FEATURE


and a JCB logo across the shoulders and on the chest plus zipped pocket liners.


There are three zipped pockets, two on each hip and one on the chest. The two hip pockets are deep enough for a tape measure and pencils, as well as for keeping hands warm. The chest pocket is big enough for keeping a phone handy.


A full zip makes it easy to put on and to help regulate the temperature, while the waist has an elasticated draw cord.


A cosy bit of black fl eece lines the funnel neck collar, and this helps to keep warmth in and rain out. The cuff s are also elasticated for a snug, draught-free fi t, but they are loose enough to be comfortable and easy to put on.


Because of the warm weather I wore this jumper only a few times in the evenings. It is defi nitely smart and stylish, and the hi-vis fl ashes drew some comment about just how visible they are – these must be a safety plus then!


Nitty Gritty Shorts and Trousers


Unfortunately, my legs are now old enough to not be allowed out unaccompanied and I don’t generally like wearing shorts on site, because I prefer the extra protection off ered by trousers.


My willing volunteer was 40 or so years younger than me and has no such qualms. After a couple of days, he reported back to me his fi ndings on the JCB Trade Plus Shorts in Black/Grey.


The cotton/polyester (35%/65%) fabric proved to be comfortable and easy to wear – the shorts did not feel ‘sweaty’ as some 100% manmade fabrics can feel.


There are two hip pockets fronted by two bellowed holster pockets that are a must in any work trousers I use.


There is also a cargo pocket on the left leg for pencils or a phone with a Velcro fastener. On the back, there are two more pockets, one with a Velcro fastening and the other without.


With seven 20mm wide belt loops, a @ToolBUSINESS


belt is easily and comfortably supported. My volunteer had enough pockets and a comfortable fi t and cut to the shorts so he was keen to keep them…..


In my discussions with trades I have found work trousers can be an issue. They need to be comfortable and practical - but for some, also a bit fashionable. Pockets are another area of controversy – holster pockets or not? A big debate.


The JCB Trade Grey/black Cordura work trousers follow the current trend of being quite smartly cut as well as having enough space to be able to bend and move easily.


The Cordura material is used because it is breathable and comfortable as well as being hardwearing and rip stop.


On the front of the trousers alone there are two hip pockets, two multi-pocketed holster pockets, a Cargo pocket with Velcro closure, and a couple of leg pockets on the right leg.


Behind there are two more pockets, one with a Velcro closure – in short, wearers are spoilt for choice and if they fi lled all these pockets, the trousers would bulge like an overstuff ed hamster – but with triple stitched seams there is no danger of splitting them.


I wore them for several days on site and in the workshop, and they proved to be comfortable and easy to wear.


The pockets are useful and since I tend to confi ne myself to carrying a tape measure, several pencils, a phone and maybe the odd pocketful of screws, I didn’t strain my belt on the seven belt loops.


Ready to Use Next Day


With only one wash so far, they dried quickly on the rack, and were ready to use the following day.


Aimed at: Pros and amateurs looking for practical, stylish and reasonably priced workwear.


Pros: Easy to wear and care for, and will make a practical coordinated range to cover all weathers.


jcbworkwear.com TBH July-August, 2018 31


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