To advice about workwear {{ name }}
Article no. {{ combinedCodeWithHighlight }}
Article code:
Workwear: Reliable protection from dirt, cold and rain
Workwear protects you or your employees against dirt while working, against wind and weather conditions, as well as mechanical influences. In contrast to this, specialised protective work wear offers optimal protection against chemicals, heat or flames. Additionally, professionally finished workwear complements your company’s brand identity and strengthens your employees’ team spirit.
When it comes to workwear, the boundaries between workwear and functional outdoor clothing are increasingly blurred – functionality aside, style is playing an increasingly larger role. This also increases employees’ willingness to wear workwear. New stretchy materials provide increased comfort and a better range of movement. They are breathable and moisture wicking. Thanks to Cordura inserts on the knees for example, workwear is robust and protects the wearer.
Various textiles from head to toe
The following fall under workwear for industrial and servicing work:
Additionally:
- Shirts
- Rainproof clothing
- Functional underwear
- Hats and socks
What you should take into consideration when selecting workear
Four criteria play an especially important role when selecting work clothing: safety, functionality, durability as well as wearing comfort. Fit and appearance are also important; these highlight the stylish aspect of this type of professional clothing.
Safety as top priority
Workwear should, above all, protect the wearer – far more than regular clothing is capable of. Therefore, depending on the task, it must fulfil other requirements, such as in the workshop, warehouse or in production. Here are some examples:
- Working in industrial settings: robust, hard wearing and industrially washable
- Working in service: light, stretchy, breathable, flexible and sweat absorbing
- Working outdoors: protection against wind and weather
- Working in a kneeling position: protection of the knee area through reinforced fabric or knee pads
Do you have any questions? Our experts are keen to help you at any time:
Functionality through high-performing materials
Different pieces of clothing are available using different materials. Cotton for example is especially skin friendly, absorbent and temperature regulating, since it is a natural fibre. It is used for clothing which is worn close to the body, for example shirts. Blended fabrics are characterised by the following characteristics: they are hard wearing, easy to care for and maintain their colour and shape. This material is suitable for items such as work trousers, dungarees or overalls.
Polyester is easy to care for, dries quickly and is good at balancing temperatures. The material is used for breathable winter jackets, for example. A very popular high-tech material for work jackets and trousers is softshell. This all-rounder is hard wearing, light and is comfortable to wear thanks to its stretch properties.
Wearing comfort and fit for optimum working
In order make workwear more popular amongst your employees as well as increase the wearing comfort of the clothing itself, pay attention to special quality features when selecting models. With this in mind, workwear should be precisely suitable for the requirements of the respective area of use in which they will be worn:
In the industrial/service area:
- Stretch inserts – for freedom of movement in any position
- Pockets placed for practical use – everything quick to hand
- Pre-shaped sleeves and knees – fitted to the anatomy to reduce strain
- Three rows of stitching – can withstand extreme wear
- Extended back – protection even when bending forward
- Cordura reinforcements on the knees – for extreme wear and working in a kneeling position
Particularly important for weatherproof clothing:
- Width-adjustable sleeve cuffs – reduce flow of cool air
- Sealed seams – for 100% waterproof qualities
- Fleece-lined collar – for increased wearing comfort
- Width-adjustable hood – for better fit and good visibility
The 3-layer principle for optimal protection against weather
For protection against external influences such as cold, wind and bad weather, workwear is ideally worn according to the 3-layer principle. This combination consisting of underwear, mid-layer and weather-proof clothing provides optimal protection for the wearer. The innermost layer, which is worn close against the body, ensures moisture is optimally wicked away, so that the skin remains dry during strenuous work. The second layer, the insulated intermediate layer or mid-layer, protects the body against cooling down and dissipates moisture away. The outermost layer, the weather protection, is breathable and consists of robust material that is easy to care for, and offers optimal protection against rain, wind and the cold.
Expert advice and custom textile finishing
The Hoffmann Group product range features work clothing from well-known manufacturers which impress with their high quality, functional materials and attractive design: from work jackets, work trousers, shirts and pullovers all the way to socks. Our expert team of specialists will happily provide you with individual advice in order to put together workwear that is perfectly suited for your employees. We are available for you in person, via telephone or via e-mail.
Textile customisation
Additionally, we offer you the option to professionally customise your company’s workwear. Whether it’s direct embroidery, embroidered badges, transfer printing or laser engraving – customising jackets, trousers or polo shirts in your business’s design ensures a uniform appearance and increases your employees’ sense of belonging to your company.
Legal requirements for workwear
Since workwear is intended to protect your employees, it must fulfil specific standards depending on its application area. The three most important are the following:
- EN 343: Protection against rain
- EN 342: Ensembles and garments for protection against cold
- EN 14404: Knee protectors for work in the kneeling position
Frequently asked questions about workwear
How do I select the right workwear and find the right size?
Hoffman Group specialists are happy to support you selecting the workwear which is right for you and the requirements of your working environment. Size charts from individual manufacturers serve as a helpful guideline and wear tests also supplement the advice from our experts.
Why should you pay attention to the quality when it comes to workwear?
Good-quality workwear offers better protection in comparison to workwear of a lower quality. Furthermore, high-quality clothing pieces are more robust and therefore have a longer service life. High-quality workwear saves money in the long-term and therefore pays for itself.
How can I have my workwear customised?
Clothing is customised at our in-house customisation department at the logistics centre in Nuremberg. The desired result will be achieved through different processes: embroidering, transfer printing, plotter drawing or laser engraving. Inventory management of your emblems also makes it possible for small quantities to be re-ordered electronically. We will advise you regarding which process is suitable for your circumstances.
Do you have any questions? Do you require PPE consulting?
The Hoffmann Group provides you with everything from a single source:
- We provide individual advice, tailored to your needs
- Risk analysis, help with product selection, wearing tests, training sessions and special service offers (glove plans, skin protection plans)
Personal protective equipment also includes: eye protection, breathing protection, hearing protection, foot protection, hand protection, head protection, fall protection, protective work wear and skin protection. This takes you to the overview.