How to Choose the Right Do-It-Yourself Work Clothing for Comfort and Protection
Rat jeans and old T-shirts are no longer the only outfit options for when you do housework or DIY projects. Correct work clothing is durable, comfortable and safer to wear than standard clothing. Here are some things to look out for when choosing work clothes.
Work boots
Sneakers are absolute rubbish for any outdoor project. They offer little grip that makes sliding possible, and they don’t provide support or protection for your feet. Basic work boots will outperform any standard footwear in performance only.
Look at the 6 “boot to offer the best combination of support and flexibility. Full-grain leather upper is the most durable, but it is a heavy material and may not have the water resistance you require. Goodyear welt constructed boots are a great benefit as it can be frayed many times, which prolongs the life of your boots.
Steel toes are no longer required for work boots (unless you are in a workplace where they are required by OSHA regulations ), and there are many boot options that include composite toe protectors that are lighter than steel. Regardless of which type of protection you choose, make sure your boot manufacturer meets ASTM standards for safety footwear. Boots that do not do this may not be strong enough to withstand impacts or provide resistance to electric shock.
Quality work boots from the contractor include Georgia boots and Wolverine . Boots for weekend warriors are lighter and often look like hiking boots, but have been made and tested for use as durable work boots. Danner and Timberland have boots that cover the full range of work applications.
Work trousers
Much of modern denim is trendy clothing that is no longer meant to be used as durable and protective clothing, so you shouldn’t wear it as such.
Canvas and twill work pants provide better protection and often have reinforced seams, extra pockets, and durable buttons and zips. Carhartt is a leader in this field and offers fire resistant gear when needed. Look for innovative work trousers from Blaklader in Sweden. Europe is ahead of everyone else in terms of technical work gear, and the Blaklader trousers are a great example of this. They have cordura knees, removable knee pads and external pockets (for example, to carry an attached tool belt).
Shirts & Tops
Shirts made from 100% cotton are the most breathable and can be made from denser knits for extra durability. Like sports equipment, you can find sweat-wicking work shirts like this one from Dickies . You can even find an elongated shirt specially designed to deal with plumber’s butts.
The most durable shirts are a blend of polyester and cotton. Many are stain resistant and wrinkle-proof, but they retain heat better.
Avoid over-fitting shirts as they can slip on wet paint or snag on machines or tools.
Hats
A baseball cap should be at least for sun protection when working outdoors. Find one with extra flaps on the back to protect your neck if sun exposure really bothers you.
A cotton hat with a wide brim will provide maximum protection from the sun and also prevent sweat from getting on your eyes while you work.
Gloves
Along with boots, work gloves are the most obvious protection. Plain leather and denim gloves are available for under $ 2 and offer good protection, but have very little fit and comfort.
Buy quality work gloves that fit snugly around your hand and fit securely to your wrist. A good glove will completely protect your fingers, but it will give some tactile feel. Klein Tools and Mechanix Wear are great places to start.
Outerwear
Cold weather shouldn’t hinder your desire to work outdoors, and with the right coat, vest, or overalls, you will have enough warmth to get the job done.
Avoid fluffy or loose outerwear. It should keep you warm and close to your body, but not interfere with your movements.
In humid environments, make sure your outer garment is waterproof, or use a fully synthetic material.
To fry even more, you can wear heated gear. These jackets work like an electric blanket and are equipped with heating elements that can be adjusted to your liking. Models from Milwaukee Tool and Bosch are powered by an appropriate 12V battery.