Layers work better than one heavy garment when a cold start turns into a mild afternoon. Build them in three parts: a long sleeve layer against the skin, a warm middle layer such as a fleece jumper, hoodie or vest, and a jacket on top when it's wet or windy. Each piece comes off as the day warms up, and everyone stays in uniform. Here's how to put that together from styles we list.
Base layer: long sleeve tees
We don't list thermal underwear, so in our range the layer against the skin is a long sleeve tee. Two options:
- The GOODMATES Basis Long Sleeve Tee X1002M is 185gsm 100% combed cotton in sizes S to 5XL, with a women's version, the X1002W, in XS to 2XL.
- The AS Colour Womens Classic Long Sleeve Tee 4073 is a heavier 220 GSM combed cotton with cuffed sleeves, in XS to 3XL.
A long sleeve tee in a uniform colour also means the base layer looks tidy when the jumper comes off at lunchtime. Two things to check: the GOODMATES tees are marked "Do not tumble dry", and the AS Colour Grey Marle isn't pure cotton, because its listing gives marles as 15% viscose.
Middle layer: fleece jumpers and hoodies
This is the layer that does most of the warming. The listings below give the fabric and weight, and the neckline or front is the main practical difference: a crew neck pulls over, while a zip front lets you cool down without taking the whole thing off, which helps anyone moving between a cold yard and a warm cab or office.
| Style | Fabric, as listed | Neck or front | Sizes listed |
|---|---|---|---|
| GOODMATES Everyday Crew X2007M | 350gsm 80/20 cotton/recycled polyester brushed fleece | Crew neck | S to 3XL |
| Aussie Pacific Mawson 1534 | 300gm 80/20 cotton/recycled polyester brushed fleece | Quarter zip | XS to 3XL, 5XL, 7XL, 9XL |
| Pilbara RMPC045 | 310gsm 80/20 cotton/polyester fleece | Zip closed front | XS to 7XL, 9XL |
| JB's Fleecy Hoodie 3FH | 310gsm cotton-rich fleece, 80/20 cotton/polyester in solid colours | Hood, fully lined | 2XS to 12/13XL, varies by colour |
A few details from the listings that matter on the job:
- The GOODMATES crew has a "Ribbed crew neck, cuff and waist band", and there's a matching women's X2007W in XS to 2XL.
- The Pilbara has a "Hidden Pocket on Both Side Seams" and a women's version, the RMPC051, in sizes 6 to 24.
- The JB's hoodie's biggest sizes come in fewer colours: 6/7XL and 8/9XL in Black and Navy only, and 10/11XL and up in Black only. Its Charcoal Marle and Black Marle have a different cotton and polyester mix from the solid colours.
- The Mawson comes in Black or Navy only, and the GOODMATES crew stops at 3XL, so a crew with big sizes may suit the Pilbara or JB's better.
- The Pilbara listing mentions "Tone on Tone Windmill Embroidery", the maker's own mark, so ask where it sits before you settle on a logo position.
Our jumpers and hoodies collections have more styles and colours.
If your site requires hi vis, the middle layer can be hi vis too. The Ritemate RM6012 is a 300gsm polyester-rich fleece pullover in Orange/Navy or Yellow/Navy, listed for "Day Wear" only, and the RM6012R is the same fleece with 50mm reflective tape, listed for "Day and Night Wear", both quoting AS 4602.1:2024. If your crew starts before sunrise or works into the evening, that difference matters. The JB's 6DLP is a pullover hoodie of polar fleece bonded with shepherd fleece, 450gsm in total, listed "Day & Night (LEVEL 1)". These ratings are as listed. Check what your site asks for with your safety officer or principal contractor.
Vests: warmth through the body
A vest over a long sleeve tee or under a jacket keeps the body warm without bulk in the sleeves. The ones we list are built quite differently:
- Padded: the Aussie Pacific Snowy 1523 has a nylon outer with light polyester padding, a stand up collar and two zip pockets, with a women's Snowy 2523. The Pilbara RMPC053 has 200gsm polyfill padding and a "Microfibre Waterproof Coating".
- Soft shell: the Aussie Pacific Selwyn 1529 is a 320gm two-layer soft shell listed as "Medium weight water repellent and wind resistant". That suits wind and the odd shower on an outdoor job. Water repellent isn't the same as waterproof, so in steady rain you'll still want a jacket.
- Canvas: the JB's Barn Vest 3BAV pairs 385gsm cotton duck canvas with a 340gsm shepherd fleece lining, plus "Pleats on each side of the back for easy movement". It suits rough outdoor work, in Black or Camel only.
If you're adding a logo, note that the Snowy lists "Internal zipper access for decoration" and the Pilbara vest a "Concealed Internal Embroidery Zipper". Those give access inside the vest when it's being decorated. The Pilbara vest also lists its own "Windmill Embroidery" and a "Leather Patch at Back", so check the space left for a back logo.
Beanies
A beanie is a simple bit of extra warmth and an easy place for a small logo. The Legend Life Skull Beanie 4240 is an acrylic knit in six colourways, most with a contrast colour around the bottom, and our beanies collection has more. The PRO Choice beanie is 100% acrylic with "Retro-reflective stripes for ease of identification". If your crew wears hard hats, follow the hat maker's instructions and your site rules on what can be worn with them.
Putting a logo on each layer
Decide which layers need branding. Often it's whichever layer is on the outside for most of the day. Our embroidery or printing guide covers fleece, and on hi vis keep logos clear of the reflective tape. For a warehouse or dock crew, our warehouse uniform kit list covers the rest of the kit.
Once you've picked the layers, list each one with its colour and size spread, attach your logo and send it all through our custom workwear enquiry form. We'll reply with a quote and what happens next.
