Spring Workwear Buyer’s Guide

What Are the Best Work Clothes for Spring?

The best work clothes, gloves and safety toe boots for spring are the ones that match your work environment, job needs and safety requirements. There is no such thing as one-size-fits-all when you're up against variable spring weather, but here are some tips to help you get started:

• Waterproof or water-repellent outershells to protect against popup rain showers
• Windtight finishes to block out stong spring breezes
• Lightweight layers that allow for easy on/off as weather or working conditions change
• Slip-resistant outsoles on boots to prevent falls on wet or slippery surfaces
• Job-appropriate safety features such as safety toes for impact and compression protection

Casual streetwear, like regular jeans and box store hoodies, will let you down. If you're tackling a tough outdoor job this spring, you need the best work shirts, pants, boots and gloves engineered specifically for heavy-duty work.

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Best Spring Workwear by Job Type

Best Spring Workwear for Construction & Utilities

Best choice: High-visbility rain jackets with zip-in/zip-out layers.

Construction and utility workers are usually required to wear a high-visbility vest on the job. Avoid the hassle of wrestling a vest on over your rain gear with a high-visibility rain jacket that already meets ANSI/ISEA or CSA standards. Plus, choosing a rain jacket with an extra zip-in layer means you can stay warmer when spring temperatures drop.

Best Spring Workwear for Transportation Workers

Best choice: Lightweight rain suits with waterproof jackets and pants.

Transportation workers are vulnerable to wet weather when they're working on the dock, in the yard, or on the tarmac keeping trucks, trains and planes moving. The best rain suits for this kind of work will include an adjustable hood, interior vents for breathability and a roomy fit so it can be pulled on quickly over your regular work gear.

Best Spring Workwear for Agriculture & Outdoor Trades

Best choice: Waterproof, safety toe boots built for wet and muddy conditions.

Agricultural and outdoor workers frequently work on muddy job sites or muck-filled stalls. While proper rain jackets are important, it's even more critical that these workers keep their feet dry and protected. Construction and agriculture pros need waterproof boots with light insulation for cooler spring conditions and outsoles that maintain traction, even on wet concrete or packed dirt.

Frequently Asked Questions About Spring Workwear

What's the difference between waterproof, water-repellent and water-resistant work clothes?

While these terms might sound similar, they have completely different meanings.

Water-resistant fabrics offer only minimal protection and soak through quickly in the rain. Water-repellent clothing has a surface coating that blocks moisture, but these coatings can become less effective over time.

Fully waterproof workwear includes a waterproof membrane that blocks moisture completely, while still allowing sweat to evaporate. The best waterproof work gear will also include taped or sealed seams, storm flaps and waterproof zippers that prevent any water from leaking in.

Learn how to choose the best waterproof workwear on the RefrigiWear blog.

What features should I look for in safety toe work boots for spring?

Look for lightly insulated and waterproof work boots made from materials like leather or Kevlar^® that are both durable and comfortable when you're working outside in unpredictable spring weather.

Choose boots that meet ASTM F2413 standards for impact, compression and slip resistance. If your work requires it, you may also need boots that provide protection against punctures and electrical hazards.

Learn how to read an ASTM F2413 label on safety toe boots.

Do I need waterproof gloves for working outside?

Yes. If your hands are wet, your grip is compromised and you're at risk for injury from dropping tools, eqipment or materials.

Choose an insulated waterproof glove in cool temperatures, as moisture makes your hands feel even colder. In milder spring weather, choose an uninsulated glove with a grip pattern or textured palm that enhances your grip while protecting your hands from moisture, abrasion and fatigue.

Learn what to look for in waterproof work gloves on the RefrigiWear blog.