protective helmet and gear

5 essential pieces of workwear to review for the New Year

A new year has officially begun, which makes it the perfect time to take a good overview of your business, operations and assets. And of course, if you’re looking at business assets, then your workwear essentials constitute one of the key elements to bear in mind.

Whether you and your team find yourselves working in construction sites, warehouses, or outdoor environments, your clothing and gear obviously play a vital role in keeping you safe and comfortable – more so than some people occasionally give them credit for! So, you’ll need to take good care to keep them in great condition, and repair or switch them out if necessary. That’s where we come in here at City Workwear – we’ve got a proven track record with providing kit like personalised workwear t-shirts and personalised hi-vis workwear to teams all over the country (just to name a few examples!).

With that in mind then, here are five key pieces of workwear you should prioritise this year.

Assess durability of safety boots

Safety boots are the backbone of any professional workwear, providing reliable protection against impacts, sharp objects, and hazardous surfaces. When it comes ot boots, durability is obviously one of the most critical characteristics, so you may want to consider options with steel or composite toe caps for impact resistance and slip-resistant soles for stability on slick or uneven ground.

Similarly, waterproof membranes and insulated linings are excellent for outdoor conditions, ensuring your feet remain dry and warm. Comfort is just as important – well-padded insoles and good arch support can prevent foot fatigue and keep you focused on the job. And of course, you’ll want to ensure that you regular checking your boots for damage, so you can be sure that they continue to meet safety requirements.

Get hi-vis jackets for protection

High-visibility jackets are indispensable for anyone working in environments with low light or moving machinery. These garments combine vibrant fluorescent colours like yellow (sometimes orange) elements with reflective strips to ensure you’re visible, even in dim conditions.

A reliable jacket needs to comply with EN ISO 20471 safety standards – as all of ours do here at City Workwear – and withstand daily wear, so materials that are both durable and weather-resistant are essential. For colder months, insulated hi-vis options provide warmth without sacrificing visibility, effectively maximising personal safety for each team member, while promoting overall site awareness across the organisation as a whole.

Pick comfortable work tops

Personalised workwear polo shirts or t-shirts (or even thermal options) are all useful for maintaining comfort during physically demanding jobs. The best tops are made from breathable, moisture-wicking materials like cotton blends or technical fabrics that help regulate body temperature. As with all these types of workwear, the fit is particularly important – a loose and functional fits allow for freedom of movement without the risk of snagging on equipment. Long sleeves offer additional coverage against abrasions or the sun, while short sleeves are ideal for warm conditions. Best of all, like the vast majority of our garments here at City Workwear, they can be personalised – so if you’ve got a particular colour or logo in mind, you can always count on us to help you make it a reality.

Wear thermal layers in cold weather

Thermal layers are sometimes overlooked by some business – don’t be one of them! They’re immensely useful for anyone braving the cold, whether working outdoors or in chilly indoor settings. A good base layer traps body heat while wicking away moisture, keeping you warm and dry throughout the day – ideal for getting work done in insulation and comfort. Plus, a fleece-lined mid-layer can further boost warmth without adding unnecessary bulk. You’ll want lightweight yet effective thermals that allow you to layer as needed, adapting to changing temperatures. As well as improving comfort, proper thermal wear enhances mobility and focus by preventing the cold from becoming a distraction, making it easier for you and your team to stay productive whatever the weather.

Use gloves for specific tasks

Gloves are an often-overlooked but vital part of workwear, protecting your hands from injuries and harsh environmental conditions. When choosing gloves, again you’ll need to the specific demands of your role. Heavy-duty gloves made from leather or Kevlar provide superior protection for tasks involving sharp or abrasive materials. For precision tasks on the other hand, it’s generally more useful to choose thinner gloves with enhanced dexterity and grip.

Cold-weather gloves should combine insulation with waterproofing to keep hands warm and dry. Chemical-resistant gloves are necessary for handling hazardous substances and must meet relevant safety standards. Regardless of the type, a snug fit is critical to prevent slippage and reduce hand fatigue.

Those are just a couple of our top recommendations! And if you need to restock any spares – whether they’re our suggestions above or any other garment – we’ve got exactly what you’re after here at City Workwear. In addition to useful personal protective equipment (PPE), we supply everything from workwear t-shirts and polo shirts to personalised sweatshirts and footwear. What’s more, all of our customisations are done in-house using our experienced team of designers and print machinists, so you can liaise directly with us to get exactly what you’re looking for. We also provide a FREE workwear printing and embroidery service and FREE delivery for orders over £150!

Feel free to take a look around our website to see what you can find, or alternatively give our team a call on 0330 004 0440, and we’ll be happy to help however we can!