As the colder weather approaches it’s time to ditch the shorts and dig out the long trousers. We all know that winter nights mean darker nights but it doesn’t mean you have to be cold and it doesn’t matter if you work indoors or outdoors, when the temperature drops it’s time to look for something a bit warmer and here at ITS we have you covered as always
What to look out for
This guide will tell you what to look out for when re-stocking your winter wardrobe, I’ll also give you my top picks in the range, we know times are tough so I’ll give you my favourite budget buy. The old saying is buy cheap, buy twice so if you can afford to spend a bit more I’ll showcase a great premium buy as well.
Base Layers
A base layer is exactly that. The first item you put on and is closest to your skin. They are designed to keep you warm and help maintain body temp by removing moisture away from the skin. The range includes long & short sleeve tops, long johns and neck warmers.
What to look out for
- Moisture wicking material
- Seamless cut
- Built-in ventilation
- Brushed cotton
Best for the budget
My Tight budget top pick would be the Work Force Long Sleeve Thermal Top because the price is really good and perfect for winter layering. The inside is brushed so it’s super soft on your skin and because it’s seamless there is nothing to rub on your sides or shoulders.
Premium Pick
My Premium top pick is the Snickers Flexiwork Seamless Long Sleeve T-Shirt as it will keep you dry, fresh and warm. T-shirt with advanced design and technology to provide the best combination of ventilation and insulation. The seamlessly sewn stretch fabric dries quickly, keeping you dry and fresh, while supplemental ventilation where you sweat most; underarms, back and chest. Extra protection where you need it most in the elbows. The advanced design adds ventilation to where you sweat, keeping you warm and dry all day long.
Trousers
Trousers are the biggest change from summer to winter. Out go the shorts and the nice tan, and on go the trousers and warm socks
What to look out for
- Holster pockets
- Triple stitched seams
- Knee pad pockets
- Kevlar coating for extra protection
Best for the budget
My Tight budget top pick is the Stanley Huntsville trousers because they tick almost every box. They have holster & knee pad pockets but also feature reinforced hem panels for extra strength when working. They are a classic fit and have an angled centre belt hook ensuring a good-quality fit.
Premium Pick
My premium pick has got to be the Snickers Flexiwork Floorlayer Trousers. They are made from a durable rip-stop fabric and have a mechanical stretch offering great flexibility and comfort. They also feature advanced knee protection in Armortex® full-stretch fabric with DuPont™ Kevlar® aramid fibres, and drawstring at leg ends to keep dust and dirt out.
Jackets & Coats
This is where people will always differ. Some need a big thick coat whereas others only need a thin jacket. We’ve got something for everyone’s taste here at ITS.co.uk
What to look out for
- Waterproof
- Hooded
- Cuffed sleeves
- Zipped pockets
- Heated panels
- Budget
Best for the budget
The Apache ATS Hybrid Lightweight Jacket has a polyester quilted body for great warmth and soft shell sleeves for ease of movement. All the pockets are zipped which means you won’t lose anything while out and about and it has reflective branding on the front & back
Premium Pick
The Milwaukee M12 Heated Jacket has 3 heat settings and will keep you warm for up to 8 hours on a single 2Ah battery (sold separately) The Jacket has 4 carbon fibre heating zones which distribute heat to your core body areas. Can be washed with your normal work stuff and can even be thrown in the tumble dryer (remember to remove the battery!)
Hoodies, Fleeces & Sweatshirts
Sometimes a coat is just too much, but a t-shirt is not enough. This is your middle layer and can be easily removed depending on the weather
What to look out for
- Hooded
- Zipped pockets
- Thumb grips
- Drawstring neck
Best for the budget
The Regatta Thor III Fleece is my budget buy thanks to the anti-pill fleece material for long-lasting wear. It’s quick drying and draws moisture away from the body to keep you dry and comfortable. The zipped pockets keep your valuables safe and it also has an adjustable hem for a better fit.
Premium Pick
The Blaklader Wool Fleece is my premium pick as it combines comfort and style. The classic fit sweater has a high neck, zip, ribbed hem, sleeve ends, and funky thumb grips. The fleece is great for work but can also be worn straight to the pub when your finished
Gloves
Keeping your hands warm is a must, especially if using power tools and machinery. There is nothing worse than having cold hands
What to look out for
- Waterproof
- Cut resistant
- Nitrile coating
Best for the budget
My top budget pick is the OX Thermal Grip Gloves. They are perfect for working in cold conditions as they have an acrylic 10 gauge liner for extra warmth. The fully coated palm will also give added grip when you need it.
Premium Pick
The top premium pick has to be the Milwaukee Winter Demolition gloves. They have a dual acrylic liner to keep your hands warm and a wind and waterproof layer on the palm for superior protection. The fingers and palm are padded and they are smartphone compatible.
Hats
Wearing a hat in the cold weather helps your body to preserve heat, so wearing one is so important.
What to look out for
- Thermal
- Ear flaps
Best for the budget
My budget pick is the JCB Beanie as it has a microfleece lining to give you extra warmth and has an elasticated fit for extra comfort.
Premium Pick
My premium pick is the Blaklader Hi-Vis Reflective Beanie as it will protect you against wind and rain. It’s perfect for anyone that works outside thanks to the knitted reflective yarn.
Safe & warm, what more could you want?
This is a tiny selection of what’s available and you will have your favourites, so get in touch via our socials and let us know what your favourite item is or if anything is missing from our range.