Being wet, cold, and uncomfortable can make working outside a real slog. Sadly, it’s something people in various industries have to deal with on a regular basis. The solution is to ensure you have the right gear for the conditions, including reliable waterproofs. They are a great investment, and with the right care, they can last a long time. In fact, they can even survive rips and tears if you know what to do.

Damage

It’s surprisingly easy to damage your clothing and gear when you are working. That’s especially true if you work with sharp tools, heavy equipment, and animals. There is also a risk if you don’t choose the right products to begin with; if the fit is wrong you could cause rips or tears just by moving.

Tricky work environments, including farms, woods, offshore, and construction sites can also damage your clothing and gear. Snags can happen without you even noticing, causing small rips or tears.

What to do?

If you do have waterproofs with a rip or tear, don’t assume that is the end and you need a replacement. It may be possible to repair it yourself.

One option is to use repair tape. There are some fantastic products on the market that are really easy to work with. Generally you just cut them to size, remove the backing, and apply them. A good tip is to cut your patch to ensure it is a little bigger than the rip or tear. Make sure you lay the garment flat and smooth it out to ensure there are no folds. Then, when you are applying the tape, work from the middle and ensure you don’t have air bubbles or folds.

If using tape isn’t an option, you may be able to sew up tears and holes. This takes a bit of care and prep though. Firstly, choose a strong, sharp needle suitable for heavy fabrics. Second, choose a suitable thread such as nylon or polyester. Using clips is a good idea if you need to hold the fabric in place; avoid pins because they create holes and won’t be very good at stopping the fabric from moving.

Testing your stitches is a really good idea too. This gives you the chance to get familiar with stitching the material of your waterproofs. It will also ensure you choose the right kind of tension.

The most important thing you need to remember is you have to seal the seam afterwards. If you don’t, water may be able to seep through the tiny holes. Sealing tape is a good idea and really easy to use. Alternatively, you could use seam glue or sealer.

Finally, make sure you are very careful if you need to press the seams. Applying excessive heat to a waterproof garment can ruin the protective coating. Using a low heat setting is advised. Even better, if you can, use a pressing tool instead of an iron.

Shop for quality waterproofs

JS Hubbuck Ltd has been equipping farmers for generations. We provide a diverse selection of products, including fertiliser, animal feed, clothing, tools, and more. Most importantly, we can give you advice and recommendations for any needs. We’re a proud family business, so we know the value of a good service.

If you need waterproofs for farming, talk to us and have a look at what we have to offer. There is plenty of choice, including jackets, trousers, wellies, and more, with options for light or heavy rain.