men walking in the forest holding chainsaw and wearing outdoor workwear clothes

5 types of workwear where spares always come in handy

When it comes to professional settings, workwear is more than just clothing; it’s a vital tool for safety, comfort, and presenting a professional image. And whether you’re managing a construction site, a factory floor, or a fleet of delivery drivers, having spare workwear items can be a real lifesaver. There are all sorts of reasons why – accidents happen, items wear out, and replacements aren’t always immediately available. For these reasons alone, some types of workwear are especially important to keep in reserve – and if you’re looking for a bit of advice on exactly what, we’ve got you covered right here at City Workwear. Here’s what to prioritise!

Safety boots are essential in hazardous environments

Safety boots are a cornerstone of workplace safety in many industries, and unsurprisingly so. Designed to protect feet from heavy impacts, sharp objects, and slippery surfaces, they are non-negotiable in environments like construction sites, warehouses, and factories.

As you might expect, safety boots can sometimes be the first to experience wear and tear, primarily because they’re specifically designed to absorb damage to protect their wearer – whether from a dropped tool piercing the material or excessive wear causing the sole to lose grip. When this happens, it can effectively take a member of staff out of rotation, as it’s not an option for them to continue their duties without the proper PPE. That’s why it’s so helpful to have a spare pair, ensuring that staff remain safe and can carry on without unnecessary delays.

Hi-vis jackets protect staff in low visibility conditions

High-visibility jackets are a legal and practical necessity in many roles, especially for anyone working in logistics, road maintenance, or emergency services. These garments are designed to make staff visible in dim lighting or adverse weather conditions, ensuring they are noticeable to vehicles and colleagues – and in some cases, to members of the public. Again, as they’re “frontline” garments, hi-vis items can easily get damaged, stained, or simply misplaced.

During daylight hours, it’s not unusual to catch some staff going without (even though they really shouldn’t) – but in intensive environments, or after dark, hi-vis is non-negotiable. Keeping spares on hand is a straightforward way to keep staff safe – but of course, it’s also important to check from time to time that they are indeed wearing them!

Work trousers face daily wear and tear

You might be spotting a pattern here – work trousers take a serious beating in many industries. Tradespeople, for example, often store tools in pockets, kneel on abrasive surfaces, and encounter messy substances like paint or grease. Over time, this constant use leads to tears, worn-out knees, and stains that can’t be scrubbed out. Not only does this affect the comfort and functionality of the trousers, but it can also detract from the professional appearance of your staff. Having spare pairs ensures your team is always dressed appropriately and able to work efficiently, even when their primary pair wears out – and of course, it preserves that all-important first impression for potential customers.

Gloves keep hands safe in tough jobs

Much like safety boots, gloves are indispensable in roles where staff are exposed to hazards like sharp tools, extreme temperatures, or harmful chemicals. Whether they’re heavy-duty leather gloves for construction or chemical-resistant ones for lab work, they’re absolutely vital for shielding hands from injury. Nobody wants to get a newfound appreciation for exactly how delicate our fingers are.

However, as you may have found yourself at your own premises, gloves are one of the most frequently replaced items in workwear. They tear, puncture, or get soaked through, rendering them useless. Without spares, staff might have to stop their tasks altogether, leading to downtime and lost productivity – so it’s never a bad idea to have a couple of extra pairs on hand.

Polo shirts and tops maintain a professional appearance

Branded polo shirts or tops are absolutely essential for roles that involve customer interaction, such as delivery drivers, retail workers, or hospitality staff. These garments create a cohesive and professional image for your business while ensuring comfort for employees throughout their shifts.

Depending on the environment in which they’re being used, polo shirts can be exposed to their fair share of punishment – and spills, stains, or rips can quickly make these items unsuitable for work. As well as the practical implications, there’s also the fact that an employee without a clean, intact top may feel unprofessional or unprepared for their role – and again, customers are always watching! Keeping a stock of spare shirts ensures that your team can always present themselves in the best possible light, no matter what the day brings.

Those are just a couple of our key suggestions! 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 T-shirts and polo shirts to 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!