When you live in a place like the UK, it is not a case of if you get wet, but when. We refer to it to as “the great British weather” for a reason. For anyone working frequently outside in rain or snow, you need quality waterproofs. Without the right gear, you can’t do the jobs safely and effectively. You could even put yourself at risk.

You might just Google “rain jacket” and purchase the first thing you see. By jumping the gun like this though, you could end up miserable at the end of a shift. Waterproofing is more complicated than you think.

Three terms to understand

Let’s have a look at waterproof, and compare it to water repellent and water resistant. To put things simply, the first is the superior option. It can stand up to more moisture than other materials.

Water resistant does mean literally what it says, but the protection has a limit. The materials can handle drizzle no issue. In a lot of cases, that is likely all you will need. However, you could have a job that puts you in the thick of things. Here, you need true waterproofs. It means there is enough resistance to keep you protected from heavy showers.

As for water repellent, that is something else completely. It is a secondary treatment applied to a fabric that improves resistance. It is that simple.

Workers require wet weather equipment for the same reason the rest of us do. Even the driest areas have showers. Top tier gear keeps you comfortable and dry. Moreover, you can stay safe. Wet clothes lead to the body losing almost 30x more heat. This massively increases the danger of hypothermia. It is the same for other cold stress injuries.

Furthermore, the right gear can stop inclement weather from bringing down a project’s efficiency. You don’t want people to be unable to work simply because it rains.

What to look for specifically?

We’ve discussed waterproofs and their importance. Now, let’s see what you should look for in individual bits of clothing.

Jackets and trousers

Here you need breathable materials. While you want to keep water out, you don’t want to lock sweat in or you will get uncomfortable quickly. Find clothes that offer all-day comfort and dryness, even with harder tasks.

The garments need to be easy to put on and take off too. Every storm passes. So, you want gear you can throw on quickly over base layers and take off without a struggle when it stops raining. Moreover, since no one loves soggy socks, the best trousers come with zips or buttons along the bottom of the legs. They are for fuss-free on and off over boots.

You will also want taped seams. For trousers or jackets to be properly waterproof, you can’t have a basic seam. The sealing stops water from moving through small holes in the seam.

Secure adjustable cuffs are also important with waterproofs. They ensure a snug fit without or with gloves. Plus, they will stop water from getting into jackets through the sleeves.

Waterproof gloves

What you need to look for with gloves is a flexible grip. Any that are incapable of putting up with wet exteriors are as useless as a broken hammer. Abrasion-resistant, grippy palms will stop the tool at hand from literally slipping out of your fingers.

The gloves need to be warm as well. Ensuring your hands remain dry is a start. Yet, it is not the sole consideration in cold temperatures. When a person’s internal temperature drops, blood from the extremities first flows to the core. Hands become more in danger of hypothermia and frostbite. Waterproof gloves with thermal insulation are the best for winter work.

Buy our waterproofs for agricultural work and more

At JS Hubbuck Ltd, we have multiple top quality garments available. They include the Ridgeline Evolution Smock and Tempest jackets. Clothing like this will keep you safe when you need to work when it is wet.

So, if you need waterproofs or other products for agricultural work and outdoor tasks, please get in touch. We have quality items and great prices.