The main purpose of workwear is to protect the clothing worn underneath from soiling.
What is workwear like and what should be considered?
The fabric of textile workwear is subject to heavy stresses depending on the intended use. Therefore it is either made of 100 percent cotton or a blend of cotton and synthetic fibers.
The work trousers are coated and therefore protected against dirt and water. They are characterized by the presence of many pockets. The worker stores various tools and other materials needed for his work assignment in them. If you work on your knees, knee pad pockets provide useful comfort. Ideally the knee pad pockets are adjustable and thus adapt to the position of your knees. For many applications (for example welding) fire resistance is advisable.
You can choose between regular trousers that reach the hip or bib overalls. The latter additionally protect the chest area and do not constrict the wearer at the hips. The chest pocket provides another place for storage (possibly papers). The bib overalls do not slip because straps run over your shoulders.
Wear ¾ trousers or shorts in warm weather; in case of precipitation, also use waterproof rainwear. If you work with chainsaws, wear cut-resistant trousers. The cut-protection fibers protect your thighs and shins. If necessary, alternatively wear a coverall.
The material is easy to clean in the washing machine at high wash temperatures without shrinking. Remove stubborn stains by adding three tablespoons of salt to the washing powder in the washing machine.
Other workwear …
Anyone who works starts to sweat. Therefore your workwear needs temperature-balancing materials. These retain heat at the body and wick moisture to the outside. Fleece or softshell are well suited for base-layer pullovers. Outdoor jackets protect against wind and weather through climate-balancing membranes. Ventilation zips in the armpits prevent heat buildup.
Work shoes, called safety shoes, are ankle shoes or boots. Many trade associations require their use. At the fire department, the Federal Agency for Technical Relief (THW) and in emergency medical services they are part of the basic equipment. Safety shoes are characterized by the following features:
- They have a toe cap made of plastic or metal.
- The heavily profiled sole is made of thermoplastic elastomers, PU or rubber.
- The inner sole of the shoe is, depending on the application, equipped with antistatic properties and is insulating.
- A puncture-resistant midsole made of steel plate, Kevlar or Lenzi protects against nails or other sharp objects from below.
The company BFL-Handelsgesellschaft für Arbeitsschutz-Produkte, Maschinen, Geräte, Papier- und Kunststoff-Erzeugnisse mbH offers personal protection products in its online shop at www.bfl-versand.de. You will find a comprehensive range of workwear for every industry. The materials are robustly manufactured and the prices are attractive.