Clothes for the night shift

Short answer: A night shift is twelve hours on a shifted rhythm. Choose your inner layer with care, bring a change of clothes, and expect the temperature to swing through the night. That makes the last hours easier.

Twelve hours on a shifted rhythm

A night shift is not just a long working day moved into the dark. The body is used to sleeping at that time, and it reacts differently to cold, tiredness and discomfort. Small things, like a tight waistband or a rubbing seam, feel bigger at three in the morning than at three in the afternoon.

The body is coldest around four

Body temperature drops naturally at night, and you feel it most in the late hours. Many people get cold between three and five, even though they felt fine at the start of the shift. An extra layer in your bag solves it, without wearing it all night. See bamboo sweat for men and women.

A change during the break

After six hours the inner layer is saturated with sweat and moisture. It feels cold as activity drops, and it makes the last hours heavier. A clean set of underwear during the break makes the rest of the shift easier. Pack it in a small bag so it is easy to find. See bamboo underwear for men.

Socks for long shifts

If you stand for most of the night, socks are what you notice first. A sock that slips down, or a seam across the toes, becomes obvious after many hours on your feet. Choose a padded pair that stays up without squeezing the calf, and bring a spare. See bamboo socks.

Seams and fit

At night you are tired, and that makes you less patient with clothing that bothers you. Choose styles with flat seams, and cut stiff labels off close to the seam. Avoid waistbands that squeeze when you sit down during breaks. The clothing should sit calmly all shift, so you do not have to think about it.

Pack your bag before the shift

It is easier to pack your bag calmly in the afternoon than at the last minute. An extra layer, a clean set of underwear and a pair of socks are enough for most people. Keep them in the same place every time, so nothing gets forgotten. Then you are ready when cold or tiredness sets in.

When you get home

After a night shift you sleep during the day, when it is light and often warmer. Change into something light and loose before you lie down. Darken the bedroom and keep the temperature low if you can. The clothes from your shift do not belong in bed, because they have been worn for many hours.

Washing between shifts

Clothing for night shifts is washed often, because you change during the shift. Wash according to the care label with a neutral detergent without perfume, and skip the fabric softener. Perfume residue sits against the skin all night. Let the clothing air dry, so it keeps its shape and the waistbands keep their stretch.

Frequently asked questions

Why do you get cold at work at night

Because body temperature drops, and because many workplaces turn the heating down. You notice it most in the late hours, so an extra layer in your bag is a good idea.

How many sets do you need

One per shift plus three to four extra, so you can change in the middle of the night. That way you always have a clean set ready, even when the washing is behind.

Does an extra layer help

Yes, especially in the last hours. A light layer in your bag takes up almost no space, and you can put it on when the body gets cold around four.