Hats & Caps

About Hats & Caps

Hats and caps are essential workwear accessories for tradespeople and professionals working across various environments. From construction sites and warehouses to outdoor maintenance work and engineering facilities, head coverings provide crucial protection from the elements whilst maintaining comfort throughout the working day. Our comprehensive range includes everything from casual baseball-style caps for light work to specialised bump caps offering impact protection, alongside disposable options for hygienic environments.

Professional work hats and caps serve multiple purposes beyond simple sun protection. They help keep perspiration away from the eyes, protect against rain and wind, and in many work environments, form part of corporate or site identification requirements. Modern work caps often feature moisture-wicking fabrics, adjustable sizing systems, and high-visibility elements to meet site safety standards. Whether you're a landscape gardener working outdoors year-round, a warehouse operative, or a site supervisor, the right headwear contributes significantly to comfort and productivity.

Our selection includes trusted workwear brands such as Scruffs, DeWalt, Portwest and Snickers, all known for their durable construction and practical design features. From lightweight breathable caps for summer work to insulated hats for cold weather applications, we stock options to suit every trade, season and working environment throughout the UK.

Jargon Buster

• Bump Cap: A lightweight cap with an integrated protective shell designed to protect against minor head bumps and scrapes. Not a replacement for hard hats, but offers protection in low-risk environments where full PPE isn't mandated.
• Moisture-Wicking Fabric: Technical materials that draw perspiration away from the skin to the outer surface where it can evaporate quickly, keeping the wearer cooler and more comfortable during physical work.
• High-Visibility (Hi-Vis): Caps and hats incorporating fluorescent colours and reflective strips to enhance wearer visibility on construction sites, roadworks and other hazardous environments, often required to meet EN ISO 20471 standards.
• Snapback/Adjustable Closure: A sizing system using plastic snaps, velcro straps, or adjustable bands at the rear of the cap, allowing one-size-fits-most flexibility without elastic.
• Breathable Mesh: Ventilated panels, typically on the sides or back of caps, that allow air circulation to regulate temperature and reduce heat build-up during strenuous work.
• Disposable Caps: Single-use head coverings made from non-woven materials, essential in food processing, pharmaceuticals, clean rooms and medical environments where contamination control is critical.

Who Uses Hats & Caps?

Professional work hats and caps are essential for a diverse range of trades and industries:

• Construction Workers: Site labourers, bricklayers and general builders requiring sun and rain protection
• Landscape Gardeners: Professionals working outdoors year-round needing weather-resistant headwear
• Warehouse Operatives: Staff working in distribution centres and logistics facilities
• Delivery Drivers: Couriers and logistics professionals representing their companies
• Maintenance Engineers: Technicians working in facilities where bump cap protection is required
• Painters and Decorators: Tradespeople protecting their hair from dust and paint splatter
• Manufacturing Workers: Factory operatives in food processing, pharmaceuticals and clean room environments requiring disposable options
• Agricultural Workers: Farmers and farm hands needing durable outdoor protection
• Site Supervisors: Management staff requiring professional appearance with brand identification
• DIY Enthusiasts: Home improvers undertaking outdoor projects and maintenance work

How to Choose the Right Hats & Caps

Selecting appropriate work headwear depends on several important factors:

Work Environment: Consider where you'll be working. Outdoor trades require weather-resistant materials and UV protection, whilst warehouse environments may prioritise breathability. Manufacturing and food processing facilities often mandate disposable options for hygiene compliance.

Protection Level: Assess the risk level of your working environment. Low-risk areas with overhead pipework or equipment may require bump caps with integrated protective shells. Remember that bump caps are not substitutes for hard hats in high-risk construction zones governed by HSE regulations.

Comfort and Fit: Look for adjustable sizing systems such as snapback closures, velcro straps or elastic bands. Moisture-wicking fabrics and breathable mesh panels significantly improve comfort during physical work, particularly in warmer months.

Visibility Requirements: Many UK construction sites and roadwork environments require high-visibility clothing including headwear. Check whether your cap needs to incorporate fluorescent colours or reflective strips to comply with site safety regulations.

Durability and Washability: Professional-grade caps from brands like DeWalt, Scruffs and Portwest use reinforced stitching and colourfast fabrics that withstand regular washing. Consider how frequently you'll need to clean your headwear and whether it needs to maintain its appearance over time.

Brand and Corporate Identity: Many businesses provide branded caps as part of uniform requirements. Plain caps offer easy customisation options for embroidery or printing with company logos.

Popular Accessories

• Safety Helmets and Hard Hats: Essential PPE for high-risk construction environments where caps are insufficient
• Winter Beanies: Insulated headwear for cold weather working conditions
• Ear Defenders and Hearing Protection: Often worn in conjunction with caps in noisy environments
• Safety Glasses and Goggles: Complementary eye protection for comprehensive PPE
• High-Visibility Vests: Complete your hi-vis ensemble for maximum site safety
• Work Gloves: Essential hand protection across all trades
• Sunscreen and Sun Protection: Additional UV protection for outdoor workers
• Beard Snoods and Hairnets: Additional hygienic head coverings for food and pharmaceutical environments

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between a bump cap and a safety helmet?

Bump caps provide protection against minor bumps, scrapes and lacerations from stationary objects in low-risk environments. They are not designed to protect against falling objects or impacts from height. Safety helmets (hard hats) meet EN 397 standards and must be worn on construction sites and other high-risk areas as mandated by HSE regulations. Never substitute a bump cap where a hard hat is required.

Can I wear a baseball cap under a hard hat?

This is generally not recommended and may violate safety regulations. Wearing anything underneath a hard hat can compromise the fit and reduce the effectiveness of the suspension system designed to absorb impacts. Always consult your site safety officer and refer to the hard hat manufacturer's guidance before wearing anything underneath safety helmets.

How do I clean work caps?

Most professional work caps can be hand-washed in warm water with mild detergent. Avoid machine washing unless specifically stated by the manufacturer, as this can damage the cap's structure and any protective elements. Allow to air dry naturally rather than using tumble dryers. High-visibility reflective elements may degrade with harsh washing, so always follow care label instructions.

Are disposable caps recyclable?

Most disposable caps are made from non-woven polypropylene materials. Whilst the material itself can be recyclable, contamination from workplace environments often means they must be disposed of as general waste. Check with your local waste management provider about specific recycling capabilities in your area, particularly for large-scale commercial use.

What size cap do I need?

Most work caps feature adjustable sizing systems that accommodate head circumferences from approximately 55cm to 62cm, covering the majority of adult sizes. Measure around your head just above the ears and eyebrows with a tape measure to determine your head circumference. If you're between sizes or prefer a looser fit, opt for caps with maximum adjustment range such as snapback or velcro closure systems.