T Shirts

About T Shirts

Professional workwear t-shirts have evolved far beyond basic cotton tees, now offering advanced technical fabrics, safety features, and durability engineered specifically for demanding trade environments. Whether you need hi-visibility garments for roadside work, flame-resistant options for industrial settings, moisture-wicking performance fabrics for physically demanding tasks, or simply hard-wearing everyday workwear, the right t-shirt can significantly impact comfort and safety throughout the working day. Modern work t-shirts combine practical features such as reinforced stitching, anti-static properties, mesh ventilation panels, and compliance with British safety standards.

The selection at Tooled-Up.com includes specialist workwear from leading manufacturers including Portwest, Snickers, DeWalt, Caterpillar, and Dickies, alongside premium options from Festool. From basic cotton comfort designs suitable for warehousing and light trades work, through to certified hi-vis garments meeting EN ISO 20471 standards and flame-resistant options compliant with EN ISO 11612, there's a professional t-shirt engineered for virtually every trade environment. Many contemporary designs incorporate thoughtful details such as tagless construction to prevent irritation, wire management loops for headphone cables, and anti-bacterial treatments to reduce odour during extended wear.

Professional t-shirts are available in both short and long sleeve configurations, with materials ranging from traditional 100% cotton through to technical polyester blends and moisture-wicking performance fabrics. Multi-pack options provide cost-effective solutions for businesses kitting out teams, whilst specialist garments such as anti-static ESD t-shirts protect sensitive electronic components in manufacturing environments. Colour coding options help differentiate teams or skill levels on busy sites, and many ranges offer logo printing areas for professional branding.

Jargon Buster

• GSM (Grams per Square Metre) - The weight measurement of fabric, indicating thickness and durability. Typical work t-shirts range from 160gsm (lightweight) to 220gsm (heavyweight), with higher GSM generally offering greater longevity and a more substantial feel.
• Hi-Vis (High Visibility) - Garments featuring fluorescent background material and reflective tape designed to make the wearer conspicuous in all lighting conditions. Must meet EN ISO 20471 standards for use on UK construction sites and roadways, with Class 1, 2, or 3 ratings depending on coverage area.
• Moisture-Wicking - Fabric technology that draws perspiration away from the skin to the garment's outer surface where it can evaporate quickly, keeping the wearer dry and comfortable during physical work.
• ESD (Electrostatic Discharge) - Garments manufactured with conductive fibres that safely dissipate static electricity, essential when working with sensitive electronic components or in environments where static sparks pose explosion risks.
• Flame Resistant (FR) - Fabrics treated or inherently manufactured to resist ignition and self-extinguish when exposed to flames, meeting EN ISO 11612 standards for thermal hazards in welding, electrical work, and industrial environments.
• Ring Spun Cotton - Premium cotton where fibres are continuously twisted during spinning, creating a stronger, softer, and more durable fabric compared to standard open-end cotton.

Who Uses T Shirts?

• Construction Workers - Requiring hi-vis options for site safety compliance and durable fabrics to withstand abrasive environments
• Electricians - Needing flame-resistant and anti-static properties when working with electrical installations
• Warehouse Operatives - Benefiting from comfortable, breathable fabrics during physically demanding handling and logistics work
• Landscapers and Groundskeepers - Requiring moisture-wicking performance fabrics for outdoor work in varying weather conditions
• Manufacturing and Assembly Workers - Using ESD garments to protect sensitive electronic components from static discharge
• Delivery Drivers and Logistics Staff - Wearing branded, professional-looking work t-shirts for customer-facing roles
• Highways Maintenance Crews - Requiring certified hi-vis garments meeting stringent roadside safety standards
• Chefs and Catering Staff - Using breathable, easy-care fabrics with mesh ventilation for hot kitchen environments
• Welders and Metal Fabricators - Needing flame-resistant protection against sparks and molten metal splash
• General Tradespeople - Carpenters, plumbers, decorators seeking durable, comfortable everyday workwear

How to Choose the Right T Shirts

Safety Requirements: Determine whether your work environment demands specific safety certifications. Hi-vis garments are legally required on construction sites and roadways, with different classes offering varying levels of visibility. Electrical work may require flame-resistant properties, whilst electronics manufacturing demands ESD compliance. Always verify that garments meet relevant British and European safety standards (EN ISO 20471 for hi-vis, EN ISO 11612 for flame resistance, EN 1149 for anti-static).

Fabric Selection: Consider the physical demands and environmental conditions of your work. Pure cotton offers natural breathability and comfort but may retain moisture during heavy perspiration. Polyester blends dry faster and resist shrinking, making them ideal for frequent washing. Moisture-wicking technical fabrics actively draw sweat away from the skin, particularly beneficial for physically demanding roles. Ring spun cotton provides superior softness and durability compared to standard cotton weaves.

Sleeve Length: Short sleeve designs offer maximum freedom of movement and cooling in warm conditions or active work. Long sleeve options provide additional sun protection for outdoor workers, help prevent minor abrasions, and offer greater coverage for hi-vis and flame-resistant requirements. Some tradespeople prefer long sleeves year-round to protect forearms from scratches, splinters, and chemical contact.

