Stay warm and Safe with this ultimate guide to work clothing. How you can protect yourself from the elements when you’re out on the job, on the farm, or in your backyard.
Hi there, and welcome back to my blog! In this post, I’m going to share with you some of the best cold-weather gear for construction workers and farmers. This is the second part of a series, so if you missed the first one, you should check it out by clicking here. In the first part, I talked about general work gear like pants, shirts, boots…. stuff like that. Before I get into this post too much I want to stress the importance of staying warm and dry in cold weather. We’re going to look at some of the essential items you need, such as thermal underwear, socks, hats, and gloves. I’m going to focus on some of the outer layers that will keep you cozy and comfortable when working outdoors in winter. These include hoodies, coats, and coveralls. Let’s get started!
Hoodies
A hoodie is a great option for a mid-layer or a light outer layer when working in cold weather. Hoodies are versatile, easy to wear, and come in different styles and colors. They also have a hood that can protect your head and ears from the wind and cold. Some hoodies are made of fleece or wool, which provide extra warmth and insulation. Others are made of cotton or polyester, which are more breathable and moisture-wicking. Some hoodies also have pockets or zippers for convenience and security.
Back in my construction-worker days, I would always wear a hoodie. I think the extra coverage around my neck really made a difference in cold weather. I would wear a hoodie under my regular coat and I was always warmer than the few times I tried to work with a sweater, coat and beanie. A hoodie added the little extra coverage my body needed to stay warm.
Here are some of the best hoodies for construction workers and farmers:
- Pyramex Heated Class 3 Weatherproof Fleece Lined Jacket – This hoodie is not only warm and comfortable but also heated! It has a rechargeable battery that powers three heat zones on the chest and back. It also has a water-resistant shell, a fleece lining, a detachable hood, and reflective stripes for visibility.
- Rugged Blue Class 3 High-Vis Bomber Jacket with Black Bottom – This hoodie is ideal for low-light or foggy conditions, as it has a bright yellow color and reflective tape. It also has a quilted lining, a fleece collar, a detachable hood, and multiple pockets.
Here’s another one.
- Standard Carhartt Hoodie/sweatshirt – This is kind your basic hoodie, or at least, what everyone things of when you say, “hoodie”. It’s warm, tough, and comfortable. This one is also water-repellant.
- Timberland PRO Men’s Honcho Hd Pullover – This is another awesome hoodie with an extra zipper pocket, face mask, and rain-repelling technology.
Coats
A coat is a must-have for working in cold weather, especially when it’s windy or snowy. A coat can provide extra protection and insulation for your upper body and core. Coats come in different lengths, materials, and features. Some coats are waterproof or water-resistant, which can keep you dry in wet weather. Some coats are insulated or quilted, which can trap heat and keep you warm. Some coats also have hoods, collars, cuffs, or zippers that can seal out the cold air. Here are some of the best coats for construction workers and farmers:
- Timberland PRO Men’s Gritman Lined Canvas Hooded Jacket – This imported jacket is made of 100% duck canvas and features a rubber lining and zipper closure. It’s machine washable and has an original fit with PRO signature bi-swing with knit rib insert and articulated elbows for added mobility. The durable cotton duck canvas is lined with high pile fleece to keep you warm in cold weather.
- Carhartt Men’s Flame Resistant Full Swing Relaxed Fit Insulated Coat – This jacket from Carhartt Company Gear Collection is made of 88% cotton and 12% nylon with rain defender durable water repellent. It’s 20% lighter than heavier outerwear but just as warm thanks to its 8.5-ounce quick duck material. The jacket is insulated with 150 gram 3 M Thinsulate platinum insulation and features a mighty back bi swing between shoulders for instant recovery.
- Carhartt Men’s Loose Fit Firm Duck Insulated Traditional Coat – This imported jacket is made of 100% ring-spun cotton duck and features a zipper closure. It’s machine washable and has pleated elbows for ease of movement. The jacket is insulated with arctic-weight polyester insulation and has a two-way brass zipper plus storm flap with hook-and-loop closure.
- Wrangler Riggs Workwear Men’s Tough Layers Canvas Work Jacket – This imported jacket from Wrangler is made of 100% cotton and features a cotton lining and zipper closure. It’s machine washable and has an improved fit and 2-way zipper for added range of movement and comfortable wear. The jacket is constructed with multiple, comfortable layers and is lined in 11oz 100% polyester with 120gsm Sorona insulation for added durability, warmth, and comfort. It’s finished with ribbed hem and cuffs and a tape measure reinforcement on right front pocket.
