No matter the job, working in the cold can be challenging and even dangerous. Without proper cold weather work clothes, workers at best will be faced with significant discomfort. At worst, they could suffer from cold stress illnesses such as hypothermia and frostbite. Employers have a responsibility to protect workers’ safety, but it may be difficult to determine what exactly is required. We’ve simplified that process with the following tips on how to dress for cold weather work.
Stay Dry While Working in the Cold
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Damp clothing can quickly drop body temperature, which is why staying dry while working in the cold is particularly important. We recommend a moisture-wicking base layer to draw any sweat and waterproof gear as an outer shell to protect the under layers from getting wet. Workers should remove wet clothes immediately.
For more information on how to stay dry, check out our best rain gear for work and additional tips for staying dry.
Wear Several Layers of Cold Weather Work Clothes for Insulation
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Workers should wear at least three layers of clothing. This will not only provide added warmth but allow workers to make adjustments according to changes in temperature and activity. They’ll be glad to have the options.
The layers should fit loosely, since tight clothing reduces blood circulation, which workers will need to warm their extremities. Looser layers will also enable maximum flexibility and movement while working. This may seem counterintuitive to keeping warm, but in actuality, the air between layers of clothing provides better insulation than the clothing itself.
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Note that each successive layer should be larger than the layer beneath it, otherwise the outer layer will compress the inner layer and decrease the insulation of the clothing.
An optimal three-layer outfit includes a moisture-wicking inner layer, an insulating middle layer such as a hoodie, and an outer layer that provides wind and rain protection and some ventilation to avoid overheating.
Protect the Extremities
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Wearing proper gloves, headwear, and footwear is essential to avoiding cold stress. We carry a wide selection of cold weather gloves designed with inner liners to maximize insulation and performance. You can freely browse cold weather gloves by brand, industry, feature, material and more. Alternatively, check out our recommendations for the best cold weather gloves.
Headwear will reduce the amount of body heat that escapes from the head, which is why we supply hard hat winter liners and beanies. Workers should also consider eyewear to protect against high winds at cold temperatures, glare from the snow, UV light from the sun, and blowing snow/ice crystals.
Boots should be waterproof and insulated to protect the feet. They should be worn with either one pair of thick, bulky socks or two pairs of socks. Just be mindful not to constrict the feet too tightly, as this could reduce blood circulation. If work conditions permit, workers should have an extra pair of socks available to change into during the day.
Adjust Cold Weather Work Clothes As Needed
As conditions change over the course of the work day, workers may be inclined to make adjustments to their outfit. To prevent excessive sweating while working, they should remove clothing in the following order:
- Gloves (unless they need protection from physical contact)
- Headwear
- Open the jacket up
- Remove layers of clothing
If workers begin to feel cold again, they should follow the reverse order of the above steps.
Additional Tips for Working in the Cold
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Dehydration occurs more rapidly in cold weather conditions, so it’s important to drink liquids often, especially when doing strenuous work. Working in the cold requires more energy than in warm weather because the body has to work to keep itself warm, so workers should eat properly and frequently. We recommend hot beverages and soup to provide warmth. Workers should avoid alcohol and limit caffeine as they both contribute to dehydration.
Workers should make sure to get enough sleep to stay energized and alert on the job, since cold weather work is more dangerous. They should take breaks throughout the day, ideally in warm, dry shelters to allow the body to warm up.
If workers are on the road, they should keep a cold weather safety kit in their vehicle that includes emergency blankets, candles, matches, and heat packs. A candle burning in a vehicle may seem out of place, but it could provide enough warmth to ward off hypothermia in the event the vehicle unexpectedly breaks down.
Explore Cold Weather Work Clothes at PalmFlex
Working in the cold is already a challenge. Figuring out how to dress for cold weather should not add to that stress. That’s why PalmFlex offers a wide collection of cold weather work clothes to make sure workers across different industries can be fully protected. You can easily place your order online, or request a bulk quote for huge volume discounts. All orders over $80 ship free in the continental U.S. If you require further assistance, please reach out to us and we’d be happy to help.