Top safety features of workwear in automotive industry
Workwear is the frontline of clothing – keeping employees safe and comfortable in any situation their job demands. But choosing appropriate workwear can be confusing and time consuming.
To help you understand as much as possible and make the best decision on what you need, Lindström breaks down the jargon and explains the key terms used when describing their automotive workwear.
Hidden in plain view. The things we see everyday, but don’t appreciate. Like the brushes on the sides of escalators. They’re not there to buff your shoes, they’re an optical trick, moving people, their clothes and bag straps away from the dangerous areas.
Or the fun bobble on your woolly hat – originally added to stop French sailors bumping their head on the low ship ceilings.
Clothes especially are full of tiny details that we take for granted. The half-belt on the back of coats – designed for soldiers’ blankets which also doubled as cloaks. The belt gathered the material together so it could be worn without tripping.
How about those tiny buttons on jeans? Not buttons but rivets, cleverly placed to reinforce the areas that get most strain.
Behind each of these modest inventions is a person or a team focused on solving a problem and providing a product that really works.
Another great example of this is in workwear – the humble coveralls, jackets and trousers we wear everyday. You have probably realised that work boots have a steel toecap or seen the reflective strips on coats and trousers. However, the ‘fine print’ of good workwear descriptions also hide fascinating innovation, which is essential for safe, functional clothing.
These important details can often be confusing or overlooked. Take, for example, the Lindström Rex Jacket. It’s suitable for various industries, such as automotive or metal and equipment manufacturing. This means it needs to be safe when working with machinery and power tools, but careful and precise around high-quality components. But what do all the words in the text mean, and why are they relevant to this garment?
Let’s break down the description and start to better understand the hidden secrets of this auto-industry workwear.
REX JACKET
Material
Pro Twill 245 (65 PES/ 35 CO, 245g)
Fabric is the most critical part of the workwear. It should be comfortable, and durable, and easy to wash and maintain after demanding, oily workdays.
The full name is actually: ProTwill 245 65 PES/35 CO, 245g OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 Classic workwear twill fabric. It looks like a cat has just run across the keyboard, but breaking it into small pieces, it actually means the following:
ProTwill
A tightly woven, non-shrink material that resists tearing. ProTwill fabrics last a long time so there is less need for new garments and less impact on the environment.
245
The weight of the fabric. 245 grams per square metre is a mid-to-heavy-weight fabric, ideal for workwear used in demanding conditions. Lighter than this, it will be less resistant. Any heavier and it will be less flexible.
65 PES/ 35 CO
Refers to the composition of the fabric. PES/CO means a polyester cotton mix. The 65/35 mix is a classic combination often used for outdoor clothing. The polyester adds resistance and moisture wicking, preventing sweaty clothing that gets cold. Cotton is comfortable and breathable. Polyester/cotton is also long-lasting. The longer the fabric lasts, the more sustainable it is. That’s why, choosing the correct raw materials is central to minimising the ecological impact of textiles. We also thoroughly test our fabrics to make sure materials meet quality standards.
OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100
A specification given to textiles tested for harmful substances. Every item bearing the STANDARD 100 label has passed safety tests looking for harmful substances. This means every thread, button and accessory have been tested for your safety.
Collars
Certainly a decorative item – they add formality and a nice frame to the wearer’s face. However, they also have a practical purpose.
Traditional folded collars help maintain the shape of the neckline and prevent that t-shirt ‘droop’. They also add comfort by preventing fabric or over-garments rubbing against the neck. In fact, the collar was such a hard-working item, that shirts were often sold with an extra replacement collar.
Standing collars perform a similar role and are common on military uniforms. They are simple, clean, smart and help to prevent chafing.
A yoke
Originally the piece of wood tied to the neck of a cow used to pull heavy things on a farm. In the workwear world it is the wide piece of fabric across the shoulders and back. It does a lot of the heavy lifting. It’s a place where, because of gravity, your body rubs on the garment which means it gets worn, sweaty and oily. Cheaper shirts and clothing don’t always have a yoke.
Fastenings
The way that the garment opens and closes. Climbing in and out of a garment is not easy, it’s also a safety issue. If clothing is burning, or chemicals have leaked onto it, it should be easy to remove. Therefore, a full or part opening with a zip, buttons or press buttons are added.
A placket
The extra layer of fabric that reinforces and strengthens openings.
Hidden press buttons
There are two features here: Press buttons, snap button or poppers are used instead of traditional buttons. They are easy to open, again important when removing clothes in an emergency. They have a lower profile, so they are less likely to get caught, in machinery for example. They are also durable and last longer that traditional buttons.
Hidden means that there is an extra layer of fabric above the button, providing a smoother surface that won’t get snagged.
Pockets
Essential for pens, notebooks, pliers or gum. Unfortunately, they can also add bulges to the garment which could be uncomfortable or even dangerous. They must be designed with thought and care.
Patch pockets are simple and strong but also maintain their form and don’t bag out. Great for storing notebooks.
A pocket with a flap has extra security, for keeping essential items, like your phone, safe.
Sleeves
Also surprisingly complex. They must protect and keep the arm warm but also be flexible and easy to move.
Straight sleeve opening means the sleeve is not fitted to the arm, which makes sense for rental workwear. It also means the sleeve is loose-fitting and good for movement.
Sleeve ends with splits have a similar function. The split allows for extra movement and comfort; however, the fit can still be adjusted with buttons.
Reflective strips significantly improve visibility, particularly in environments like auto-repair shops with moving vehicles and machinery. While Rex Jacket isn’t certified high-visibility clothing, its reflective features enhance wearer safety.
To conclude
Choosing the correct workwear isn’t easy. Many factors need to be considered and making the wrong decision can make working difficult or even dangerous. Superior quality garments have been designed for specific use and, as we have seen, the details are important; they are the result of extensive testing, feedback, experience and careful design.
Perhaps the best advice is, if you are not sure what you need, talk to an expert. At Lindström, we have experts who are happy to help you find the perfect solution for your situation.
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