- Carhartt Women’s Loose Fit Weathered Duck Coat – This imported jacket features a button closure and is made of 12-ounce, 100% cotton weathered duck. It has a quilted flannel lining in the body and quilted-nylon lining in the sleeves and a sherpa-lined collar. The jacket has a zip front with snap placket and two lower-front pockets with flaps and snaps that double as handwarmer pockets with side entry, two chest pockets and two interior pockets. Also available in black.
Coveralls and Overalls
A coverall is an all-in-one garment that covers your entire body from head to toe. A coverall can offer maximum protection and warmth when working in cold weather. Coveralls are usually made of heavy-duty fabric that can resist wear and tear. Some coveralls are also waterproof or water-resistant to keep you dry in wet conditions. Some coveralls have hoods or collars that can shield your head and neck from the cold. Some coveralls also have zippers or snaps that make it easy to put on or take off. Here are some of the best coveralls for construction workers and farmers:
- Dickies Men’s Premium Insulated Coverall – This imported coverall set features a zipper closure and is machine washable. It has Dickies scuffgard, reinforced double knees, knit storm cuffs and corduroy collar. It has side entry chest pockets and one interior pocket and a heavy-duty brass 2-way front zipper with large pulls. It also has triple needle felled seams, a rule pocket and hammer loop, and a contrast stand collar for comfort.
- RefrigiWear ComfortGuard Insulated Coveralls – For really cold weather check out these water-resistant coveralls from RefrigiWear. They offer serious protection down to -10°F (-23°C). They are built tough to keep out extreme winter-weather elements. They are wind-tight, 100% cotton denim outer shell and 7.5 oz polyester fiberfill insulation to protect your body from the frigid cold.
- Carhartt Men’s Arctic Quilt Lined Yukon Coverall – This is a zip-front coverall made of 100% Cordura Nylon with a water-repellent, 1,000-denier cordura nylon shell. It features double knees that accommodate knee pads and ankle-to-waist two-way zippers with snap storm flaps. It also has zippered chest pockets and slanted hand pockets. Under arm vents are included. It is made in the US
- Dickies Men’s Premium Insulated Duck Bib All – If you want to keep the cold wind from riding up your back, maybe you just need a bib all. This durable set will offer protection against the elements but also offer some flexibility if things warm up and you want to take off your coat.
Gloves
Gloves are essential protective gear for construction workers, offering protection for hands while using various tools and handling materials. Different types of gloves are available to suit specific tasks and provide the necessary protection.
- Leather Gloves: These gloves are ideal for general construction work, offering excellent durability, abrasion resistance, and protection from cuts and punctures. They are commonly used for handling rough materials, such as wood, metal, and concrete.
- Cut-Resistant Gloves: Made from high-performance materials like Kevlar or Dyneema, these gloves provide excellent protection against cuts and lacerations. They are perfect for tasks that involve sharp objects, such as cutting materials or handling glass.
- Impact-Resistant Gloves: Designed with reinforced padding, these gloves protect hands from impact injuries caused by using heavy tools, such as hammers and drills. They are particularly useful for demolition work and other high-impact tasks.
- Insulated Gloves: These gloves offer protection from extreme temperatures, both hot and cold. They are essential for tasks involving welding, working with hot materials, or working in cold environments.
- I also used welding gloves for winter work gloves quite often. I found that the tough exterior leather held up great to jobs like throwing firewood or carrying block and brick.
- Chemical-Resistant Gloves: Made from materials like nitrile, latex, or neoprene, these gloves protect against hazardous chemicals and substances. They are crucial for tasks that involve handling chemicals, solvents, or other potentially harmful materials. These are great for when it’s cold and wet.
Conclusion
In conclusion, selecting the appropriate protective gear is crucial for workers to ensure their safety and efficiency on the job. By understanding the different types of gear available and their specific uses, workers can make informed decisions about the best work clothes for their tasks. Always prioritize safety and choose clothing that provides the necessary protection for the job at hand.
Don’t forget to check out Part 1 of our series for more information on clothing and gear for working outside.