Fleeces

About Fleeces

Work fleeces are essential mid-layer garments designed to provide warmth, comfort, and flexibility for tradespeople and outdoor workers in all seasons. Unlike standard casual fleeces, professional work fleeces are engineered with enhanced durability, technical fabric properties, and practical features such as reinforced panels, multiple pockets, and compatibility with PPE equipment. Whether you're working on a chilly construction site, conducting outdoor maintenance, or spending long hours in warehouses and workshops, a quality work fleece offers the perfect balance of insulation and breathability without restricting movement.

Our range includes everything from lightweight micro-fleece jackets for mild conditions to heavy-duty borg fleeces for maximum warmth in cold environments. Many of our fleeces incorporate specialist features such as hi-vis panels for enhanced visibility on site, flame-resistant materials for working near heat sources, and anti-static properties for use in ESD-sensitive environments. Leading brands like Portwest, DeWalt, and Apache have developed fleeces specifically tailored to the demanding conditions faced by professional tradespeople, combining comfort with practical functionality.

Modern work fleeces have evolved far beyond basic insulation layers. Today's technical fleeces feature moisture-wicking fabrics, wind-resistant panels, and ergonomic designs that accommodate tool belts and safety harnesses. With options ranging from half-zip pullovers to full-zip jackets, and from single-tone designs to two-tone hi-vis styles, there's a work fleece suitable for every trade, environment, and safety requirement across the UK.

Jargon Buster

• Anti-Static/ESD Fleece: Specially designed fleeces with conductive fibres woven into the fabric to prevent static electricity build-up. Essential for electronics work, clean rooms, and environments where static discharge could damage sensitive equipment or ignite flammable materials.
• Borg Fleece: A thick, high-pile fleece with a sheep's wool-like texture that provides superior insulation. These heavyweight fleeces are ideal for cold weather work and offer excellent warmth-to-weight ratio.
• Technical Fleece: Performance-engineered fleeces incorporating advanced fabric technologies such as moisture-wicking, wind resistance, thermal regulation, and enhanced breathability. Often features articulated sleeves and ergonomic panelling for improved mobility.
• Hi-Vis Fleece: Work fleeces incorporating high-visibility fluorescent colours (typically orange or yellow) and reflective tape to meet EN ISO 20471 standards. Essential for site work, roadside maintenance, and any environment where worker visibility is a safety requirement.
• Flame-Resistant Fleece: Fleeces manufactured from inherently flame-retardant fibres or treated with FR coatings. Designed to self-extinguish and provide crucial seconds of protection when exposed to flames or heat, meeting standards such as EN ISO 11612.
• Mesh-Lined Fleece: Fleeces with an internal mesh layer that creates air pockets for enhanced insulation whilst improving breathability and reducing overall weight. Popular for all-day comfort in variable temperatures.

Who Uses Fleeces?

Work fleeces are worn across virtually every trade and outdoor profession in the UK:

• Construction Workers: Bricklayers, labourers, site managers, and general builders working in outdoor conditions throughout the year
• Electricians: Sparkies requiring anti-static properties when working with sensitive electrical components
• Plumbers and Heating Engineers: Tradespeople working in unheated properties or outdoor installations
• Groundworkers and Landscapers: Professionals spending entire days outdoors in variable weather conditions
• Joiners and Carpenters: Workshop and site-based chippies needing unrestricted arm movement
• Warehouse and Logistics Staff: Workers in temperature-controlled or unheated storage facilities
• Maintenance Engineers: Facilities management professionals conducting indoor and outdoor repairs
• Road Workers and Traffic Management: Personnel requiring hi-vis fleeces for roadside safety
• Agricultural Workers: Farmers and estate workers exposed to cold, wind, and variable conditions
• DIY Enthusiasts: Home improvers working on outdoor projects or in unheated garages and workshops

How to Choose the Right Fleeces

Weight and Insulation Level: Consider the typical temperatures you'll be working in. Lightweight micro-fleeces (200gsm or less) suit mild conditions and high-activity work, mid-weight fleeces (250-300gsm) offer versatile year-round use, whilst heavyweight borg fleeces (400gsm+) provide maximum warmth for cold weather or static work.

Visibility Requirements: If you work on construction sites, roads, or any environment where you need to be seen, choose a hi-vis fleece meeting EN ISO 20471 standards. Two-tone designs with contrast panels help hide dirt whilst maintaining visibility. Check if your site requires Class 2 or Class 3 visibility ratings.

Special Properties: Match the fleece to your specific working environment. Electronics workers should select anti-static or ESD fleeces. Those working near heat sources, welding, or in petrol stations need flame-resistant options. Consider water-resistant finishes for outdoor work in damp conditions.

