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Preparing Your Team for Winter Work: Essential Gear

October 19, 2026

Preparing your team for winter work isn’t just about giving everyone a thicker jacket. The right combination of workwear can help keep your team warm, dry, comfortable and visible, while still allowing them to get on with the job.

At First Avenue Supplies, we know that every team has different requirements. That’s why it’s worth thinking about the job, the working environment and the people wearing the clothing before you decide what you need for the colder months.

Why Preparing Your Team for Winter Work Needs More Thought

Winter conditions aren’t the same for every workplace.

At First Avenue Supplies, our team can help you work through various considerations and choose winter workwear that suits your people, their working environment and the jobs they need to do. There isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution, and getting the combination right can make a real difference during the colder months.

Essential Winter Workwear for Your Team

There isn’t one item that will cover every winter working condition. A combination of garments often gives your team more flexibility and allows them to adapt as the weather changes.

Here are some of the key pieces worth considering:

Waterproof and Weather-Resistant Jackets

A good outer layer is one of the most important parts of a winter workwear kit.

A waterproof or weather-resistant jacket can help protect your team from rain and wind while they’re working outside. Look for options that allow enough freedom of movement for the job and are comfortable enough to wear for long periods.

At First Avenue, we can help you look at the different options available and consider what makes sense for your working environment. For some roles, you’ll also need to consider whether the jacket needs to provide additional protection or high visibility.

Fleeces and Mid-Layers

A fleece or other warm mid-layer can be a useful addition when temperatures drop.

For teams moving between different environments, this can be a particularly practical approach. Our team can help you build up a combination of garments that works together, rather than expecting one item of clothing to do everything.

Warm Workwear and Base Layers

Base layers sit close to the skin and can provide an extra layer of warmth without adding too much bulk.

They’re worth considering for employees who spend long periods outside, particularly when temperatures are consistently low. The important thing is choosing something comfortable that allows employees to move freely while carrying out their work.

Winter Work Trousers

It’s easy to concentrate on jackets and forget about the rest of the outfit.

Your team’s trousers need to cope with the same working conditions as the rest of their workwear. Depending on the job, you may want to consider hard-wearing, weather-resistant or waterproof options.

At First Avenue Supplies, we offer workwear for a range of trades and working environments, so we can help you look beyond simply finding a pair of warm trousers and consider what will actually work for your team.

Hats, Gloves and Other Accessories

Small items can make a surprisingly big difference on a cold working day.

Warm hats can help protect against the cold, while gloves can keep hands comfortable when working outdoors. However, gloves also need to allow enough dexterity for employees to safely carry out their jobs.

We can help you look at these smaller details alongside the main workwear, so your team isn’t left with a good jacket but cold hands, ears or feet.

High-Visibility Winter Workwear

For teams working near roads, vehicles, machinery or in low-light conditions, visibility can be particularly important during the winter months.

If your team already uses high-visibility workwear, it’s worth checking that their winter options provide the level of visibility and protection they need while also keeping them comfortable in colder weather.

First Avenue Supplies can help you find suitable high-visibility and PPE workwear based on the work your team carries out, including options designed for colder and wetter conditions.

Don’t Forget About Footwear

Suitable work footwear can help keep feet warm and dry, while the right level of protection and grip can be important in demanding working environments.

At First Avenue Supplies, we stock safety footwear alongside our wider range of PPE and workwear. If you’re reviewing your winter clothing, it’s worth looking at footwear at the same time rather than leaving it until the weather turns.

How to Prepare Your Team for Winter Work

Getting your winter workwear sorted doesn’t have to be complicated. Start by looking at the conditions your team actually works in and build from there.

A few things to check before winter arrives:

  • Review current workwear: Check jackets, trousers, footwear and other essentials for signs of wear.
  • Consider the working environment: Think about rain, wind, cold temperatures, low light and the amount of time employees spend outdoors.
  • Check safety requirements: Make sure any PPE or high-visibility clothing is appropriate for the work being carried out.
  • Think about layering: Giving employees a combination of suitable garments can make it easier to adapt throughout the day.
  • Ask your team: They’re the ones wearing the workwear, so their feedback on comfort, fit and practicality is useful.
  • Plan ahead: Ordering before winter is in full swing gives you more time to make sure everyone has what they need.

If you’re not sure where to start, First Avenue Supplies can help you work through your requirements and find the right combination of quality workwear and PPE for your team. We can also add your company branding through embroidery or printing, helping you keep your winter workwear practical while maintaining a consistent professional appearance.

Browse our Portwest catalogue for more winter workwear options.

Preparing for winter is really about getting the basics right. The right combination of quality workwear, suitable PPE and practical layers can help your team stay comfortable and protected, whatever the weather brings.

At First Avenue Supplies, we’re here to help you make those choices before the cold weather arrives, rather than trying to find a solution halfway through a wet and windy working day.