What to Wear If You Work Outside?

When working outside, the elements can be brutal. If you aren't wearing the right type of clothing, your typical day at the office can become dangerous and even life-threatening. It's a good idea to pay attention to the weather report each day to know what to expect and plan ahead what clothing you're going to wear.

Hot Weather Garb

• Working outside in the summer sun is hot. It's best to wear light colors because they reflect the sun's rays. Lightweight fabrics made from natural fibers such as cotton allow the body's own cooling system to work better by letting sweat evaporate faster. Shorts are a good idea as long as they are permitted on the job. Loose-fitting white cotton T-shirts and tank-tops will absorb sweat while reflecting the sun to keep you cooler. When your job is outside in the summer, keep in mind that less is not always more. Cleavage-showing tops or short-shorts are not usually permitted on the job. You will want to avoid fabrics like polyester in the summer, as they do not allow air to circulate around the skin. Polyester holds the heat and sweat in, not allowing it to dry to cool you off.

Winter Weather Work Attire

• Winter weather can be rough, especially if you're working in it every day. To protect your body against the cold, layering is key. Layering allows you to remove or add clothing as activity permits so you stay comfortable. There are three main layers: wicking, insulating and weather protection. The wicking layer is worn next to your skin and helps to move moisture away from your skin to keep you warm and dry. Good wicking fabrics include polyester and silk. Thermal underwear is worn as a wicking layer. The insulating layer keeps cold out and heat in. Sweatshirts, pullovers and sweaters made of fleece or wool make good insulators against the cold. The protection layer is meant to protect you from the elements. This layer is usually made of tightly woven fabric coated with laminate. It is usually waterproof, keeping snow and rain on the outside while allowing moisture to escape from the inside. Many coats and insulated pants are made this way, in varying degrees of insulation for many outside activities. The protection layer is loose-fitting as well.

Warm Weather Accessories

• One of the dangers of working outside in the summer is the sun's ultraviolet rays. These rays are very damaging to the eyes. Sunglasses not only look cool, they protect your eyes against the damaging rays of the sun. You should wear sunglasses any time you are outside, rain or shine. Another way to protect your skin and eyes is to war a breathable, light-weight hat. Mesh baseball caps or wide-brimmed gardening hats work well for this. Sunblock is a must for anyone that works outside to avoid serious sunburn or skin cancer from prolonged exposure to the sun.

Winter Weather Accessories: Hands and Feet

• The hands and feet are the first body parts to feel the effects of cold weather. Because they are the farthest from the heart and have the poorest circulation, cold weather is more damaging to them. For this reason, a good pair of gloves and proper footwear helps to protect your hands and feet from the cold. Gloves that are waterproof but breathable are the best choice. Mittens are warmer than gloves, but deciding which to wear will depend on what activity you will be doing. One pair of medium-weight socks should be sufficient for outdoor activities. Some people like to put on multiple pairs of socks, but this could actually make your feet colder as it restricts blood flow.

Winter Weather Accessories: Head

• Humans lose up to 60 percent of their body heat through the head. For this reason, it is very important to wear a hat, headband or helmet during the winter. Doing so may allow you to wear one less layer as your body stays warmer. Most winter hats are made from wool, which is a great wicking fabric, or fleece. Depending on your outside job, you can choose which works best for you. Keep in mind that not only do helmets keep your body heat from escaping, they also protect your head from bumps. In addition to wearing a hat, a scarf or gaiter can be worn around the neck to further stop heat from escaping.