How to Stay Warm in Company Uniforms While Working Outdoors
Wearing company uniforms doesn’t mean you need to freeze when working outdoors. With the right preparations and a few modifications, you’ll find yourself feeling toasty warm. From your waiter uniform to your mechanical uniforms, you can easily find warmth in the cold winter months.
Layer Up Right
Your warmth and comfort start with the right layers. Even though you may be required to dress a certain way for your job, it doesn’t mean you can’t control what you wear underneath. Start with proper base layers. Wear either lightweight or thermal weight non-cotton baselayers underneath your work clothes. Cotton retains moisture (in the form of sweat) and can actually make you feel colder, not warmer. Synthetic material designed to insulate and regulate body temperature or merino wool works best. You don’t need thick layers unless you work outdoors in a particularly cold environment. Sometimes, thicker layers will cause your business clothing to not fit properly. To combat this, you may want to wear at least a lightweight base layer both on the bottom and on top to add some insulation to your business attire.
Don’t hesitate to wear a fleece layer too. This mid-layer helps trap your body heat and releases it slowly to keep your temperature regulated. Choose a fleece that matches your business uniform and works actively to regulate sweat. Typically, a checkered fleece pattern or a lighter fleece works best for this. As a result, you’ll feel warmth without a ton of bulk.
Invest in Durable Clothing
If your outdoor job has you working with your hands, equipment, or other hazards, invest in some durable outer layers. These layers are ideal for ultra-cold weather days and can easily be removed if necessary. Just ensure you can still move properly while trying them on. Of course, with any heavy, durable layer you might have a bit of loss in movement, but it shouldn’t be so much that you can’t perform your duties. Consider thicker jeans or a burly winter jacket that can take some abuse. Protect your investments with knee and elbow pads (particularly helpful if you work on the floor), and invest in solid laundry detergent to remove tough stains. Leather should always be cleaned and protected properly. With durable clothing, you protect all of your layers from your uniform to your socks.
Upgrade Your Company Uniform for the Outdoors
If your company is adjusting to an outdoor space during the cooler months—such as in the restaurant or service industry—you may need to reexamine your uniforms. Something that worked in an indoor environment might not be well suited for the outdoors. Consider bringing up uniform issues to your manager and suggest a new uniform code adjustment or even an upgrade. For example, a custom fleece jacket for business is easy to care for and usable in many different scenarios.
Hand and Foot Warmers
In a pinch, hand and foot warmers can be lifesavers. The benefit of foot warmers is their sticky bottoms and slim profile. Don’t think you can’t wear hand warmers on your feet or visa versa. Some people prefer foot warmers because they can stick in their gloves and not take up too much space (or fall out if you take your gloves off). These are handy go-to's for a quick burst of warmth. Not to mention, they create hours of lasting warmth in your fingers and toes. Put them in other areas, back pockets, or wherever you tend to get cold.
Accessorize with Warmth
Put the finishing touches on your warm work uniform with cozy accessories. Think wooly scarves, fleece gloves, and warm socks. These quick-and-easy layers add warmth easily without adding too much bulk. What’s great about accessories is they are small and easy to store on you, so you can quickly grab them when you need them. Just be sure to invest in things that work for your job.
For example, you might want leather gloves for tough work or thin gloves for dexterous jobs. For scarves, use thinner profiles such as an infinity scarf so your neckwear doesn’t get caught anywhere. Socks should be non-cotton. Thicker wool or synthetic socks are a great option if you work on your feet. The extra cushion gives your feet a break and keeps them warm. Hats are another simple way to boost your cozy factor while working outside. Wear a hat that covers your ears for maximum impact. Even a headband can quickly boost your warmth factor.
These simple ways to stay warm while working outside keeps your uniform working for you. With the right layers and accessories, you’ll be able to keep warm without changing your uniform. If you can, try changing up your business uniform to work with you by approaching your manager with a winning idea. Thrive this winter with these warm wear tips.