5 Tips for Layering Clothes in Outdoor Construction

Wearing the right outfit is the first step in protecting your well-being at work. Stay alert and safe with the following five tips for layering clothes in outdoor construction.

1. Wear a Moisture-Wicking Base Layer

Underneath your other clothes, you should wear a base layer made with moisture-wicking fabric. This layer is crucial for avoiding clothes saturated with sweat.

Sweat-drenched clothes cause discomfort and irritate your skin, so you can benefit from a base layer at any time of year. In cold conditions, the base layer becomes essential.

The base layer lies flat on your skin and doesn’t bunch up under the other layers. It wicks, or pulls, the sweat from the surface of your skin and moves it to the outer surface of the fabric. Then, the moisture dries quickly.

2. Wear One or Two Insulating Layers

The next tip for layering clothes in outdoor construction is to wear one or two insulating layers depending on the severity of the weather. These layers will work to retain your body heat and keep out the cold. Items like fleece jackets, hoodies, and lightweight sweaters can work well.

If you won’t be working in wet conditions, it’s fine to wear fabric with a cotton blend. Polyester, fleece, and wool dry quickly. But if you’re working in wet conditions, you want to avoid letting any cotton apparel get wet.

3. If Needed, Wear an Outer Waterproof Layer

Finally, if you need protection from water, snow, or ice, wear a waterproof layer. This outer layer will prevent wind and water from coming through your fabric layers and chilling you.

Water-resistant garments resist water penetration to a degree. But waterproof layers provide the highest level of protection, not permitting water to soak in.

4. Get the Right Fit

Wearing apparel that fits you keeps you comfortable, prevents you from adding unnecessary bulk, and preserves warmth. If your clothes are ill-fitting or don’t cover enough skin, they will not provide adequate protection.

Limit how much skin you leave exposed to the cold air. Common areas that can be left exposed include wrists, necks, and, when bending, waists. Hoodies provide extra protection to your neck and can protect your head when pulled up. Jackets with high collars and thumbholes protect your neck and wrists.

Layers should be loose enough to allow a thin layer of hot air under your clothes. And they should be snug enough that they don’t allow cold air in or snag on equipment at the worksite.

5. Don’t Cover Hi-Vis Protection

Finally, don’t obscure your high-visibility apparel with items like scarves or other layers. Hi-vis clothes help you stand out from the background environment and keep you safe from many construction site hazards.

A quality hi-vis outer layer will help prevent accidents and keep you warm and dry. Whether you need a waterproof outer layer, a heavy hoodie, or a light jacket, keep your hi-vis clothes clearly visible.

SafetyShirtz makes it easy to layer up with high-visibility apparel. Our selection of hi-vis sweatshirts comes in a variety of fresh designs. Shop for the one you want today.