8 tips for wearing work clothes in warm weather
On a hot working day it is nice to wear light clothing. Unfortunately, in certain work situations it is important that you appear representative. Shorts with a T-shirt or polo are often not appropriate. In other working conditions it is important to protect your skin. But what are the ideal workwear items to wear when you are toiling in the heat all day? The solution depends on your work situation, but we have 8 tips to help you make the right choices for the most suitable summer work clothes:
1. Light colors
It seems contradictory, but covering your skin with light-colored summer work clothes will cool you more than wearing short sleeves and shorts. Sun-tanned skin can absorb a lot of heat. This also applies to dark clothing. Light-colored clothing reflects sunlight, keeping you cooler. Dark clothing actually absorbs heat. It is therefore wise to choose white clothing or other light, fresh colors on warm, sunny days.
3. Long sleeves
If it is not possible to wear short-sleeved summer work clothes for your work, you do not have to immediately wear a sweater or work jacket over your shirt. You can also opt for a T-shirt, polo shirt or long-sleeved shirt and possibly a body warmer over it. When purchasing a body warmer, pay attention to the required number of pockets and the quality of the material. Your work clothing must be suitable for your specific working conditions.
2. Still short sleeves? Then choose polyester and UV block
If you prefer to wear short sleeves and your working conditions allow this, choose polyester polo shirts or dress shirts. If the sun is extremely bright, choose a T-shirt with UV block. A number of Tricorp t-shirts are equipped with UV block. These even protect against UV radiation up to UPF-50 and are made of 50% cooldry. Cooldry provides moisture regulation and is breathable. View the Tricorp T-Shirt UV-Block Cooldry Long Sleeve 102005 and the Tricorp Polo Shirt UV Block Cooldry L/S Long Sleeve 202005 here.
4. Undergarments
It may seem strange to wear underwear in warm weather and lots of sun, but it can feel better than just a t-shirt. Breathable underwear ensures good ventilation and good moisture drainage. This keeps your body cool and dry. Helly Hansen has underwear in its range for warm weather and warm conditions. For example, choose Lifa underwear.
5. Shorts with extra pockets and loops
If your working conditions allow it, working in shorts is very pleasant. You will then not have to worry about trouser legs that hinder your movements and cause perspiration in the back of your knees. However, make sure that your work shorts meet safety requirements and that you have enough extra loops and pockets to keep your tools and accessories close at hand. If you don't have enough storage space in your shorts, you can purchase handy swing pockets for extra storage space.
6. Light, airy work boots for warm weather
In warm weather, choose lightweight work shoes that ventilate and are not too high. This reduces the chance of moisture in your feet and your feet will suffer less. So leave your leather work boots at home in the summer and opt for a lighter version with more ventilation, such as the work shoes from Grisport's Cross Safety collection. These work shoes are not only lightweight, but the microfiber upper and Cambrelle® lining ensure fresh feet. Cambrelle® is moisture-absorbing, odor-resistant and breathable.
7. Head and eye protection
In many work situations it is important to protect your head. This is especially true in the scorching sun. On sunny days, the right sunglasses will help you avoid straining your eyes and maintain good vision. If you work on a construction site, it is nice to wear helmets with air filters that, in addition to protection, also provide extra cooling for the head. What can also be useful to you is a bump cap with ventilation holes that provide extra protection against the heat and impacts. When choosing head protection, choose light colors to keep your head as cool as possible and to reflect sunlight.
8. Other tips for extremely hot weather
In order to be able to do your work properly on extremely hot days, it is important to take good care of your body and in the right way, in addition to using the right summer work clothing. Occasionally hold your wrists under the tap and, if you feel comfortable, you can place a cold washcloth on your neck to cool down. Preferably drink tea or lukewarm water instead of cold water: cold water quickly drops your body temperature, but in response your body will raise it again, making you feel extra warm. When you drink hot tea, you achieve just the opposite and your body responds by lowering your body temperature. This makes you feel cooler and allows you to focus better on your work.
