October 20, 2025
As winter tightens its grip, your crew’s comfort, safety, and appearance matter more than ever. Cold, wet conditions can sap productivity, increase risk, and erode your brand’s image if your team is under-prepared.
That’s why a smart, branded winter workwear strategy is a must – and First Avenue Supplies is here to help you tick every box.
Winter Workwear Checklist
Below is a practical checklist to ensure your team has the appropriate winter workwear
1. Assess the Conditions & Risk Levels
Start with a site survey.
Take note of:
- Wind exposure, rain or sleet, and cold snaps
- Damp ground and standing water
- Periods of inactivity (e.g. breaks, inspections) when employees cool down
- Temperature variance throughout the day (morning frost, milder midday)
- Physical exertion, heavy work generates body heat; light tasks don’t
This provides the context for selecting the appropriate layers and protective garments.
2. Build a Layered System
Rather than a ‘one big winter jacket’ approach, aim for a flexible layering system. This adapts to changing conditions and helps your team regulate body temperature. At First Avenue, our catalogue of garments includes the following:
- Base layer (next-to-skin wicking & thermal) – polypropylene, merino blends, or technical synthetics
- Mid-layer insulation – fleece, quilted jackets, insulated trousers
- Outer shell / weatherproof layer – waterproof, windproof, breathable membranes
- High-visibility over-garments – hi-vis jackets, overalls, or shells
For each of these garments we can provide logo and branding options, so your winter workwear is on brand as well as functional.
3. Don’t Forget Extremities & Details
Cold hands, heads, and feet are often overlooked. This is another area where we can provide branded garments for your team, take a look at our selection of:
- Thermal gloves (insulated, waterproof, touchscreen-compatible)
- Neck gaiters, balaclavas, thermal caps or liners under hard hats
- Thermal socks, waterproof boots, slip-resistant soles
- Overtrousers or gaiters to protect legs from wind and splash
- Hand warmers, pocket warmers for an extra boost
At First Avenue Supplies, we also offer a comprehensive range of PPE and safety products, including gloves, hats, socks, HI VIS and other accessories that can be customised and branded with your logo.
4. Prioritise Safety & Compliance
Winter increases hazards; make sure your workwear doesn’t introduce new risks:
- Ensure hi-vis and reflective tape remain functional
- Look for reflective tape rated for many washes (e.g. Hi-VisTex tapes designed for 50+ washes).
- Ensure waterproofing and breathability, trapped moisture = chilling
- Check for movement, flexibility, and ergonomic fit; bulky items can decrease movement and restrict safe working
- Inspect cuffs, closures, seams, and zips to prevent wind ingress
- Verify insulation ratings, consider EN/EN 342 or similar standards where applicable
In short, don’t just buy thick – buy smart.
5. Branding as a Strategic Asset (Not Just Decoration)
One of the biggest differentiators at First Avenue Supplies is our ability to deliver high-quality, branded garments.
Here’s how to make your winter workwear a branding win:
- Consistent Logo Placement – Even on jackets or shells, your branding should be visible (left chest, back, arm)
- Use of Corporate Colours – Choose contrast for visibility, especially on hi-vis garments. We carry a wide range of coloured workwear to match brand palettes.
- Branded Layering System – Even base and mid-layers can carry your logo, reinforcing brand unity and ensuring visibility at every opportunity. We offer printing and embroidery on tees, fleeces, sweatshirts, and jackets.
- Promotional Value – Branded outerwear turns your team into walking adverts, especially in winter when the jackets are visible from a distance. Read our blog about brand exposure through garments.
6. Plan Inventory & Logistics
Winter demands are seasonal. Get ahead:
- Stock up early: order jackets, shells, and insulating layers before the cold sets in
- Maintain buffer stock: for replacements, turnover, or new starters
- Size trials & samples: First Avenue offers blank samples for fitting before complete orders.
- Check lead times: in peak months, personalised orders might take 10–14 days.
7. Training, Care & Maintenance
A workwear strategy is incomplete without proper care:
- Train staff how to layer and when to adjust
- Teach garment care: wash with care, avoid fabric softeners on hi-vis, repair minor damage early
- Inspect regularly: look for worn stitching, fading reflective tape, and waterproof coatings degrading
- Rotate garments: extend life by alternating uniforms when possible
We issue proofs before full production, helping avoid costly misprints and mismatches.
Winter Workwear Checklist Summary – What to Order from First Avenue Supplies
Here’s a winter workwear shopping list for ordering with us:
- Thermal base layers (long-sleeve tops, long underpants)
- Fleece mid-layers, quilted jackets
- Waterproof & windproof shells (jackets, trousers)
- Hi-vis winter jackets and overalls
- Branded softshells and gilets
- Insulated gloves, balaclavas, hats, neck gaiters
- Thermal socks, waterproof boots
- PPE accessories (boots, eye/ear protection)
- Spare logo templates/proofing
- Sample set for sizing
Drop us your preferred garments and your logo, and we’ll determine which branding method (print vs. embroidery) is ideal, provide a proof, and deliver it to your site or office.
Keep Your Team Warm, Safe, and On-Brand
Winter should never be the season when your team slows down, becomes uncomfortable, or looks inconsistent. A well-planned, branded winter workwear strategy safeguards productivity, morale, and brand image, avoiding reactive ‘last-minute scrambling.’
Let First Avenue Supplies be your winter workwear partner.
Send us your logo and rough team list today. We’ll audit your needs, recommend the right garments, mock up your branding, and get your team winter-ready — on time, on budget, and looking great.
Ready to get started? Please call us on 01908 373388 or email sales@firstavenuesupplies.co.uk to request your Winter Workwear Plan & Quote.