Choosing HVAC clothing and workwear can be a whirlwind. Whether you’re a fresh face, a seasoned professional wanting to refresh your gear, or a business owner creating an HVAC uniform for your team, what to look for in HVAC technician workwear is its ability to protect your body, provide mobility, and maintain a professional look.
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1. What material to look for in HVAC clothing and workwear
Ideally, you’ll be wearing and washing your workwear regularly for a few years after purchase. Surviving all those days on the tools is a tough gig. Ideally, they’ll resist tearing and maintain their durability and shape through every bend, stretch and crawl. The goal is to stand up to the daily grind — while keeping you protected and looking professional.
Look For:
- Cotton: It’s a classic choice. It’s not just breathable and easy to clean, but also less likely to catch fire compared to synthetic materials. Moreover, it doesn't melt onto the skin, which is crucial for HVAC technicians working around heat.
- Natural Fibres: Options such as bamboo are gaining popularity in workwear. Bamboo fabric is not only soft, but it has natural antibacterial properties that resist mould. Its breathability and moisture-wicking qualities help you keep cool in hot conditions.
- Recycled Cotton: Recycled cotton retains all the properties of traditional cotton while contributing to a smaller environmental footprint!
Avoid:
- Polyester and Other Synthetic Fabrics: These materials can melt when exposed to high heat. If melted, they can stick to your skin, causing severe burns and injuries.
- Nylon: Similar to polyester, nylon also poses a melting risk and can cause severe burns if it comes into contact with high temperatures or flames.
- Spandex/Lycra: While these materials are stretchy and offer flexibility, they are not resistant to heat and can melt. They're also not as breathable as natural fibres.
- Heavy Materials: Fabrics that are overly thick and heavy restrict movement and cause overheating.
- Lightweight, Non-Durable Fabrics: While it might be tempting to choose ultra-lightweight fabric, they can tear easily when working with sharp objects or in tight spaces.
2. HVAC shirts
For HVAC technicians, each job can present a new environment, from freezing basements to boiling attics. Wearing layered shirts can give you the flexibility to regulate your temperature throughout the day. Whether you’re opting for long sleeves or short, check out the key features to keep yourself safe and comfortable throughout your day.
Look For:
- Material: Both long and short-sleeved shirts should be made of durable, breathable fabrics that will survive regular washes.
- Breathability: Good air circulation is crucial to manage body temperature, especially in confined or hot spaces.
- Visibility: High-visibility details can be a lifesaver in low-light working conditions.
- Antimicrobial: To keep you fresh during long work hours, check for shirts with antimicrobial properties.
- Eco-Friendly Options: Sustainable materials like organic cotton help work towards our environmental responsibility.
Benefits of Long Sleeve Shirts:
- Protection: They shield the arms from sun exposure, minor scrapes, and irritants like fibreglass insulation.
- Layering: Layering allows you to adapt to different environments throughout the day. Check the fit under other safety gear, without feeling bulky and restrictive.
- Cuff Design and Reinforced Elbows: Keep sleeves in place and protect high-stress areas.
Product Recommendations:
- Carhartt Men's Workwear Pocket Long-Sleeve Shirt: A tradie favourite, Carhartt shirts are a staple for their robust cotton fabric and durability.
- Nike Dri-FIT Technology Long-Sleeve Shirt: Designed for athletic activity, Nike is the top choice for managing perspiration during a tough day.
Benefits of Short Sleeve Shirts:
- Cooling: Short sleeves offer better airflow and help to manage body heat.
- Mobility: They provide greater freedom of movement for the arms, which helps in tight spaces.
Product Recommendations:
- Under Armour Men’s Tech Polo: This lightweight polo gives a sharp and professional appearance and is made from breathable material.
- Hanes Cool Dri T-Shirts: These are excellent for keeping cool and have moisture-wicking capabilities.
4. HVAC pants
Your choice of pants plays a big role in your ability to move comfortably through your day. Make sure you're ready for what the day throws at you by factoring in the following details.
Look For:
- Durability: Choose heavy-duty fabrics capable of withstanding frequent contact with rough surfaces and sharp objects.
- Material: Fabrics should be breathable to allow for air circulation, moisture-resistant for unexpected weather or damp environments, and have some stretch.
- Pockets: Secure pockets are crucial for carrying tools and personal items. Look for designs that include deep pockets and zippers.
- Flexibility: Opt for designs that have built-in stretch, particularly around the knees and waist.
- Knee Reinforcement: Reinforced knees or the option to insert knee pads can be a game-changer for tasks that involve a lot of kneeling.
- Tool Loops and D-Rings: These simple additions are super handy for keeping essential tools within reach.
- Reflective Elements: These can add an element of safety, especially in low-light conditions.
- Ventilation: Mesh panels or other forms of ventilation can provide additional airflow.
- Colour and UPF Rating: While colour may be chosen for practicality or branding, a UPF rating will protect against sun exposure during outdoor work.
Product Recommendations:
- Wrangler Riggs Workwear Men's Ranger Pant: Designed for workers, these pants are durable, easy to keep clean and well-ventilated.
- Dickies Men's Original 874 Work Pant: For a more refined, tailored fit, these pants are nevertheless designed for a hard days work.
5. HVAC jackets
Adaptability is the name of the game when it comes to outerwear, from lightweight options for a breezy day to heated jackets for the biting cold.
Lightweight Jackets:
- Insulation: Your jacket should keep you warm! However, it shouldn't be so bulky that it restricts movement.
- Heated Jackets: In extremely cold environments, jackets with built-in heating can provide extra, adjustable warmth, without the need for bulky layers.
- Water Resistance: Aim for water resistance, particularly for the rainy season.
- Breathability: Just because it’s cold, doesn’t mean you stop sweating. Breathable fabrics help with airflow and keep you fresher.
- Durability: Jackets should resist tears, especially in high-contact areas like the elbows and forearms.
- Pockets: Keep your tools and personal items safe and on hand.
- Visibility: High-visibility colours or reflective striping are important for safety, particularly for those who work in low-light conditions or near traffic.
- Adjustable Cuffs and Hem: These help to seal out cold air and provide a snug fit over gloves or other layers.
- Easy Maintenance: Look for jackets that are machine washable and have materials that don't hold dirt or odours. Bonus points if they’re made from eco-friendly materials!
Product recommendation:
- Columbia Men’s Watertight II Jacket: for water-resistant, breathable coverage.
- Milwaukee M12 Heated TOUGHSHELL Jacket: An overwhelming favourite among HVAC technicians, the Milwaukee heated jacket provides an added layer of reliable heat and comfort.
Once you’ve found the best workwear clothing or HVAC technicians, check out the range of branding options to turn your workwear into a uniform you can be proud of!
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