pants with built-in knee pads to protect your clothes from abrasion, as well as knees from long-term injuries. If your job includes regular kneeling too, keep in mind that built-in knee pads are a way more convenient and comfortable option than the traditional knee pads you put on each time you have to perform a specific task.
Reflective Workwear
Some roles impose the need of wearing high-visibility clothing to alert drivers and other vehicle operators of the one’s presence, especially in low visibility and dark conditions. So, if your job features conditions such as high trees, traffic banners and construction materials, it’s best to upgrade your work gear with garments such as reflective vests, arms, trim strips, shoulder or leg bands, etc.