Get Ready for Autumn & Winter 2026

Get Ready for Autumn & Winter 2026: The Essential Workwear & PPE Checklist for Lancashire Trades

As the nights draw in and the Lancashire weather turns from "changeable" to properly wild, it's the perfect time to check your team's workwear is up to the job. Cold hands, wet feet and low-visibility on site don't just make for a miserable shift — they slow your team down and put safety at risk. Here's what to prioritise before the first real cold snap hits.

1. Waterproof Outerwear That Actually Keeps the Rain Out

Not all "waterproof" jackets are equal. Look for outerwear tested to EN 343, the European standard for protection against rain, sleet and snow — it rates garments on both water penetration and breathability, so you're not swapping wet-from-outside for wet-from-sweat. For anyone working roadside, on construction sites, or in low-light conditions, pair this with hi-vis certified to EN ISO 20471 (Class 1, 2 or 3 depending on the risk level and proximity to traffic).

A good autumn/winter shell should tick these boxes:

• Waterproof and windproof, not just "water resistant"
• Taped seams to stop leaks at the stitching
• Reflective tape positioned for visibility from all angles
• Room to layer underneath without restricting movement

2. Layer Up Properly

The biggest mistake we see is teams reaching for one thick coat instead of proper layering. Three thinner layers trap warmth far more effectively than one bulky one, and they let workers regulate their temperature as they move between outdoor and indoor tasks:

• Base layer — moisture-wicking thermal top to keep sweat off the skin
• Mid layer — fleece or quilted sweatshirt for insulation
• Outer layer — waterproof, windproof shell

This also means less bulk restricting movement on site — important for anyone working at height, with tools, or in confined spaces.

3. Don't Overlook Hands and Feet

Cold, wet hands lose dexterity fast, which is a genuine safety issue around tools and machinery. Insulated, waterproof gloves that still allow grip are worth the investment over standard cotton or thin PU-coated pairs.

Safety footwear matters just as much in winter. Check your boots are rated correctly for the conditions:

• S3 — waterproof, steel toe cap, midsole protection, cleated sole (a solid winter minimum for most trades)
• S7 — full waterproof protection, ideal for consistently wet or muddy sites

Worn or split boots let water in fast once autumn rain sets in, so it's worth checking your team's footwear now rather than waiting for a wet Monday to find out.

4. Visibility Drops Fast in Winter

With sunset creeping earlier every week through October and November, hi-vis stops being a "daytime extra" and becomes essential for most of the working day. If your team's hi-vis has faded, is missing reflective strips, or has been through the wash one too many times, it may no longer meet the standard it was originally rated for — reflective performance degrades with wear. Autumn is a good checkpoint to replace anything looking tired.

5. Branded Workwear That Still Performs

Winter workwear doesn't have to mean parking your brand identity for four months. At ProAttire, our in-house embroidery and DTF printing mean your logo goes straight onto thermal wear, softshells, waterproof jackets and fleeces — so your team stays warm, compliant, and instantly recognisable on site or in front of customers. Consistent branded kit also reads as more professional to clients, especially for customer-facing trades and healthcare teams.

A Quick Pre-Winter Checklist

Before the weather really turns, it's worth running through:

• ✔ Are waterproofs still watertight, or has the coating worn off?
• ✔ Does everyone have a proper base, mid and outer layer?
• ✔ Is hi-vis still bright and reflective, not faded?
• ✔ Are boots rated correctly and free of splits or worn soles?
• ✔ Does new starters' kit match the rest of the team, branding included?

Get Your Team Ready Before the Cold Sets In

As a family-run workwear and PPE supplier based in Bamber Bridge, we work with construction, trade and healthcare teams across Lancashire and beyond to get the right kit sorted before winter causes a problem rather than after. Whether you need a handful of jackets or a full re-kit with embroidered branding, our team can advise on the right specification for your industry and put together a quote with fast turnaround.

Contact ProAttire today for a free quotation on your team's autumn/winter workwear.

FAQ

How often should hi-vis be replaced?
There's no fixed shelf life, but reflective performance fades with washing and general wear. Inspect fabric brightness and reflective tape condition each season and replace anything visibly dulled.

What's the difference between water resistant and waterproof?
Water resistant garments hold off light rain for a short time; waterproof garments (tested to EN 343) are built to keep you dry in sustained rain.

Can you embroider waterproof and thermal workwear?
Yes — our in-house embroidery and DTF printing work across our full range, including softshells, waterproof jackets and fleeces.