PHAM NEWS | MAY 2026 Tools & Workwear 33


Helping to keep you cool when the heat is on


Hot days can leave you feeling uncomfortable and drained of energy. While the right workwear can’t change the weather, it can make a big difference to how you feel by the end of the working day. Nick Poulson from Carhartt explains more.


I


f your summer workwear is a mix of old T-shirts and whatever shorts are closest to hand, it’s worth having a rethink. Long days on site


in warm weather can be draining, and what you wear has more of an impact than you might think. But choosing the right clothes will keep you comfortable, protect you from the elements and take the edge off the heat.


Sun protection Sunscreen is a must if you’re spending any of the day working outdoors, but clothing can play just as big a part in protection. It’s easy to assume any T-shirt will do, but that’s not the case. Heavier fabrics and darker colours block more UV but they also trap heat, which isn’t ideal when you’re working hard. Fit matters too. Tight clothing stretches the fibres which can allow more UV through, so a looser fit is a better option in warm weather. Workwear designed specifically


to deal with sun exposure is the best choice. This kind of clothing is rated using UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) which shows how much UV reaches your skin. A standard cotton T-shirt often has a UPF of around 5, which means it lets around 20% of the sun’s UV radiation through. By comparison, our Sun Defender offers UPF 40+ protection so it blocks almost 98% of UV. The range includes both long and short-sleeved t-shirts and full-length work trousers which are all lightweight enough to wear even on hot days.


The right fabric Fabric choice is definitely going to have an impact on how you feel by mid-afternoon. Materials like Cordura Stretch are tough enough to handle wear and tear but are extremely flexible which is perfect if you’re climbing, bending or working in tight spaces. Ripstop is another good summer option. Its reinforced weave stops small tears from spreading so it’s very tough, but it still feels light and breathable enough for warmer days. Cotton is another popular


summer option as it’s light, soft and comfortable. But surprisingly, cotton isn’t always the best choice for summer workwear. It tends to hold onto moisture, so if you sweat and your t-shirt gets wet, it stays that


way, leaving you feeling clammy and uncomfortable. Synthetic blends are a better choice


because they wick away sweat and dry fast. Carhartt’s Force technology, made from a polyester/cotton mix, is designed for working in the heat. It pulls sweat away from the skin and dries quickly, which keeps you cooler and avoids that damp, sticky feeling. It also includes antimicrobial properties to help deal with odour and the new T-shirt design includes mesh panels so air moves freely to keep you cool. The Force range includes T-shirts, trousers, leggings, caps and socks.


Only natural Another lightweight but tough option for summer workwear is Tencel. Made from sustainably sourced wood pulp, Tencel is a natural material that’s lightweight, soft and breathable, with a more fluid drape than traditional workwear fabrics. It allows air to move more freely and dries quickly so it feels far less restrictive across a long day. Carhartt’s Tencel Fibre Series is


designed specifically for women in response to demands for workwear that felt lighter without losing durability. The result is a range that includes T-shirts, tank tops, joggers and sweatshirts that are all soft and comfortable but can still stand up to the demands of site work.


Other extras Eye protection is an obvious one in the summer. Long periods in bright conditions can take their toll, so choosing safety glasses with proper UV protection is a sensible move. Wraparound styles give better coverage and lightweight designs are far more comfortable to wear throughout the day. The range is designed with polycarbonate lenses which are around 10 times tougher than glass, block almost all UV light and are lightweight, comfortable and flexible. Footwear often gets overlooked


in the summer, but it can have just as much impact as what you’re wearing on top. Heavy boots can quickly add to fatigue, especially in warm conditions and once your feet overheat, it’s hard to stay comfortable. Lighter boots with breathable mesh linings help with airflow to keep things cooler but without compromising on protection.


Many Carhartt safety boots


also use fibreglass safety toes rather than traditional steel. They still provide the protection you need but they’re lighter and don’t hold heat in the same way, which helps prevent that heavy, hot feeling by the end of the day. Staying cool and protected is


simple once you start to think about it. You’ll probably find some of the kit you’re already wearing is ideal but it’s worth knowing where to make the upgrades because when you’re comfortable and cool, the day feels more manageable and when temperatures climb, that makes a big difference. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/526/47


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PHAM News v2.indd 1 22/04/2026 16:22


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