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The different outer layers of workwear explained
Workwear outer layers: The different types of jackets and protective clothing
Getting your workforce winter-ready is crucial for maintaining productivity and job satisfaction over the colder months.
Making sure your employees are equipped with the outer layers that they need to provide adequate warmth in colder temperatures and protection from the unpredictable UK weather is the key to keeping morale high across the workforce.
From warm and comfortable bodywarmers and fleeces, to waterproof & windproof jackets and softshells, there is an extensive range of workwear outer layers to choose from. But, what are the differences between them, and which should you choose?
Customised Gilets & Bodywarmers
Jackets
A staple in any winter workwear wardrobe, branded jackets are one of the most practical and comfortable solutions when it comes to choosing an outer layer for the colder months.
Different types of workwear jackets
Whatever you’re looking for, there’s a type of jacket for every occasion. Whether that’s a heavy-duty, fleece lined jacket with a hood for optimal protection, or a light bomber style jacket to throw on over a uniform, our range of custom jackets has the perfect fit for you.
Trades that jackets are perfect for
Not exclusive to those working outdoors, workwear jackets are the perfect accompaniment to just about any uniform.
Our functional jackets are ideal for those who need a jacket for prolonged wear, so they can adequately perform their outdoor jobs with protection and ease of movement. Similarly, our trendy padded jackets are a great option for office workers who need something to throw on whilst travelling to external meetings, but still need to look smart and professional whilst doing so.
How they can be branded
All of our workwear jackets can be printed or embroidered with your company logo. This is the key to ensuring that your employees are not only protected from the elements, but are representing and advertising your company while they do so.
Whether you’re looking to make your jacket branding stand out with a large placement on the front, or a subtle embroidery to the sleeve – our experts are on hand to ensure it’s showcased in the best possible light.
Great when paired with fleeces
Jackets are a great top layer to add extra warmth and protection over company t-shirts, personalised shirts, polo shirts and even fleeces. With so many styles and colour options to choose from, there’s something to suit every brand, uniform style and requirements.
Gilets & bodywarmers
Looking for an additional layer of warmth without the bulk of a jacket? Our new line of gilets and bodywarmers might be the perfect solution for you.
Different types of workwear gilets & bodywarmers
Our selection of branded gilets and bodywarmers reflects our line of jackets, in that there are some that lean more towards solely providing warmth, and some that also have features like a harder wearing outer layer and the ability to carry more inside them.
Trades that gilets & bodywarmers are perfect for
The core reasoning to choose a gilet over a full jacket is to provide warmth to the body without losing the ventilation from the arms; a little bit like having the radiator on and a window open. This combination keeps the blood pumping around the body warm, without causing the wearer to overheat when carrying out activities.
Because of this design gilets are more suited to those working in cold conditions, but who crucially are active and moving around instead of remaining static. This characteristic encompasses an enormous selection of people, which might include site managers, surveyors, or even just someone who gets a little nippy at their desk, but doesn’t want to be too warm.
How they can be branded
All of our bodywarmers can be embroidered or printed with your logo and branding, in just about any colour or position that suits you!
The lack of arms on these items does mean that your logo will be best placed either on the back of the gilet in large print, or a smaller more subtle embroidered logo on one of the breasts.
Great when paired with
Using a gilet or bodywarmer as part of a scalable protective clothing uniform is a great idea, as it perfectly fills the role of mid-layer, without providing too much heat under other garments. A nice warm gilet paired with a thin waterproof overcoat will protect the wearer from all inclement weather, without being bulky or cumbersome.
Fleeces
An essential mid-layer, workwear fleeces are light and comfortable yet insulating, to ensure your employees stay warm in cooler temperatures.
Different types of fleeces
Choosing the perfect workwear fleece is all about finding one that suits your brand and key requirements. Our range of fleeces includes a variety of colours and styles, and offers a plethora of features; from external and internal pockets to chin guards, soft cuffs and elasticated hems for maximum comfort and practicality.
With both men’s and ladies’ fits available, you can be sure that your whole workforce feels smart and comfortable with a fleece that’s tailored to their needs.
Trades that fleeces are perfect for
Truth be told, workwear fleeces are the perfect fit for just about anyone and everyone.
The versatility of fleeces means that they can provide adequate protection for outdoor workers in drier, cooler temperatures when there isn’t a need for excessive outer layers. For those who work indoors, fleeces are handy for employees to have at their disposal to keep the chill off when the air conditioning may be getting a bit too much.
How they can be branded
Our range of workwear fleeces can be branded with your logo via embroidery, with different options in terms of logo placement and sizing to suit your needs.
You can opt for a logo embroidered to the chest, sleeve or even the back. Wherever you choose, we’ll make sure your branding gets noticed!
Great when paired with
One of the major benefits of fleeces is that they can be worn on their own or paired with a workwear jacket to provide an additional layer of protection.
Whilst warm and cosy, fleeces are lightweight so they tend to work well when teamed up with a softshell, waterproof coat or jacket without adding too much bulk and restricting movement.
Softshells
As fabric technologies have improved over the past few decades, one of the greatest advancements seen in outerwear has been the softshell jacket.
Designed to combine the protection of a weatherproof “hardshell” jacket with the flexibility of something more akin to a fleece, the softshell is quickly becoming the one jacket that fits all garment needs for businesses whose employees work outdoors.
