Staying high and dry …and warm
It’s the coldest time of year folks! Getting up on a morning is hard, it’s not only cold it’s also dark, it’s wet, it doesn’t make it easy going to work. Being wrapped up warm at least helps take the edge off. Below we are going to go through some clothing to help you through it.
Materials
There is so many different material technologies used in outwear and clothing in general, we will start off by going through some of the more popular ones.
Gore-tex – Invented in 1969 by accident, Bob Gore created the material by quickly stretching polytetrafluoroethylene rather than slowly and it expanded 800%. Combined with a layer of Durable Water Repellent the material stops water from coming through but is breathable, so the wearer doesn’t sweat. Used in a lot of outwear from jackets and hats to shoes, it is durable, lightweight and perfect for the outside worker.
Windstopper – Sister company of Gore-tex, Windstopper is a fabric that is breathable but blocks the wind to save the user from the chill. Also coated with Durable Water Repellent, the fabric is showerproof but it’s not fully waterproof. It’s best used for fleeces and baselayers to help keep you warm.
Wax Cotton – Woven with or coated with paraffins or beeswax to cotton, it makes the fabric waterproof and durable. Wax cotton has been in some shape of form since the 15th century when sailors noticed that their sails worked better when wet but were heavier, so they coated them in fish oils which resulted with the same effect but drier and lighter.
Made popular in the 20-40s when it was adapted by farmers and brands such as Barbour & Co. since then it has become a mainstay and is still used today.
Sealtex – A Fabric made by Portwest, Sealtex is a development of theirs they use on a lot of their outwear. The material is water and windproof but also breathable, perfect for the workers who face the harsh elements daily.
Polar fleece – Developed in the late 1970’s Polar fleece is lightweight, warm and soft with the same qualities as wool but at a fraction of the weight. It is also a great alternative for wool for those allergic to the former fabric or sensitive to it. It’s easily machine washable too.
Let’s have a look at some of the different winter clothing items available to combat the miserable season.
Clothing
Jackets
Jackets come in various different materials (some mentioned above), they also come in different styles. Windbreakers, parkas, bombers, shell jackets, down jackets, all common place in both work and the public. These come with a variety of features such as multiple pockets, hoods and taped seams to keep you and belongings dry when out on the job. From a windbreaker to a down jacket they vary in thickness for different temperatures, jackets are substantial on their own or perfect for coupling with other clothing for more warmth. Jackets can be made into more than just keeping you dry, they can also make your presence aware. Coupled with reflective tape and fluorescent colours, they can be safety clothing for numerous jobs.
Fleeces
Originally made from animal wool such as sheep and goats, the fleece was developed from the wool sweater. Yvon Chouinard (owner of the brand Patagonia), then took it upon himself to make a synthetic form which later became Polartec (mentioned above). Usually made of a synthetic form of wool, fleeces are a great in-between from a jumper to a jacket. A form of outerwear in its own right, the fleece provides the warmth needed on those bitter days. Although not waterproof they are adaptable as they are usually shower proof, they can withstand a lot of weather but also be coupled with a rain jacket to provide warmth and cover in those harsh conditions.
Jumpers/Hoodies
Pretty basic items of clothing that are common in all seasons, mainly made of cotton, they are great for adding company branding as well as layering under a jacket. They are great for in the office/warehouse when not exposed to the weather directly. With the addition of a hood, can protect your head from the wind and cold making it a little more manageable on those miserable days. Similar to the fleece, hoodies and jumpers can be a nice in-between on those warmer days (rare we know!).
Bodywarmers/Vests/Gilets
Filled with down or piling, bodywarmers, vests and gilets provide the body with warmth that doesn’t suffocate and is adaptable when in and out different environments. Usually coupled with a long sleeve or one of the above for full body coverage, they deliver similar qualities to a jacket with more freedom of movement. Can also be used as an under layer with a rain jacket similar to a fleece.
Base layers
Base layers, long johns, thermal tops, etc. a form of underwear all tend to be worn underneath general clothing for that extra layer of warmth during the colder days. They fit tight to the body to hold in the warmth of the body similar to fleece but on a thinner scale. They are a great addition as they are not only warm but lightweight so they still provide you with the freedom needed and can replace a heavier piece of clothing without losing that precious heat in the winter season.
Various accessories that keep that warmth in and cover our extremities are just as important as the main items of clothing themselves.
Accessories
Accessories (Hats/Gloves/Etc.)
Let’s start off with the hats. Beanies are a great item of clothing for keeping the warmth in on your head, it forms to our head creating that layer of coverage from the weather whilst containing the warmth expelled from our heads. Some come with a layer of fleece to help insulate your head that little bit extra, there is also models that come available with a LED light for extra vision which can help during these shorter days.
Gloves perform in a similar way to what beanies do, they provide that protection and containment but also help with the dexterity of the user, giving them the ability to still perform their job safely.
Neck Gaiters, similar to a scar are great for that neck and face coverage you rarely get, though not as bulky. They protect the face from the bitter winds and cold providing that much needed extra comfort whilst working outside.
Socks though seem basic, with the materials and technology available can be helpful for different situations. Portwest provide variations such as Merino wool which is soft for that warm and comfort you get from cold footwear. They also make waterproof socks, ideal for those constant rainy days where you can soak through, keeping your feet dry to save on blisters. They also make an extreme cold weather sock that is made up of a dual layer insulation construction with an outer shell consisting of high wool content for those extra cold days where even your shoes on the radiator don’t quite cut it.
ProGARM take the hood and make it an accessory with their waterproof helmet hood. This replaces their standard hood on their 9750 jacket, it fits around the helmet to keep your head and neck dry and warm whilst also safe from bumps and objects.
These are just some of the ways you could help keep yourself warm during the season of snow, there are also other accessories such as handwarmers that can also help.
We have a full department dedicated to workwear, including winter clothing and accessories. If you would like further assistance, get in touch with us on one of our social media platforms and we will help you the best we can.
Alternatively, another option is to get in touch with one of our branches on the contact details below:
Teesside
Call: 01642 666 928 | Email: sales@rsis.co.uk
Gateshead
Call: 0191 4914 888 | Email: customerservices@rsis.co.uk
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