With so many recent conversations centered on PPE and work gear related to fit and function, it’s important to also evaluate the materials used in the garments for an indication of performance. In the past, users may have felt more protected in bulkier gear. Elements of PPE that increase bulk may increase protection and perception of safety, but they decrease a worker’s mobility and dexterity, which impacts safety. With new innovations in PPE materials from head to toe, workers no longer have to put up with bulk to feel and be protected. The technical innovations in PPE are available in the high-visibility garments most workers need to wear. These improved materials and features can provide higher degrees of comfort without “old school” bulk. 

As you choose gear to keep you warm for the fall and winter, this doesn’t have to include a trade-off with comfort. Warmer gear doesn’t have to add bulk. Here are some tips for what to look for in cold-weather gear to ensure movement, performance, and dexterity while staying warm.

Multi-tasking materials and blends

The Utility Pro soft shell jackets are a favorite of many Utility Pro ambassadors for good reason. They are fitted without being tight and are waterproof for those days that begin chilly with moisture in the air.The highlight of the soft shell jacket is its material; it is 100% polyester with a Teflon-infused fabric protector and water-resistant outside. Multi-tasking is out of fashion for us humans, but it is a necessity in our work gear! Look for gear that has multiple features to keep you warm AND dry. The soft shell jacket also has a hidden hood for extra warmth on windy or rainy days. 

Experiencing the seasons in one work shift: indoors and out

Some areas experience a warm-up in the fall, with days starting to cool, heating up, and cooling again as you finish your shift. Again, the soft shell jacket is a great pick because it’s easily stashed away or tied around the waist when it’s too hot to wear it, but you know you’ll need it again later. 

The reviews for the soft shell jacket point out even more features including wrist cuffs that increase warmth whether you’re in the elements or working in a cold warehouse. For days that aren’t cold enough to warrant gloves, garments with thumb holes can increase warmth at the wrist and hands, enabling your dexterity to operate tools and other precise activities in cooler environments. 

Warmth in extreme cold

The external attributes of cold weather gear are important, but as with many things, it’s what’s on the inside that counts. Look for a heat-reflective interior, like in the Utility Pro “Warm Up” collection, to keep you extra toasty without adding bulk to the garment. Micro-fleece lining is also nice and often found in the hoods of these jackets, adding even more warmth with the option to stash the hood when it’s not needed. 

Layer up

The best advice for cooling temperatures is to have layers and options. Gear without bulk is ideal for layering with heavier jackets in extreme cold or adding a hoodie or other base layer underneath. Thumb holes on sleeves layer nicely under gloves, and slim micro-fleece hoods fit neatly under hard hats without affecting the fit and performance of PPE. 

Read the reviews

Utility Pro prominently features reviews by real workers and videos about gear by Utility Pro ambassadors. It can save you a lot of time and money in the gear evaluation process to read and view this information. Often, the reviews will include fit guidance where you can identify the need to size up or down based on your usual size and how you intend to wear the garment (i.e., layer under a jacket). If you find value in reviews, make sure to post your own to keep the cycle going and ensure manufacturers like Utility Pro hear from real customers.