Our Favorite Workwear and Gear That Actually Holds Up
Updated: Mar. 23, 2021If the DIYer in your life has all the tools he or she needs, think about giving the gift of some new workwear or safety equipment this holiday season.
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If the DIYer in your life has all the tools he or she needs, think about giving the gift of some new workwear or safety equipment this holiday season.
Milwaukee Hoodie M12 12V Lithium-Ion Heated Jacket Kit
Stay warm with this battery-operated heated jacket by Milwaukee. It warms you up with heat zones in the front and back that run off Milwaukee Tool’s smaller 12-volt battery, so you’re not hauling around a big battery.
Toughbuilt Kneepads
Putting wear and tear on your kneepads is a lot better than putting wear and tear on your knees. Toughbuilt GELFIT kneepads are made with an ergonomic gel and foam lining that forms around the natural shape of your knee for a strong fit and maximum stability.
3M Worktunes
Operating a loud machine like a lawnmower or a snowblower for too long can do some serious damage to your hearing. 3M Worktunes shield your eardrums. They providing a NRR (noise reduction rating) of 24db, along with Bluetooth technology and an integrated microphone that allows wearers to make and receive voice calls.
PARCIL Half Face Respirator
DIYers should always have a mask or a respirator on hand for any project involving chemicals, fumes or large amounts of dust or debris. This half face respirator filters out dust, smoke, carbon dioxide and a host of other unfriendly substances trying to infiltrate your lungs. It’s one-size-fits-all and reusable, with removable components that can be hand-washed.
Carhartt Force Heavyweight Liner Knit Glove
Wearing bulky gloves in the winter definitely helps keep your hands warm, but it also hinders any job requiring tactile fingers. These knit gloves from Carhartt are ideally suited for working in the cold because their heavyweight knit liner keeps hands warm without the added bulk. They’ve even got touchscreen compatible fingertips so you can operate smart devices without taking the gloves off.
ProFlex Large Back Support
Don’t risk throwing out your back the next time you need to move a large appliance or a heavy box. This back support from Ergodyne, similar to those worn by weightlifters, encouraging wearers to use proper lifting form while supporting their back. It’s also ventilated and made from breathable mesh, so it doesn’t turn the back of your shirt into a puddle of sweat.
Keen Utility Women’s Flint Low Work Shoe
Designed to be as comfortable as their iconic hiking boots, this pair of work shoes from Keen Utility doesn’t sacrifice comfort and style for safety. With asymmetrical steel toes, slip-resistant rubber outsoles and a footbed made for support and comfort, you’ll never want to take these boots off — even when you’re done working! See more work boots we love here.
Insulated Overalls
Lined with machine washable six-ounce polyester insulation, this pair of Tough Duck overalls are perfect for anyone that likes to work outside no matter how cold it is. This workwear also features a seam-sealed waterproof seat, waterproof double knees and double front legs for maximum durability and warmth.
Arctic Toe Work Boot
These nine-inch boots from Georgia Boot have 1,000 grams of Thinsulate insulation in every boot, including a pile of non-compressed insulation at the toe area. They are made with a technique called “Goodyear Welt Construction,” which means an extra piece of leather is stitched around the base of the shoe and cemented to the insole. Long story short: These boots are warm and hard to destroy.
Duluth Trading Free Swingin’ Flannel Shirt
This flannel from Duluth Trading will instantly become your favorite work shirt. It features hidden underarm gussets and a bi-swing back, so you can twist and stretch without feeling restricted or ripping the seams. It’s also soft and super-comfortable, which might be the most important thing.
No More Knots
Ropes work great to secure tarps over a trailer, but tying secure knots with the right tension can be tricky. The CamJams from Nite Ize have come to the rescue. Now just anchor one end of the cord, run the other end through the CamJam, clip the CamJam to a grommet and pull the cord.
High-Tech Work Shirt
What’s the worst part about working outside on a hot day? The sweaty clothes that stick to your body, and the filth that clings to your sweaty clothes.
Luckily, Dickies has a shirt that can help. Called the Next Generation Work Shirt, it’s made from a newly engineered fabric that wicks moisture away from your body. It also stretches more and has soil-release properties for easy cleaning.
Ergodyne Pro-Flex Work Glove
The Ergodyne Pro-Flex Work Glove has something that sets it apart from most other gloves: a waterproof membrane insert designed to block moisture and cold. The fingertips are reinforced with suede, and the gloves feature an extended neoprene cuff to fit beneath your jacket sleeves. The workwear cuff can even be tightened with the hook-and-loop closure for an extra-secure fit.
No More Need for a Tool Belt
If you never liked wearing a tool belt, check out Blaklader work pants. They have pouches and loops for tools, screws or whatever, and the pockets over the knees hold foam pads.
Blaklader, a Swedish company, has been making workwear for 50 years, and its gear is just starting to catch on here in North America. It makes pants from tough to nearly indestructible, as well as shirts, hats, vests, jackets and even a work kilt!
Disposable Floor Protector Booties
If you’ve ever been inside a hospital, you’ve seen disposable booties like these. They’re handy at home, too, especially if you’re an avid DIYer.
Use them if you’re coming inside and your boots are muddy. Keep them around when you’re painting to be sure you won’t track paint into another room. Have a few at the door to your shop to prevent sawdust footprints in the house. You get the picture.
Wool Thermal Base Layer Top and Bottom
Winter work wear isn’t all about coats and overalls. Layering is an essential part of dressing warm despite the elements, and these wool long johns make a fantastic base layer for any winter outfit. Wool works great as a base layer because it wicks away moisture to keep you dry. It’s also odor resistant so you can wear it a few times without sending it through the wash.