Workwear

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.

Frequently asked questions

At what temperature can I wash workwear?

Most poly-cotton work trousers and jackets can be washed at 60 degrees, which is enough to remove grease and sweat. Always check the wash label: clothing with stretch panels, reflective material or a water-repellent coating often requires a lower temperature and no fabric softener.

What fabric weight should I choose for my work?

For heavy outdoor work and construction, choose 280-320 g/m², for general technical work 240-280 g/m², and for indoor work or summer a lighter fabric of 200-240 g/m². Heavier fabric lasts longer, lighter fabric wears cooler.

Can I have workwear printed with my logo?

Yes, that's possible with embroidery or transfer printing. Extra rules apply to certified protective clothing: printing must not affect the protective properties and may only be applied in the designated spots. Contact us and we'll look at what's possible per garment.

Are there work trousers in different leg lengths?

Yes, many models are available in short, regular and long leg lengths. If the length you want isn't a standard option in the range, you can have a pair of trousers taken in — for certified clothing, note that shortening must be done by a specialised company.

How often does workwear need to be replaced?

With daily use, a set of workwear lasts an average of one to two years. Replace it sooner if seams are torn, knees and seat are worn thin, or if there's stubborn contamination with oil and solvents, as this can be a fire hazard.

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