Work Jackets & Fleeces

How to Choose the Right Work Jacket

7 Tips to Help You Select the Most Breathable, Protective, and Comfortable Work Jacket for Your Needs
Durable, safe, and functional, a work jacket's primary role is to protect outdoor workers while facilitating their activities by allowing freedom of movement without hindrance.
Whether long-sleeved or sleeveless, designed for cold climates or suitable for warmer weather, waterproof, high-visibility, or certified for specific risks, work jackets come in various forms. The selection includes jackets, bombers, technical jackets, and padded options. So, how do you choose the best one for your needs?
This guide will provide useful tips to help you make an informed choice. First, we'll consider the essential qualities to look for in safety workwear: protection, breathability, and comfort. Then, we'll review some common usage needs and questions related to the work environment.

1. Protection: The Right Jacket for Your Job
Whether it's a basic work garment or a personal protective equipment (PPE) item with specific requirements (such as cut resistance, chemical protection, high visibility, flame resistance, etc.), every work jacket offers some form of protection against injuries and potential health risks.
Therefore, it's crucial to choose workwear wisely and ensure it meets the general protective clothing requirements defined by European legislation, which we've covered in-depth. If your job involves particular risks, ensure the jacket is also certified for specific standards. You can find these details on the label of all Diadora Utility jackets.

2. Breathability: A Jacket That "Breathes"
In both mild and extreme cold climates, opt for breathable work jackets. Wearing work clothes that hinder sweat evaporation can have unpleasant consequences, not just for comfort (the annoying feeling of wet skin and clothes) but also for health. Proper sweat breathability helps maintain regular body temperature, preventing chills in winter and heat-related issues in summer. Diadora Utility jackets with Net Breathing System technology ensure maximum breathability and comfort thanks to a special breathable and waterproof membrane that facilitates sweat evaporation while keeping water out.

3. Comfort: Pay Attention to Ergonomics and Size
Ergonomics is a general safety and health requirement specified by protective clothing regulations. When trying on a work jacket, ensure it is comfortable as well as durable: check the fit, ergonomic sleeve cut, adjustable details (waist, wrist, hood, and hem), and don't underestimate the importance of the right size.
Wearing a jacket that's too large or too tight can restrict movement and increase the risk of snagging. Therefore, choose models that offer a wide range of sizes, like the breathable Padded Jacket Tech or the all-season Workwear Jacket Tech: both are available from XS to 4XL and use the Net Breathing System technology.

4. Working on Roads or in Low Visibility Conditions?
If your job requires working on roads or in construction sites that mandate high-visibility clothing, you'll need a jacket that complies with EN 20471 standards, made from fluorescent and retro-reflective materials.
For more information on high-visibility PPE and their requirements, refer to our detailed guide on regulations and safety.

5. Working in Cold Conditions?
If you work outdoors in particularly harsh climates or in low-temperature environments like cold storage, you may need a cold-resistant work jacket.
Look for the EN342 label on the technical sheet or tag: this standard certifies protection against cold. The Padded Jacket Tech, a cold and wind-resistant padded jacket, keeps you warm without causing sweat: the special Net Breathing System membrane ensures maximum breathability, even in the most effective cold-resistant jackets.

6. Exposed to the Elements?
If you're frequently exposed to rain, fog, and wind, you may need water-resistant workwear.
Rainproof work jackets are certified by the EN 343 standard: look for this code and the umbrella symbol on the label or technical sheet to verify compliance.
Rainproof jackets like the Rain Jkt Tech EN 343 are tested not only for their ability to resist water penetration but also for water vapor resistance: the jacket can stop water from entering while allowing breathability.

7. Carrying Tools or Other Items?
If your job requires carrying tools or keeping equipment, documents, or other items handy, carefully consider the number and type of pockets.
A multipocket jacket like the Workwear Jkt Tech, made from canvas with Net Breathing System technology, is a versatile choice for mid-season and less extreme environments. If you need protection from the elements, the six waterproof front pockets of the Rain Jkt Tech EN 343 keep your belongings dry.