Working outside in autumn and winter often means wet, cold and difficult conditions. Wind, rain and low temperatures can make operating outdoors a challenge, especially if you need to be outside for long periods of time. The best way to protect yourself from the elements then is to invest in some top quality waterproof workwear you can afford.
High quality jackets, bibs, coveralls and pants will help to protect you from the worst of the weather and keep you safe while you’re working outside in the wet.
Best Rain Jacket For Work: Visibility
Investing in a jacket that’s Hi-Vis and waterproof will help to keep you safe as well as dry while you’re working outside. More often than not, heavy rain and bad weather conditions make visibility even worse, so having a bright, Hi-Vis jacket is essential if you’re going to stay safe on site.
One of our favorite Hi-Vis raincoats is Bulwark’s FR Hi-Vis Breathable Rain Jacket, HRC2. Flame resistant as well as waterproof, this bright yellow jacket has a tuck-away hood, vented back with ‘D’ ring access and is made from highly durable materials. Relatively lightweight, it’s ideal for milder climates. Alternatively, you can match the coat with a hoodie or sweatshirt for a warmer feel.
If you’re looking for a more affordable option, the Portwest Hi-Vis Contrast Rain Jacket is a good choice. While it might not be flame resistant, the jacket is waterproof, with sealed seams, a two-way zipper and a pack-away hood. The jacket is breathable and has a number of internal and external pockets, making it a convenient and practical option for outdoor workwear.
Best Rain Jackets For Work: Flexibility
As anyone who works outside will know that conditions can change fast. Having a flexible raincoat can help you adjust to these changes quickly and stay comfortable while working outdoors.
When it comes to flexibility, it’s hard to beat the Portwest Hi-Vis 7-in-1 Traffic Jacket. As the name suggests, this coat can be worn in seven different ways. The inner and outer jackets can be worn together or separately and you can remove the sleeves of the inner jacket to create a body warmer. Most versions of the jacket are both Hi-Vis and waterproof, making it ideal for outdoor working.
Best Rain Jacket For Work: Warmth
In many cases, rain and low temperatures go hand in hand. If you want to stay warm as well as dry when you’re working outside, it’s well worth investing in a lined jacket or a coat specifically made for cold conditions like the Portwest PW3 Hi-Vis Winter Rain Jacket. The jacket has an Insulatex heat reflective lining, warm fleece collar and waterproof seams. This means it should keep you warm even in the worst of winter weather.
Another good option for cold-weather rainwear is the Portwest Orkney 3 in 1 Breathable Jacket. Waterproof, windproof and breathable, the jacket has a detachable fleece lining, allowing you to alter the design to better suit the season.
Best Rain Jacket For Work: Coverage
In really tough wet weather conditions, coverage is often crucial. One of the best raincoats for work in torrential rain is the Portwest Hi-Vis Classic Rain Coat 48″. Measuring an impressive four-foot in length, it will help to keep you dry when you’re out in the elements
Alternatively, if you want to ensure you’re waterproof from head to toe, invest in Portwest Hi-Vis Contrast Coveralls. This all in one design comes complete with a hood, elasticated storm cuffs and waterproof, sealed seams. It’s also quilt lined for extra warmth.
Best Rain Jacket For Work: Lightweight
Lightweight waterproof rain jackets are a good option for workers who only need occasional protection from the rain. Lightweight coats are compact and easy to store and can be kept in a workbag or vehicle until needed.
Some good lightweight raincoat options include the Edwards Men’s Hooded Rain Jacket, which folds up into its own pocket, and the Charles River Pacific Poncho, which packs away into a convenient travel pouch.
If you’re looking for a slightly more robust option, the Charles River New Englander Rain Jacket is lined with coloured mesh to improve air circulation and enhance comfort. While the Charles River Nor’easter Jacket has a waterproof rating of 3000mm and reflective piping.
In general, these lightweight rain jackets aren’t Hi-Vis, so they’re not suitable if you need to be seen easily when working on site.
Best Rainwear For Work: Pants
If you’re going to properly protect yourself from the rain, you’ll need waterproof pants to go with your raincoat. Portwest Sealtex Flame Hi-Vis Flame Resistant Pants are a good option if you need your outfit to be flame resistant as well as waterproof. The pants have welded waterproof seams, flame resistant reflective tape and a luminous yellow colour.
If you’re working in conditions that are cold as well as wet, the Portwest Hi-Vis Lined Contrast Trousers are ideal. Waterproof, breathable and made from durable materials, they’re fully quilted for added warmth, making them ideal for winter working.
Best Rainwear For Work: Bibs
Bibs allow you to protect your hips and waist from the wet as well as your legs. This can be useful if there’s driving rain coming at you from the side or if you’re getting splashed by passing traffic and machinery.
If you’re looking for a simple, durable bib that will effectively protect you from the elements, the Portwest Sealtex Classic Bib is ideal. Although it’s not Hi-Vis, the bib has a secure fit to keep out the rain and a durable, wipe-clean finish.
If you need your bib to be Hi-Vis and flame resistant as well as waterproof, the Bulwark FR Hi-Visibility Flame Resistant Rain Bib Overall HRC2 is a great choice. The bib comes right up to chest height, giving you a good level of protection from the elements.
Investing in high quality rainwear will protect you from the worst of the wet weather when working outside. To find out more, and to start shopping for your waterproof workwear, explore our collection of jackets, coveralls, bibs and pants today.
About the Author
Nick Warrick
Nick Warrick is the Sales Manager at All Seasons Uniforms. With over 15 years of experience in the work uniform business, he has worked with hundreds of clients across 20 different industries. Holding bachelor’s degrees in both Business Administration and Information Technology, Nick revamped the company’s online presence, offering its customers a new uniform shopping experience.