Which material is most suitable for work clothing?

The material of work clothing largely determines how comfortable, durable and functional the clothing is. Which material is most suitable depends on the work and the circumstances: does someone work outside in the heat or inside a cooled warehouse? Does someone lift heavy loads or work in an office environment? The right material makes the difference.

In this article we explain which material is most suitable for work trousers in warm weather, for a work jacket and for UV protection.

Which material is most suitable for work trousers in warm weather?

In warm weather, airiness and moisture regulation are the most important properties of work trousers. Materials that breathe well and quickly wick away moisture ensure a more comfortable working day at high temperatures.

A blend of organic cotton and recycled polyester with a small amount of elastane is a good choice for warm weather. Cotton breathes well and feels pleasant on the skin. Polyester adds abrasion resistance and dries faster. Elastane gives the pants stretch, which ensures freedom of movement without the fabric pinching in warm weather.

Avoid heavy or thick fabrics at high temperatures. Work trousers made of elastomultiester with stretch panels are light, flexible and suitable for active outdoor work in the summer. Short work trousers in the same material are an alternative if working conditions permit.

Which material is most suitable for a work jacket?

For a work jacket, waterproofness, windproofness and breathability are the three core performances. The most commonly used material for high-quality work jackets is recycled polyester, often combined with a laminate or membrane that keeps water out but allows moisture to pass through from the inside.

A good example is the Techshell raincoat Redefined: made of 100% recycled polyester, waterproof, windproof and breathable. With a laminated waterproof zipper, adjustable detachable hood and reflective elements for extra visibility. A jacket that protects without sweating, even during intensive outdoor work in the rain.

For colder conditions is a soft shell or a lined winter coat is a better choice. Softshell made from recycled polyester provides wind protection and light water repellency, while the material remains supple and stretchy. For the most severe winter conditions, lined jackets with a heat-insulating filling are most suitable.

UV protection: clothing with the EN 13758 standard

For professionals who work outside in the sun for long periods of time, UV protective clothing is a serious consideration. Work clothing with the EN 13758 standard has a UPF of 40+, which means that more than 97.5% of UV radiation is blocked. This offers considerably better protection than regular work clothing.

UV-protective work clothing is particularly suitable for outdoor professions such as construction, landscaping, infrastructure and agriculture. Choose lightweight materials such as polyester Cooldry, which breathe and provide UV protection at the same time. Tricorp offers within the Redefined line of work clothing that meets the EN 13758 standard.