Clothes for working in dust

Short answer: Dust settles in fabric and works its way between layers. Dense fabrics keep out the most, but they are also warmer to work in. Closed edges at the neck and sleeves, a thin inner layer and daily washing are the key tips.

Dense fabrics keep dust out

The denser the knit, the less gets through to your skin. A dense fabric has fewer gaps between the threads, so dust stays on the surface, where it can be shaken or washed off. On the other hand, a dense fabric also holds more heat, so it is a trade off. See bamboo underwear for women for the inner layer.

Neckline and sleeves are the way in

Most dust gets in through open edges rather than through the fabric. A loose neckline or wide sleeves let dust fall straight onto your skin when you bend or lift your arms. Choose clothes that close snugly at the neck and wrists without squeezing. See the bamboo jogging suit with ribbed cuffs.

Heat in dense fabrics

A dense outer layer keeps dust out, but it also keeps heat in. When you work physically, you warm up quickly, and moisture builds. A thin inner layer that dries fast keeps your skin more comfortable under the dense layer. Take a break in a dust free area to cool down when you can.

Wash every day

Dust in the fabric wears the fibres, so work clothes should be washed daily. Dust particles act like a fine abrasive that rubs against the fibres with every movement. The longer the dust stays, the more wear. See most popular from Copenhagen Bamboo for styles that handle frequent washing.

Shake clothes before washing

Shake or beat your clothes outdoors before they go in the machine. That removes the coarsest dust and makes the wash more effective. Wash work clothes on their own so the dust does not settle in other clothes. Turn them inside out, wash at a moderate temperature and let them air dry.

The inner layer

The inner layer is the one against your skin all day. It should be thin and soft and able to be washed daily without losing its shape. A good inner layer also keeps dust off your skin if some gets past the outer layer. Keep several sets so you always have a clean one ready.

Change after work

Take off your work clothes before you head home or get in the car. That way you do not carry the dust with you. A clean set ready in your bag makes it easy. It takes almost no room and means you leave work with clean clothes against your skin, however dusty the day was.

A fit that closes off

Clothes that are too loose let dust in at the edges. Clothes that are too tight get warm and uncomfortable. The best fit closes snugly at the neck, wrists and ankles and leaves room to move elsewhere. A fabric with stretch moves with you as you bend and lift.

Frequently asked questions

How do you keep dust out

With a dense outer layer and closed edges at the neck and sleeves. Most dust gets in through the openings, not through the fabric itself.

Should you wash work clothes every day

When working in dust, yes. Dust particles in the fabric act as an abrasive and wear the fibres with every movement, so the sooner you wash, the better.

What should you wear closest to the skin

A thin layer that can be washed daily without losing its shape. It also keeps dust off your skin if some gets past the outer layer.