Fit and Mobility: Look for fleeces with articulated sleeves, stretch panels, and ergonomic cuts that allow full range of movement. Consider whether you'll be wearing the fleece over t-shirts or under jackets, and size accordingly. Many technical fleeces feature drop-tail hems for back coverage when bending.

Practical Features: Assess the pocket configuration – chest pockets for phones, side pockets for hands, and internal pockets for valuables. Full-zip designs offer better temperature regulation than half-zip styles. Check for reinforced shoulders and elbows if you carry materials or work in abrasive environments. Zipped pockets prevent items falling out when bending or working at height.

Brand Quality: Established workwear brands like Portwest, DeWalt, and Apache engineer their fleeces specifically for trade use with reinforced stitching, robust zips, and fabrics that withstand repeated washing. These typically outlast casual fleeces by several years in professional use.

Popular Accessories

• Base Layer Tops: Thermal or moisture-wicking underlayers to wear beneath fleeces for enhanced insulation
• Work Jackets: Waterproof outer shells to pair with fleeces for complete weather protection
• Body Warmers: Insulated gilets that complement fleeces for core warmth without restricting arms
• Work Trousers: Coordinating work trousers, many available in matching hi-vis or brand ranges
• Hi-Vis Vests: Reflective vests to wear over non-hi-vis fleeces when visibility is required
• Neck Warmers and Snoods: Additional cold weather protection for exposed areas
• Work Gloves: Insulated or all-weather gloves to complete cold weather work outfits
• Tool Belts and Pouches: Compatible storage solutions that work with fleece designs

Safety Information

When selecting work fleeces for environments with specific safety requirements, always verify that the garment meets relevant British and European standards. Hi-vis fleeces should comply with EN ISO 20471, displaying the appropriate certification label with class rating clearly marked. Ensure reflective tape remains clean and intact, as dirt and wear reduce visibility effectiveness.

Flame-resistant fleeces must meet standards such as EN ISO 11612 or EN ISO 14116, and should never be modified or have standard patches sewn on, as this compromises the FR properties. Always follow the manufacturer's washing instructions, as incorrect laundering can reduce flame-resistant effectiveness. Never use fabric softeners on FR garments.

For anti-static and ESD fleeces used in electronics environments, verify the garment displays appropriate ESD certification. These fleeces should be tested periodically according to your workplace's ESD control programme to ensure they maintain their protective properties.

Remember that fleeces are mid-layer garments and should be combined with appropriate PPE for your specific work environment, including hard hats, safety footwear, eye protection, and waterproof outer layers where required. The HSE recommends layered clothing systems for working in cold environments, with fleeces forming the insulating mid-layer between base layers and weather-protective shells.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I wear a work fleece under a safety harness?

Yes, work fleeces are designed to be worn comfortably under safety harnesses and fall arrest equipment. Choose closer-fitting technical fleeces rather than bulky styles to ensure harness straps fit correctly and safety equipment functions properly. The harness should always be worn over the fleece and adjusted to fit snugly.

How do I care for hi-vis fleeces to maintain visibility?

Wash hi-vis fleeces inside-out using standard detergent at the temperature specified on the care label (typically 40°C). Avoid bleach and fabric softeners which can degrade reflective tape and fluorescent fabric. Air dry or tumble dry on low heat. Replace fleeces when the hi-vis colour fades significantly or reflective tape becomes damaged, as this compromises safety.

What's the difference between a work fleece and a casual fleece?

Work fleeces feature reinforced stitching in high-stress areas, more robust zips, practical pocket configurations for tools and equipment, and fabrics engineered to withstand industrial washing and tough site conditions. They often incorporate safety features like hi-vis panels, flame resistance, or anti-static properties that casual fleeces lack. Work fleeces typically last significantly longer in professional environments.

Are work fleeces suitable for year-round use?

Absolutely. Lightweight technical fleeces work excellently in spring and summer for early mornings or as windproof layers. Mid-weight fleeces suit autumn and mild winter conditions, whilst heavyweight borg fleeces provide maximum warmth for the coldest months. Many tradespeople keep multiple weights available to match conditions throughout the year.

Do I need a flame-resistant fleece for welding work?

If you're actively welding or working in environments with direct flame or molten metal exposure, you should wear proper flame-resistant workwear, including FR fleeces that meet EN ISO 11612 standards. Standard fleeces can melt or ignite when exposed to welding sparks and molten metal splatter. For occasional proximity to welding work, an FR fleece provides an important additional layer of protection beneath your welding jacket.