Staying Cool at Work: Your Summer Workwear Guide

For many workers, staying indoors isn’t an option during the warmer months, especially in roles that rely on being outdoors. That’s why keeping cool in hot weather is essential for staying safe, focused and able to work effectively.

While heat can make anyone feel sluggish, long hours in direct sunlight can quickly become a health risk. The good news is that the right PPE and sun protection can make a big difference.

With breathable fabrics, lightweight layers and proper UV protection, teams can stay comfortable throughout the day.

In this guide, we’re sharing our top summer workwear recommendations to help workers stay cool, protected and ready for whatever the season brings.

Understanding Heat Risks at Work

Although a bit of sunshine is always welcome during the working week, for some workers it can quickly become dangerous. Those in construction and building trades face a higher risk of dehydration, heat exhaustion and fatigue as they spend long hours outdoors during the warmest parts of the day.

For many industries, working in direct sunlight is unavoidable. While there’s no legal maximum working temperature, employers still have a duty of care to protect their teams in warm weather, including providing suitable PPE and ensuring conditions are as safe as possible.

In practice, this means investing in breathable, lightweight fabrics, summer weight high vis, caps to shield from the sun and cooling accessories that help workers stay comfortable, alert and protected throughout the day.

Key Features of Summer Workwear

We stock a wide range of summer workwear, suitable for all industries. But if you’re wondering what features to look out for when shopping, here are some essential components.

• Breathable fabrics: cotton, polyester, nylon
• Ventilation: mesh panels, flexibility
• Light colours

Fabric choice plays a vital role in how cool a piece of clothing manages to feel. When dressing for the warmer months, make sure to look for cotton, polyester and nylon which are lightweight and breathable. You'll also notice many accessories like caps and shorts, contain mesh pannels for ventilation.

It's also a good idea to avoid darker colours and stick to white and other light shades as this will reflect the sun's rays rather than absorbing them.

You may want to think about long sleeve options to increase UV protection, as well as having plenty of lightweight layers as it can be cooler in the mornings and warmer by the afternoon.

Summer Workwear Essentials

We stock a wide range of work shorts made from breathable, lightweight fabrics, ideal for staying cool during the hottest months. For anyone who prefers extra coverage, our selection of lightweight work trousers offer comfort and protection without the bulk.

To keep upper bodies cool, we also offer moisture wicking t-shirts and polo tops designed to maintain visibility without trapping heat. But clothing is only one part of staying protected in warmer weather.

Essential accessories like hats, and reliable sun protection play a vital role in keeping teams safe, comfortable and shielded from UV exposure throughout the day. Make sure to have plenty of sun cream on hand and ensure teams are regularly applying it to protect their skin. 

How Employers Can Keep Teams Cool

Investing in the right summer appropriate PPE is essential, but so is adapting the working day where possible. Make sure teams have constant access to fresh water and build in frequent rest breaks, especially for anyone working outdoors during the hottest hours.

It may also be worth considering whether tasks can be rescheduled, such as starting later in the day and working into the evening to avoid the intensity of the midday sun.

Shop for Workwear Online

At Office Stationery, we know how important it is to keep teams safe and comfortable during the warmer months. That’s why we stock a wide range of high quality workwear from industry leading brands like Arco, Beeswift and Portwest, all designed to help workers stay cool, protected and ready for the job.

If you can’t find exactly what you’re looking for, our friendly team is always on hand to support your workwear queries and help you choose the right gear for your workplace.