5 Ideas for Uniform Layering in Outdoor Construction

15th Jun 2024

Putting on appropriate clothing is the first line of defence for your health at work. The following five suggestions for clothing layering in outdoor construction can help you stay vigilant and secure.

1. Put on a Base Layer That Wicks Moisture

You should wear a base layer comprised of moisture-wicking fabric below your other clothing. This layer is essential for preventing sweat-saturated clothing.

Wearing clothing drenched in perspiration irritates and discomforts your skin, thus a base layer is beneficial throughout the year. The foundation layer becomes vital in cold weather.

Your skin's basal layer is flat and doesn't bunch up beneath the upper layers. Sweat is drawn to the exterior of the fabric by means of wicking, which is the process of moving perspiration from the skin's surface. The fluid then swiftly evaporates.

2. Put on One or Two Layers of Insulation 

Wearing one or two insulating layers, depending on the severity of the weather, is the next piece of advice for layering clothing when working outside. Your body heat will be retained and the cold will be kept out by these layers. Fleece coats, hoodies, and thin sweaters are examples of useful clothing.

It is acceptable to wear fabric with a cotton blend if you will not be working in rainy situations. Wool, fleece, and polyester all dry quickly. But, you should try to keep any cotton clothing dry if you're working in damp situations.

3. Put on an outer waterproof layer if necessary

Finally, put on a waterproof layer if you require protection from the rain, snow, or ice. This outer layer will shield you from the cold by keeping water and wind from penetrating through your layers of cloth.

Water-resistant clothing partially thwarts the infiltration of water. However, layers that are waterproof offer the most protection since they prevent water from seeping through.

4. Find the Correct

Fit Wearing clothing that fits properly keeps you warm, keeps you from gaining extra mass, and keeps you comfortable. Your clothing won't offer enough protection if it fits poorly or doesn't cover enough flesh.

Restrict the amount of skin that is exposed to the chilly air. Frequently exposed places are the neck, wrists, and waists when bending. When pulled up, hoodies can shield your head and offer additional protection for your neck. Thumbholes and high collars on jackets shield your wrists and neck.

Clothes should be loose enough to enable a small amount of heated air to pass through. Additionally, they have to be just snug enough to avoid snagging on workplace equipment or letting in frigid air.

5. Keep Hi-Vis Protection Uncovered

Lastly, avoid hiding your high-visibility clothing with layers or scarves. Wearing hi-vis clothing makes you stand out from the background and protects you from several risks associated with construction sites.

You'll stay warm and dry and help prevent accidents if you wear a high-quality hi-vis outer layer. Wear hi-vis clothing that is easily noticeable, regardless of whether you require a light jacket, a thick hoodie, or a waterproof outer layer. Wearing high-visibility clothing in layers is made simple with Work Wear Club. Our assortment of hi-vis sweatshirts is available in a number of modern styles.