To stay protected while facing inclement weather from exposure to cold, wet, snowy elements choosing the right work clothes is not only required but can also be strategic.

Layering work wear, in either climate, will better help you regulate your body temperature, but it should be done strategically to keep you dry, protected and warm while also ensuring you have the mobility to perform your duties.

Offering your workers moisture wicking clothing will keep them cool and dry. These types of garments are constructed with two types of fibers—hydrophilic and hydrophobic. Hydrophilic fibers have an affinity for moisture thereby removing the moisture from against the wearer’s skin whereas hydrophobic fabrics are water repellent, transferring the moisture to the surface layer, potentially causing microscopic droplets of water to form and then evaporate.

Should I wear moisture wicking clothes in both warm and cold weather?

The short answer is yes. Layering FR clothing, in either climate, will better help you regulate your body temperature, but it should be done strategically to keep you dry, protected and warm while also ensuring you have the mobility to perform your duties.

Lakeland offers suggestions on how you should layer for warmth.

stay dry

Stay Dry.

With permanent moisture wicking fibers in your base layer, moisture will be pulled off of your skin quickly, so you never feel wet on the job. Lakeland FR clothing absorbs moisture up to 7x faster than competitive brands and moves an average of 50 percent more moisture to the exterior of the FR fabric, creating a drier zone next to your skin.

Stay Warm

Stay Warm.

From base layer to outer layer, you should never worry about your sweat turning cold when you stop activity. Stay comfortable and warm with a layering system designed to pass moisture through each layer quickly. A superior layering system means all garments contain moisture wicking fabrics to pull moisture through the FR fabric to the outer layer, all while keeping the elements out. Lakeland’s outerwear provides water and wind resistance with moisture wicking.

Stay Mobile

Stay Mobile.

Staying dry and warm is essential for optimal performance, but adding more bulk as you layer is often a drawback. Consider selecting lightweight, maneuverable fabrics that add the protection you need without the bulk and weight that contributes to increased muscle fatigue and slows you down. Windproof, water resistant, moisture wicking Lakeland FR clothing offers the lightweight protective layers you’ve been waiting for.

What FR fabric combinations are used to make moisture wicking clothing?

Non-woven fabrics that have hydrophobic properties are polyester, cotton, rayon or other blends and cotton, wool and linen fibers are hydrophilic. For example, to optimize the moisture-wicking properties look for garments with a 60 hydrophobic /40 hydrophilic split. To that end, as you layer, each layer should provide a level of permanent moisture wicking – with each layer pulling moisture ensuring that you will continue to feel warm and dry.

New Layering FR Clothing from Lakeland:

Lakeland FR Pullover Sweater

Lakeland FR Pullover Sweater

  • Inherently FR Sweater-Knit Fabric
  • NFPA 70E – CAT2 at 14.0 cal/cm2
  • Permanent Moisture Wicking Technology
  • Wear it as a single layer or as a mid-layer
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Lakeland FR Polar Fleece Pullover

Lakeland All-Season FR Polar Fleece

  • Combines two fabrics for comfort and durability
  • 12 oz. Inherently FR Fabric
  • NFPA 70E CAT 3 at 28 cal/cm2 (top jacket) / NFPA 70E CAT 4 at 40 cal/cm2 (fleece fabric)
  • Permanent Moisture Wicking
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