Changing halfway through a long shift

Short answer: A clean base layer halfway through a long shift removes moisture, odour and that tired feeling in your clothes. It takes five minutes, and you notice the difference for the rest of the shift.

Moisture is the problem

After six hours, the base layer has absorbed all the moisture it can. From then on it no longer helps but cools you, because damp fabric sits close to the skin and draws heat away. That is when a shift starts to feel long. Change into something dry, such as bamboo sweatpants for men.

Change only the innermost layer

The outer layer can usually stay on, because only the innermost layer has taken up the moisture. That keeps the change quick and simple, and you do not need a full outfit with you. A single piece from bamboo T-shirts for men in your bag is enough. It takes up little room.

Your feet deserve a change too

A fresh pair of socks halfway through the shift helps prevent both odour and chafing. Your feet work all day, and moisture builds up inside the shoe where it cannot escape. So always bring a spare pair. Keep them together with a pair of bamboo boxers, and the rest of your change is in one place.

When is the right time

Aim to change between the sixth and eighth hour. Wait longer and you have already spent a few hours in damp clothes, which makes it harder to get back that fresh feeling. Change too early and you may lack a clean layer later. Use the break in the middle of your shift as a fixed point.

Make the change take five minutes

A change only takes five minutes when the clothes are ready. Pack them in the order you put them on: base layer first, then socks, and underwear last if you bring it. Put everything in a small bag so it stays clean and dry. Then just take the bag to the washroom and be back quickly.

What to do with the worn clothes

Worn clothes should not lie loose among your other things. Put them in a separate bag, ideally one that closes, so moisture and odour do not spread through your bag. When you get home, air or wash them straight away. Left crumpled in a bag overnight, they become much harder to freshen up again.

Choose clothes that feel good to change into

The clothes you change into should feel soft and calm against the skin. After many hours at work, skin is often a little more sensitive, especially where clothing has rubbed. Flat seams and a soft waistband make a real difference in the final hours. Choose fits that sit close without squeezing, so the base layer can work.

Make it a fixed routine

The easiest approach is to make the change a fixed part of every long shift. Pack your bag the evening before so clean clothes are always with you, and replace them as soon as you have used them. Once it is a routine, you stop thinking about it, and the last hours feel lighter.

Frequently asked questions

When should you change

After six to eight hours on a long shift. That is usually when the base layer is saturated and starts cooling you instead of keeping you dry and warm.

How long does it take

Five minutes if the clothes are ready in your bag. Pack them in the order you put them on, so it goes quickly without searching.

What should go in the bag

A base layer, a pair of socks and possibly a set of underwear. Also bring a small bag for worn clothes so the rest stays clean.