Working in winter can be challenging, but having a good work jacket will ensure you stay on top through the harshest weather. Let's discover what makes the best winter work jacket and how to pick one (or more).
Why You Need a Warm Work Jacket for Winter
When working outdoors during cold winter months, you need to maintain a normal body temperature ( 97-99 F). Your body alone can't compensate enough for a high amount of heat loss, and hypothermia is likely to set in if you don't have a warm winter jacket to protect you.
Prolonged exposures to frigid temperatures cause hypothermia, and your body loses heat faster than producing it. That can eventually deplete the body's stored energy, lowering body temperature. When your body temperature drops, your nervous system, heart, and other organs can't function normally, and that can lead to complete failure of your heart and respiratory system.
Clothing acts as an insulating layer protecting the body. That said, wearing a warm winter jacket is essential when working outside in the cold. Layering your clothes beneath the jacket can help too.
What You Need to Know About Winter Work Jackets
Top manufactures have been making the best winter work jackets for over a century with materials that haven't changed much over time. Traditional cotton duck, a heavy canvas-like fabric, is still number one for many trades that demand tough, durable clothes.
However, modern materials are also in high demand, especially for jobs that require water and wind resistance, breathability, and insulation. So, your job requirements will determine what kind of winter work jacket you will need. Also, you will likely need more than one, as the weather in winter also varies.
Wearing a too warm jacket at the beginning of winter may impede your performance while wearing a light one when temperatures drop below 32 F will likely get you sick. In that case, layering proves very effective. And, it's a good idea to get a jacket one size bigger so you can add as many layers as you need to keep you warm and functioning.
Choose the Best Winter Work Jacket for You
Like people, not all jackets are the same. Below is a list of things that can help you determine the best winter work jacket for you.
Bi-Swing Back
A bi-swing jacket offers you more mobility in your shoulders and back. So, if you're looking for the best winter jacket that provides more range of motion, a bi-swing option can make an excellent choice. It will ensure you retain your freedom of movement even with a rugged canvas outer shell.
That's essential for activities involving a lot of movement through the shoulders and arms, such as shovelling snow and splitting firewood. Bi-swing work jackets typically have gusset panels on the shoulders allowing your arms to move more freely and preventing it from feeling like a stiff straight jacket.
Hood
Think about whether you need an attached hood for your winter work jacket or not. There are a plethora of hooded jackets on the market, but you can also find the ones without them. Also, there are winter jackets with snap buttons under the collar, so you can attach and remove a hood when needed.
If you have to wear a safety helmet on your worksite, make sure you pick the right size of a hood.
Pockets
The best winter work jacket will have several pockets. Most have two hand-warmer pockets in the front and two to four internal pockets. You will need these to place essentials such as phone, keys, and wallet.
Drop Tail or Cuffed Waist
Drop-tail work jackets for winter are an excellent option if you want protection from freezing weather below the waist. On the other side, the cuffed waist doesn't protect the waist, but it helps trap the heat. Also, it's much easier to pair with a tool belt.
Zip Design
For icy weather, it's best to have a work jacket that zips to the chin. That will help trap the heat around the neck, chin, and ears while you work.
Features of the Best Outdoor Work Jackets
Winter workwear should not only keep you warm but help you do your outdoor work efficiently and effectively too. There are several factors to consider before buying a new winter work jacket. Some of the most important are durability, the type of insulation, weight, design, and style.
The best winter work jacket will be durable without sacrificing mobility and flexibility. And, durability depends on materials used in its manufacture. So, always look for high-quality materials when buying work jackets. Design and style also come into play. Now, let's explore further.
Durability
A durable winter jacket will last despite physical exertion and will keep you safe regardless of where you're working.
The fabric decides the durability of a jacket, especially a winter workwear. Cotton duck and canvas are among the toughest and durable materials. However, if you're looking for something more lightweight, polyester and ripstop are excellent alternatives. Moreover, they are water-repellant.
Insulation
The jacket's insulation is vital as it ensures your winter jacket can withstand cold weather conditions and trap your body's heat. Down and synthetic blends are popular choices for insulation as they keep you warm and can handle high activity levels. But keep in mind their pros and cons.
Down has a higher warmth-to-weight ratio than synthetic insulation. Also, it's very compressible and durable. With proper care, a down winter work jacket can last for decades. However, it may not be a good option when it rains or snows heavily. When a down gets wet, it loses insulating power and takes a long time to dry. Further, cleaning requires special care, and it's not hypoallergenic. Also, it's more expensive.
On the other hand, synthetic blends are water-resistant and continue to insulate even when wet. They are hypoallergenic and less expensive than down but are heavier and bulkier. Moreover, they offer less warmth for their weight than down and are less durable.
Weight
The best work jacket will be as light as possible. A heavy and bulky jacket will only slow you down, so make sure you find the lightweight one that provides the warmth you need.
Design
The design of your outdoor work jacket should be practical when working and not obstruct movement. You will want a design that allows stretching in the shoulders, underarms and elbows. Also, a winter work jacket shouldn't ride up the back to prevent the cold from entering.
Style
From bulky and ugly to stylish and elegant, workwear evolved. And that includes winter jackets. Now, different styles are abundant, and anyone can find a winter work jacket they like and look good in it while performing effectively.
Top-Notch Winter Work Jackets Brands
Among several great workwear brands, Timberland PRO and Wolverine stand as exceptional. Not only do they make top-notch work jackets, but also other work clothes and shoes. So, why are they so good? Because they value their customers and do their best to provide only quality.
Timberland PRO
Timberland PRO is a legendary workwear brand and the first choice for many workers. The brand's winter jackets will provide you with all the protection you need on your job site along with mobility and flexibility, and all this while looking good. No wonder why so many people swear by it and wear it even after work.
Wolverine
Another top choice among workers from various professions, Wolverine makes some of the most durable and resilient work jackets. Although they were considered bulky and heavy before, their new jackets are far from that. Modern Wolverine work jackets look elegant while providing the same high levels of protection as before.
Get the Best Winter Work Jacket Before You Freeze
Now you know what to look out for when choosing winter work jackets. So, you're free to pick the one that will suit all your safety, function, and aesthetic needs and continue to perform well at your job, even during the coldest time of the year.