With temperatures over 30° becoming more common, many of us are having to rethink the kit we wear – just to avoid feeling sluggish by mid-morning.
This guide is for farmers, tradespeople, smallholders, and anyone who works outdoors. We’ll look at key summer workwear choices: fabrics, footwear, PPE, sun protection, plus specifics for agricultural and forestry work.
The biggest difference you can make in hot summer weather is choosing the right fabric to start with.
A lot of workwear is made from heavy cotton or cotton-heavy blends. These are fine in cooler months but absorb moisture rather than moving it away from the skin. In hot weather, damp fabric against your body really isn’t pleasant, and can contribute to fatigue.
For summer tops and base layers, look for moisture-wicking fabrics that draw sweat away from your skin. The most effective summer workwear polos and t-shirts are made from polyester or polycotton blends around 140–180gsm.
• Polyester dries quickly and manages moisture efficiently.
• Polycotton blends offer a softer feel and are well suited to long working days.
Light trousers around 200–250gsm are a good balance between comfort and durability. Ripstop and stretch polycotton fabrics are popular choices because they provide freedom of movement without unnecessary weight.
When buying summer PPE, check the label for the UKCA mark and relevant standards. Hi-vis garments should meet EN ISO 20471, while general protective workwear should meet EN ISO 13688.
Changing from a heavy cotton top to a breathable moisture-wicking polo is one of the simplest and most effective changes you can make.
A lightweight polo around 140–160gsm paired with lighter trousers can make a real difference during long shifts. Workwear brands such as Tuff Stuff and Stihl produce practical summer tops designed for working environments.
For anyone working around machinery, on-site, or roadside, hi-vis remains essential whatever the temperature. The challenge in hot weather is comfort – because uncomfortable PPE is more likely to be removed.
A breathable, lightweight polyester hi-vis top helps solve this problem while staying compliant. Polyester also tends to retain fluorescent colour better through washing than cotton blends, helping garments maintain their visibility.
Long sleeves are also worth keeping for early mornings, high UV conditions, or moving between shade and direct sunlight.
Shorts are always popular and make perfect sense for lighter tasks as they offer better airflow and freedom of movement.
However, they’re unsuitable where there is a risk to your legs! Avoid shorts for work involving:
• Machinery or moving parts
• Thorns, brash, or dense vegetation
• Heavy groundwork on rough surfaces
• Chainsaw operations
Chainsaw work requires protective trousers meeting EN ISO 11393, whatever the season.
When lightweight work trousers are the safe option look for:
• Stretch polycotton or ripstop fabrics
• Articulated knees for easier movement
• Reinforced knee and seat areas where needed
• Adjustable waistbands for changing conditions
Very lightweight trousers may feel cooler, but they won’t be as durable. If your work involves frequent kneeling on (or contact with) stone or concrete, then go for reinforced knee areas or integrated knee pad pockets.
Summer obviously changes round conditions too. Dry tracks, compacted ground, and other hard surfaces create different pressures on your feet.
Heavier boots designed for wet and cold conditions are uncomfortable in hot weather as they retain heat and restrict airflow. For many site and yard environments, lightweight safety trainers or breathable safety boots are a better choice.
Look for:
• Breathable uppers rather than heavy full leather
• Composite toecaps instead of steel, as they do not transfer heat as readily
• Cushioning suitable for hard surfaces
• Soles designed for dry, dusty conditions
For agricultural work, a lightweight safety boot with ankle support is more versatile than a safety trainer, especially when moving between indoors and outdoors.
(Remember that safety trainers are not suitable for chainsaw work. Chainsaw operations require specific protective footwear meeting EN ISO 17249.)
For outdoor work, UV exposure is an occupational risk. The HSE recognises prolonged exposure to solar UV radiation as a workplace health concern, meaning employers should consider suitable protection for outdoor teams.
Practical choices include:
Head protection:
A hat or cap with additional neck coverage is useful for fieldwork and open sites, where the back of the neck is exposed to the sun for long periods.
Long sleeves:
In open fields, elevated work, and exposed areas, lightweight long sleeves provide protection without adding excessive heat. Some garments include a UPF rating (UPF 40+ fabrics block around 97–98% of UV radiation).
Eye protection:
Sunglasses can reduce glare, especially around reflective surfaces.
Sunscreen:
For exposed skin, sunscreen should be considered part of your normal outdoor working routine. Apply before starting and reapply during breaks.
Afternoon fatigue, headaches, and lapses in concentration are often blamed on long hours, but heat and UV exposure can be major factors.
In summer, discomfort is often the reason PPE gets removed. Sweaty gloves, heavy hi-vis, or poorly ventilated helmets can all affect whether workers continue using the right protection.
Removing protection isn’t the answer – choosing equipment designed for warmer conditions is.
For gloves, look for lightweight breathable designs. Where specific protection is required, choose a summer-weight version of the correct glove type.
For helmets, ventilated models improve airflow while still meeting required impact standards.
Summer conditions can change significantly between the morning and afternoon. The most practical approach to temperatures changes over the day is layering:
• A lightweight overshirt or jacket for cooler mornings
• A breathable moisture-wicking polo or t-shirt as your main working layer
• A lightweight long-sleeved layer for high UV periods or forestry work
The aim is to be flexible and adapt your clothing as conditions change, rather than relying on one outfit all day.
What’s the best fabric for summer work clothing?
Moisture-wicking polyester or polycotton around 140–180gsm works well for tops. Polyester dries faster, while polycotton offers a softer feel. For trousers, look for lightweight ripstop or stretch polycotton around 200–250gsm.
Can I wear shorts for outdoor work?
For lighter tasks, yes. Shorts are not suitable where there are risks from machinery, vegetation, rough surfaces, or chainsaw work.
What should I look for in summer safety boots?
Choose breathable uppers, composite toecaps, suitable cushioning, and soles designed for dry ground conditions.
Do I still need hi-vis in summer?
Yes, where your role requires it. Choose lightweight breathable hi-vis garments rather than reducing protection.
How do I protect against sun exposure?
Use suitable headwear, lightweight long sleeves, sunglasses, and sunscreen as part of your normal outdoor working routine.
You don’t need to replace all your workwear for summer. Two or three simple changes can make a big difference – a breathable polo, lighter trousers, more suitable footwear, or improved gloves.
Start with the fabric closest to your skin. Switching from heavy cotton to moisture-wicking workwear is one of the easiest ways to improve comfort and reduce fatigue.
Visit your local TFM store to see our workwear range, which includes breathable polos, lightweight trousers and shorts, safety footwear, gloves, and hi-vis clothing.
Whether you’re working on a farm, in forestry, on-site, or around the yard our team can help you choose the right kit for your job.
