When you move from office to physical work

Short answer: Physical work makes completely different demands: more sweat, more movement and more wear. The wardrobe has to shift from smart to hard wearing, and it pays to think it through from the start.

Sweat changes everything

In physical work you sweat several times as much, and a base layer that moves moisture away from the skin becomes essential. See bestsellers for men for the most worn styles. A wet layer against the body quickly turns cold during breaks, so choose something that dries fast and feels comfortable all day.

Movement needs room

Clothes that fit well standing still can pull when you lift and bend all day. Choose a looser fit such as a bamboo jogging suit for the time before and after work and for breaks. Check the shoulders, knees and waist in particular, as that is where clothes are pulled most.

Wear costs money

Physical work wears out clothes three to five times faster than office work. Buy fewer, sturdier pieces, see bamboo sweat for men and women. It can be tempting to buy lots of cheap items, but when everything wears fast, the quality of the most exposed pieces decides how long the wardrobe lasts.

Keep work and leisure clothes apart

Many workplaces provide work clothes, and it is worth asking about from the start. Either way, keep your work clothes and leisure clothes separate. That way your good clothes are not worn down day to day, and you always know what goes in the bag in the morning and in the wash at night.

Layer for the weather

If you work outdoors or in cold halls, layers are the easiest way to follow the temperature. A thin base layer, a mid layer and outer protection can be put on and taken off during the day. Mornings are often cold, while you warm up quickly once the work is under way.

Wash more often

Sweat and dirt mean work clothes need washing more often than office clothes. Wash at the temperature the care label recommends, and hang the clothes to dry straight away so odour does not settle. With five sets you can manage with one wash a week, though many prefer two.

Change after work

A change at the end of the working day makes a big difference to how you feel on the way home. Keep a set of clean, soft clothes in your bag or locker so you do not sit in damp work clothes. It is also good for the body to get out of close fitting layers after hours of movement.

Give it time

It takes a few weeks to learn what works in the new job. Notice what wears out first, what pulls and what you miss. Use that as the basis for new purchases rather than buying everything before day one. That way the wardrobe is built on real need, not a guess.

Frequently asked questions

How many sets do you need

Five work sets, so you can wash once a week. Many add a couple of extra if the work is especially dirty.

Should you change during the day

A spare base layer in your bag makes a big difference on long days. A dry layer after lunch feels much better than a wet one.

What wears out first

Knees, elbows and shoulders, where the clothes both bend and rub against something. Check those areas first when choosing new pieces.