What should you look for when choosing workwear?
The fabric
Cotton breathes pleasantly and feels soft, polyester is stronger and creases less, and a blend of the two combines the best of both worlds. For kneeling work or a lot of movement, a stretch panel or a canvas mix with elastane pays off. Also check the weight in grams per square metre: 240-300 g/m² is sturdy workwear, lighter is more comfortable in summer.
The fit
Workwear that doesn't fit won't get worn. Check the leg length, the knee pockets (are they at the right height?), freedom of movement in the shoulders, and whether you can wear a jumper underneath. There are also women's versions with an adapted fit.
Pockets and details
A coin pocket, a folding ruler pocket, a holster pocket, tool loops: these save you dozens of times bending down during a working day. Also check for reinforced seams in the spots that wear out first, and for washability at 60 degrees if you work with grease or paint.
Workwear by garment
Workwear or protective clothing?
If you work with fire, chemicals, chainsaws, alongside roads or in freezing cold, ordinary workwear isn't enough and you need certified protective clothing. Not sure? The workplace's RI&E is decisive. In practice, a good wardrobe often consists of both: protective clothing for the higher-risk tasks and comfortable workwear for the rest.
Company clothing with logo
Workwear is also a calling card. If you'd like your clothing printed or embroidered with your company logo, contact us — we'll help think through placement and technique, and keep in mind that printing on certified clothing is subject to rules.
Ordering workwear from Total Protex
At Total Protex you order from the full Portwest range, with an extensive size range and fast delivery from stock. Business customers order on account and get volume pricing for larger quantities — handy if you want to put an entire team in the same clothing.