Different types of softshells
At Essential Workwear we’re proud to be ahead of this trend, and as such offer one of the widest range of custom softshell jackets in the industry. Ladies, mens, hooded and in just about every colour we will have the jacket to suit you.
Trades that softshells are perfect for
Who should be wearing them? In truth, everyone! A softshell is an excellent way to provide your staff with a custom branded piece of workwear that will keep them protected from the weather. Smart and hard wearing, these jackets are just as at home on site as they are hung up in the office.
How they can be branded
Having a smooth outer layer means that branding softshell jackets is really simple.
The flat surface is ideal for printing, allowing large highly coloured designs to be transferred onto the softshell easily, or for those wanting a little more texture, embroidery is also an option.
Great when paired with
The lightweight and flexible nature of a softshell means that it is far less likely to disturb the clothes it is worn over, making these jackets ideal for wearing over crisp shirts and blouses, without running the risk of creasing them.
Hoodies
Trendy, stylish, warm and comfortable; everyone needs a workwear hoodie in their wardrobe.
Different types of hoodies
Side pockets, kangaroo pockets, full zip, no zip – whatever you’re looking for, there’s a hoodie for you.
From those with contrasting hoods and two-tone side panels to make your employees stand out, to those with an understated look but plenty of practical features such as earphone solutions, Essential Workwear has one of the widest selections of workwear hoodies available.
Trades that hoodies are perfect for
Workwear hoodies are the natural choice for outdoor workers who are looking for an extra layer of warmth in the winter, or an easy piece to layer over their t-shirts in the summer months when the evenings get slightly chilly.
Our branded hoodies are also a popular choice for those working in offices, to complement their smart-casual attire. Hoodies never go out of fashion, and are always a great option for kitting your employees out with an on-brand outer layer that they can wear comfortably.
How they can be branded
Custom hoodies come with lots of exciting branding options via printing and embroidery. From subtle embroidered logos on the chest, to full size printing to the back for when you’re keen to shout about your company or advertising messages.
Whatever your requirements, we’ll work with you to make your logo pop.
Great when paired with
The options are endless when it comes to styling your workwear hoodies. They can be layered over your company t-shirts, worn on their own, or used for an extra layer of warmth underneath your branded jackets.
Sweatshirts
For when hoodies might be a bit too much of a casual option, branded sweatshirts are a fantastic alternative.
Incredibly comfortable and warmer than a t-shirt, yet smarter and more professional looking than a hoodie.
Different styles of workwear sweatshirts
Sweatshirts aren’t always in the classic one colour, crew neck, long-sleeve style, though we do stock plenty of those, too.
Our range expands to those with quarter-zip and half-zip sweatshirts with funnel necks, and stylish two-tone designs on the side panels or shoulders for when you’re in the market for something a little more ‘out there’.
Trades that sweatshirts are perfect for
It doesn’t matter if you’re working in an office, retail shop or outdoors on a construction site, sweatshirts apply themselves perfectly to just about any working environment.
Branded with your company logo, a high quality sweatshirt is just what you need to retain a professional image whilst keeping your staff warm and comfortable.
How they can be branded
Looking for a smart and tidy embroidered logo on your sweatshirt? Or a bold, large printed graphic? With our embroidery and printing services, the options are endless.
You can choose the style and colour of sweatshirt to best suit your brand, and we’ll put our expertise to work in making your logo stand out.
Great when paired with
Incredibly versatile, workwear sweatshirts can be used as the main ingredient in a company uniform, and teamed with a lightweight jacket or outdoor coat when the temperatures drop.
They’re great for accessorising, too. Pairing a sweatshirt with a branded beanie hat or cap oozes style and takes your brand image to the next level.
Waterproofs
In order to be prepared for the unpredictable UK weather, waterproofs are an essential item of workwear to have at your disposal.
Different types of workwear waterproofs
Whether you’re looking for full body protection from the elements, or a light waterproof jacket to throw on when you step outside, there’s something for everyone with our range of waterproof jackets and rain suits.
Trades that waterproof layers are perfect for
Our heaviest class of outerwear, the waterproof jacket is also the most protective. Wind and rain proof, if your employees are working out in bad weather then these are the jackets you want to be employing to aid them.
How they can be branded
While waterproofs are rarely considered particularly smart or stylish, they can be made to fit perfectly as part of a scalable workwear system.
Our range of waterproof jackets and raincoats can be professionally printed or embroidered with your company logo or branding. When branded, the waterproofs can be brought in line with the rest of the garments within the system, and end up looking smart and uniform in the process.
Great when paired with
When combined with a dedicated warm layer (like a gilet or down jacket), a thin waterproof acts as an excellent barrier from the weather, without double insulating the wearer and causing them discomfort. Being lightweight, these jackets also do little to constrict the movement of the wearer.
Ordering branded workwear outer layers for your business
Should you decide that it’s time to get your workforce well equipped for winter with branded outer layers, Essential Workwear are here to help.
Our order process is quick and simple, and we keep you informed every step of the way.
To order your workwear, simply:
1
Find the products you’re looking for on our website and add them to your basket
2
Upload your logos and specify the place in which you would like them to be branded on the garments
3
Following receipt of payment and artwork, we’ll be in touch with a proof for your approval where we can finalise the details before it goes into production
4
Leave the rest to us! We’ll be in touch with updates regarding shipping and delivery
If you can’t decide which workwear is the right fit for your business, our expert team is on hand to make recommendations on the perfect choices for you. Simply get in touch with us to chat to a member of staff and we’ll do our very best to help you out.