Clothes when you start an apprenticeship

Short answer: An apprenticeship mixes classroom days and practical work, and your clothes need to handle both. Expect more wear than you are used to and clothes that get dirty, so it pays to think in two piles from the start.

Two kinds of days in the same week

Classroom days call for everyday clothes, while practical days call for something that can get dirty. It is easy to wear your good clothes in the workshop because they were on top of the pile. Keep two separate piles in the wardrobe. See our most popular men's styles for classroom days.

Wear and tear comes fast at first

In the first months you learn how the work wears on clothes, and it often costs a few pieces. You find out where you kneel, what you lean against and where the stains land. So do not buy expensive clothes for practical work at first. Our bamboo sweat clothes are a calm starting point.

Base layers go everywhere

Underwear and socks are the same whether the day is theory or practice. They are the pieces you wear every single day and feel most after long hours. Invest here and choose something that fits well and handles many washes. A men's bamboo sweatshirt works as a mid layer when it is cool.

Check what is provided

Many apprenticeships provide work clothes, especially for the practical side. Ask before you buy anything yourself, so you do not end up with duplicates. Base layers are rarely included, so you usually need to sort those out yourself. The same goes for clothes for classroom periods.

Socks wear out everywhere

Socks wear out fastest, on classroom days and practical days alike. Long days on your feet and heavy shoes quickly make holes in heels and toes. Keep plenty of pairs so none have to be worn again unwashed. Well fitting socks also help against blisters and sore feet.

Knees and shoulders take the most

In practical clothing, knees and shoulders often wear first, because you kneel, carry and lift. Notice where your clothes give way in the first weeks. Then you know what to look for when you buy more and where something tougher is worth it.

Have a clean set ready each morning

Apprenticeship days often start early, and it helps not to search for clothes while half awake. Lay out what you will wear the night before and check the schedule, so you know if it is classroom or practical. It takes five minutes and makes the morning calmer.

Wash work clothes separately

Clothes from a workshop or building site can be very dirty and should be washed on their own so the rest are not harmed. Rinse off the worst first and wash at the temperature the care label allows. Classroom clothes and base layers can go together at a low temperature.

Frequently asked questions

How many sets do you need

Five for practical work and three for school is a realistic starting point. Adjust it to how often you wash.

Are work clothes provided

Often yes for practical work, but rarely base layers. Ask before you buy, so you do not end up with duplicates.

What wears out fastest

Knees and shoulders in work clothes, and socks across the board. Keep enough socks for a clean pair every morning.