Recently I had to go buy some clothes for work, as my old ones were getting too small or too worn out. It seems to come in spurts and waves, fits and starts. I'll lose three pairs of pants in the same week, and then wind up needing four shirts six months later. I work in the service industry. The kind of work I do varies, but it can be thought of as light to medium duty construction type stuff most days. When I first started with the company, I made the mistake of wearing normal type clothes. Sneakers, tee shirts, blue jeans. Nuh-uh.
I finally figured out that I was not dressing for the occasion. Prematurely wearing out jeans didn't clue me in right away. Getting less than ideal mileage out of shoes wasn't a tip-off. I'm slow sometimes, what can I say. So years ago I figured out, "you are working for a living, you should probably wear work clothes, dummy."
For those of you that think that work wear is just overpriced clothing aimed at folks who want to look rugged or butch, don't be so hasty. In my experience, work wear is designed of much more sturdy materials, and designed for heavier use and abuse. Here are some things to look for and keep in mind about heavy duty work wear if you are in the market.
Cotton duck-this is one of your best friends. Basically canvas, this stuff is hellaciously tough, fairly lightweight, and used in everything from pants to jackets to tool bags. Easy to care for and break in.
Insulation-sometimes your work is not in a comfy office. Having good insulation to keep you warm is a good idea, just make sure it won't strangle the life out of you if you happen to venture inside for a few minutes while wearing it. I personally like to layer up. I use a few layers of lightweight to medium insulation under my jacket. If I get too hot, I just start peeling off layers.
Jackets-the good old fashioned work jacket can not be praised enough. It is protection on so many levels. Protection from sharp objects on a job site, protection from cold, protection from sparks and metal shavings, protection from the rain. Hell, I've even sat on mine on a hot-ass roof once.
Work-pants. From carpenter pants, to painters jeans, to dungarees etc. Good work pants made of solid materials with tough stitching will keep you comfortable, protected, hold your tools, and last for years. Don't forget to check out the belt loops, make sure they are up to the job. Don't want your pants bailing out on you halfway through the job.
Boots. You will likely be on your feet all day, so comfortable footwear is important. Picking up a quality pair of long lasting, purpose built work boots will keep your feet happier, which has more effect on the soul than most realize. Make sure you give proper consideration to the type of work you will be doing in them. Get a tread pattern that will best serve your environment. Get insulated boots if you will be in cold weather alot. Get moisture-wicking, breathable, or sweat friendly boots if your feet like to drown your footwear. You might also want to consider waterproof, although this can reduce the chances that the boots will breathe worth a damn. Warm, dry, non-achy feet are worth a million schmuckers.
This is just a basic simple list, but overall you should consider some of the more purpose built work wear if you do any type of contractor/construction/service work. Durable and comfortable work clothes will pay for themselves.
-Owen
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