Fit and Sizing: Professional work t-shirts should allow comfortable movement without excess fabric that could snag on equipment or machinery. Check whether sizing runs to UK standards and consider whether garments will be worn over base layers in colder months. Raglan sleeve designs offer enhanced shoulder mobility, whilst gusseted underarms prevent restriction during overhead work. Longer back hems prevent the shirt riding up when bending or reaching.

Durability Features: Look for reinforced stitching at stress points, particularly shoulders and side seams. Bar-tack reinforcement at pocket openings and hem edges significantly extends garment life. Quality brands available from Tooled-Up use higher stitch counts and stronger thread for professional-grade durability. Check washing temperature tolerance – garments rated for 60°C industrial washing are more practical for trade environments.

Practical Details: Consider features such as chest pockets for small items, pen loops, wire management loops for headphones, and reflective trim placement. Tagless construction or printed labels prevent neck irritation during long shifts. Anti-bacterial treatments reduce odour development, particularly valuable in physically demanding roles or when wearing PPE that restricts airflow.

Popular Accessories

• Work Trousers and Shorts - Coordinating lower body workwear from matching ranges for professional appearance and consistent durability standards
• Base Layers - Thermal or cooling undergarments worn beneath work t-shirts for temperature regulation in extreme conditions
• Hi-Vis Vests and Waistcoats - Additional visibility layers for temporarily upgrading standard t-shirts to site-compliant hi-vis levels
• Work Jackets and Fleeces - Coordinating outer layers from the same manufacturer for consistent sizing and professional appearance
• Safety Footwear - Completing professional workwear outfits with appropriate protective boots or shoes
• Gloves and Hand Protection - Complementary PPE for comprehensive workplace safety
• Workwear Cleaning Products - Specialist detergents that maintain technical fabric properties and hi-vis effectiveness through repeated washing
• Tool Belts and Holders - Practical accessories that complement workwear for carrying essential tools and fixings

Safety Information

When working in environments requiring hi-visibility clothing, ensure t-shirts display valid EN ISO 20471 certification and appropriate classification (Class 1, 2, or 3) for your specific role and risk level. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) provides guidance on when hi-vis clothing is legally required, typically on construction sites, roadways, railways, and anywhere workers face traffic or mobile plant machinery risks.

Flame-resistant garments must not be worn with synthetic base layers underneath, as these can melt against skin during thermal incidents. Always follow manufacturer washing instructions for FR clothing, as incorrect detergents or fabric softeners can compromise protective treatments. Never attempt repairs with standard thread or patches – use only approved FR materials.

ESD garments require regular testing to verify their continued effectiveness, particularly after repeated washing. These specialised t-shirts should be part of a complete ESD control programme including appropriate footwear and grounding equipment. Replace garments when visible wear or failed resistance testing indicates compromised protection.

Ensure correct sizing to prevent loose fabric snagging on machinery, power tools, or site equipment. Remove damaged or excessively worn workwear from service, as compromised fabric strength can fail during incidents. When working with chemicals, verify fabric compatibility – some substances degrade certain materials more rapidly than others.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between Class 1, 2, and 3 hi-vis t-shirts?

The classification refers to the amount of visible fluorescent background material and reflective tape. Class 1 offers minimum coverage suitable for low-risk environments with good visibility and slow-moving traffic. Class 2 provides increased visibility for roadside work and construction sites with moderate traffic speeds. Class 3 offers maximum visibility for high-risk environments such as motorway maintenance, typically requiring long sleeves or additional hi-vis garments. Your employer or site safety officer will specify the required class based on risk assessment.

How should I care for technical workwear t-shirts to maintain their properties?

Always follow manufacturer washing instructions precisely. Use appropriate temperature settings – typically 40°C for standard workwear, though some industrial ranges tolerate 60°C. Avoid fabric softeners on moisture-wicking and flame-resistant garments as these coat fibres and compromise performance. Turn hi-vis garments inside out before washing to protect reflective tape. Replace garments when fluorescent colours fade significantly or reflective elements crack and peel, as this indicates reduced safety effectiveness.

Can I wear my own t-shirt under flame-resistant work garments?

No – synthetic base layers (polyester, nylon, acrylic) should never be worn under FR clothing as they can melt onto skin during thermal incidents, causing severe burns. If additional layers are needed, use only 100% cotton or specifically rated FR base layers. This is a critical safety requirement that your employer should communicate through safety briefings and written policies.

What GSM weight should I choose for year-round work?

For UK climates, 180-200gsm offers versatile comfort across seasons when layered appropriately. Lighter 160gsm fabrics suit summer outdoor work or heated indoor environments, whilst heavier 220gsm options provide warmth for winter or cold storage work. Many tradespeople maintain separate summer and winter work t-shirt rotations rather than compromising with mid-weight options. Consider your typical working environment temperature and physical activity level when selecting fabric weight.

Are work t-shirts with company logos more expensive than plain garments?

Logo printing or embroidery typically adds cost depending on design complexity, number of colours, and order quantity. However, many workwear specialists offer volume discounts that offset customisation costs when ordering for entire teams. Branded workwear provides professional appearance for customer-facing roles and helps identify authorised personnel on busy sites. Some manufacturers offer designated logo areas that simplify the customisation process and maintain garment performance characteristics.