What are the dress codes in construction?

What clothes do construction workers actually wear? And what is a construction worker required to wear on the construction site? Construction is a sector with clear safety rules, and clothing plays a central role in this. Not just any clothing, but work clothing that protects, is recognized and lasts a long time.

In this article we explain which clothing regulations apply in construction, what construction workers typically wear and what you should pay attention to when choosing the right work clothing for the construction site.

Are there legal dress codes in construction?

Yes. In construction, there are legal obligations regarding personal protective equipment (PPE) based on the Working Conditions Act and the Working Conditions Decree. This legislation obliges employers to provide employees with adequate protective equipment, including work clothing that is appropriate to the risks in the workplace. The employer is responsible for providing this clothing and the employee is obliged to wear it.

In addition, many clients and contractors impose additional requirements through the Safety and Health Plan (VGP) of a construction project. This may mean that certain clothing is mandatory at a specific location, even if the law does not literally require this. The requirements for large infrastructure projects are usually stricter than for smaller structures.

High visibility clothing: visible on the construction site

Wearing high visibility clothing is mandatory on many construction sites. Clothing that meets the EN ISO 20471 standard ensures maximum visibility, even in bad weather or at dusk. The standard has three classes, with class 3 offering the highest protection and is mandatory on busy roads and hazardous locations.

Tricorp offers within the Redefined line high vis work clothes. From T-shirts and polo shirts to softshells, winter jackets and work trousers, all certified according to EN ISO 20471. This means there is a suitable option for every construction worker and every season.

Safety shoes and other PPE

In addition to clothing, safety shoes with steel toe caps are also mandatory on most construction sites, as well as a construction helmet and in many cases a safety vest or hearing protection. Work clothing is therefore part of a broader package of personal protective equipment that together guarantees safety on the construction site. It is the employer's responsibility to ensure that all employees have the correct equipment and are actually wearing it.

Exactly which PPE is required varies per project and work location. Always consult the VGP or the safety coordinator of the relevant construction project for the specific requirements that apply.

What does a construction worker wear?

A construction worker wears sturdy work trousers, a T-shirt or polo shirt as a base layer and, depending on the season, a sweat vest, softshell or winter jacket. The clothing must be able to withstand wear and tear, provide sufficient freedom of movement and accommodate tools in functional pockets. Tricorp has put together a complete combination for this: the Work trousers Cordura Functional Stretch Redefined as pants, it T-shirt Bicolor Redefined as a base layer and optionally the Sweat Jacket Bicolor Redefined or the Hooded Softshell Bicolor Redefined as a top layer. View the complete combination on the construction worker looks page.

A safety vest is also mandatory on many construction sites. A vest in fluorescent yellow or orange provides extra visibility at busy locations with machines and moving traffic. Tricorp offers a wide range of certified safety vests, from standard vests to RWS certified variants.

Sustainable work clothing for construction

The Redefined line from Tricorp is made from organic cotton and recycled polyester. Materials that are sustainably produced and last a long time, even with intensive use and regular washing at 60 degrees. This is a logical choice for construction companies that make conscious purchases and at the same time set high standards for quality and functionality.

The range is available in sizes XS to 5XL, a good fit for every construction worker. And for companies that want to dress their team in uniform clothing: printing or embroidery with a company logo is possible via a Tricorp dealer in the region. Each team member wears recognizable clothing that matches the image of the construction company.