Summer Workwear by Industry

Construction & Trades

Long days outdoors mean lightweight hi-vis, breathable T-shirts and ventilated trousers are essential. Look for moisture-wicking fabrics and EN ISO 20471 certified summer hi-vis where visibility is required — our hi-vis vests are the most-ordered option for summer site work.

Landscaping & Gardening

Heat, dust and physical work call for durable but breathable layers. Lightweight polo shirts, work shorts and ventilated trousers are the typical kit.

Hospitality & Events

Front-of-house teams need uniforms that look sharp through long, warm shifts. Lightweight polo shirts and breathable short-sleeve shirts work well for bars, hotels and outdoor events, while back-of-house benefits from low-GSM T-shirts under aprons.

Warehouse & Logistics

Indoor heat builds quickly through summer. Lightweight T-shirts and hi-vis vests keep teams comfortable without compromising on visibility, with branding options that survive heavy daily wear.

Summer Workwear FAQ’s

What is summer workwear?

Summer workwear is branded uniform clothing designed for hot conditions, using lightweight fabrics between 140–180 GSM, breathable weaves and moisture-wicking finishes. It typically includes short-sleeve T-shirts, polo shirts, lightweight hi-vis, ventilated trousers and shorts, built to keep teams cool through long shifts and outdoor work.

What should you wear to work in hot weather?

In hot weather, wear lightweight, breathable fabrics in light colours that reflect heat. For active or outdoor roles, moisture-wicking polyester performs best; for customer-facing teams, lightweight cotton or polycotton (around 140–155 GSM) feels cooler and looks smarter. Add a summer-weight hi-vis vest where visibility is required.

What is the best fabric for summer workwear?

The best fabric for summer workwear is moisture-wicking polyester for active roles and lightweight cotton or polycotton blends for customer-facing teams. Aim for a fabric weight of 140–180 GSM which is light enough to stay breathable but heavy enough to avoid being see-through. Piqué knit polo shirts also work well as they trap less heat than flat jersey.

What GSM is best for summer t-shirts?

For summer T-shirts, aim for 140–155 GSM. This range is light enough to feel cool and breathable but still opaque enough for branded workwear. Our lightweight work T-shirts sit in this range. Anything below 140 GSM can feel too thin for a uniform; anything above 180 GSM is generally too warm for peak summer.

Can summer workwear be branded?

Yes, summer workwear can be branded with embroidery, screen print or DTF on most fabrics, including lightweight cotton, polycotton and piqué polo shirt material. Embroidery works well on fabrics from around 140 GSM upward; for very thin performance fabrics, print or DTF sits flatter and avoids puckering. Our embroidery vs printing vs DTF guide covers which branding method works best for each fabric type.