Farming and outdoor work environments can vary greatly and different fabrics offer distinct advantages. Below, we explore some of the best materials for workwear and safety clothing and apparel. 

Wool: The Ideal Insulator

A natural fibre known for its excellent insulation properties, wool is a great choice for cold-weather workwear. It retains heat even when damp, wicks moisture away from the body, and is naturally resistant to odours. Woollen jumpers, like those in the Betacraft Wildridge range a preferred choice for farmers, growers and forestry workers who need warmth and breathability in cold and damp environments. 

Cotton: The Breathable Classic

Cotton is a widely used fabric in workwear due to its breathability and comfort. It is soft, hypoallergenic, and allows for good airflow, making it ideal for hot weather. However, pure cotton lacks moisture resistance and dries slowly, so it may not be suitable for very wet conditions. It is loved for women's workwear summer shirts, such as our Horizon shirt range, or blended with stretchy fabrics such as elastane, for versatile and practical heavy duty work pants. 

Polyester Fleece & Nylon: Lightweight Warmth and Durability

Polyester fleece and nylon blends provide a great balance between warmth and durability. Fleece is lightweight, breathable, and quick-drying, making it perfect for workers who need insulation without bulk. Nylon adds toughness and abrasion resistance, making these materials suitable for jobs requiring movement and durability while being highly colourfast which makes it well suited to hi-viz and safety workwear.

PVC-Blended Rainwear: Maximum Waterproof Protection

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) material like that seen in the Techniflex range, provides unfailingly reliable waterproofing, being impervious to heavy rain and wet conditions. This type of fabric has been extensively used for several years at a reasonable price point to keep the wearer protected from even the heaviest downpours. However, the impervious nature of the material means that these garments often lack breathability for the wearer. PVC can be a versatile material when blended with additional materials such as polyurethane, like that of the Technidairy, to increase its resistance to abrasive liquids such as the acids used in dairy farm plant washdown. 

Tricot: Water-Resistant and Flexible

Tricot is a unique fabric known for its smooth texture, flexibility, and durability. It is a lightweight, warp-knit fabric that resists runs and snags, making it a great choice for active work environments requiring both comfort and longevity. Modern workwear designs increasingly incorporate water-resistant tricot outers, like that of the Origin Jacket range which provide a protective barrier against light rain and moisture while maintaining breathability.

Waterproof-Lined Nylon: All-Weather Versatility

High-performance Nylon, is a valuable outer component of many multi-layered waterproof garments. When combined with waterproof coatings and breathable underlayers this fabric is particularly useful for outdoor workers who need protection from rain and wind without feeling overheated. The durability that comes with Ripstop style Nylon is often used in men’s workwear for its resilience. This material enables waterproof ratings from 20 000mm H₂O and upward, as seen in our ISO940 and Rover waterproof ranges. If you’re feeling foggy about what makes great quality waterproofing, check out this blog which explains how to spot superior gear for the job. 

Selecting the right fabric for workwear depends on the specific job and environmental conditions. Wool and fleece provide warmth, cotton ensures comfort, and synthetic materials like nylon, PVC, and waterproof-lined polyester deliver durability and moisture protection. By understanding the benefits of each fabric, workers can choose the most suitable workwear to keep them comfortable and protected on the job.