Workwear for Roofers & Outdoor Trades | UK Guide

If you work roofs, scaffolding, groundworks, landscaping, fencing, highways, utilities or other outdoor trades in UK weather, kit in this order: site PPE, then weather, then grip, then visibility. 

Clothing does not arrest a fall. 

There is no single best brand. 

This guide covers roofing, scaffolding, groundworks, landscaping, fencing, highways and utilities, with picks from Helly Hansen, Snickers, MASCOT, Blåkläder, Fristads, Carhartt and Portwest. Choose the features first and the brand second.

This is Part 4 of Tuffshop’s Workwear by Trade series. 

It is not a single-brand advert.

Follow the induction and the written risk assessment. Typical everyday kit is:

1. PPE the site requires — EN ISO 20345 safety boots, hard hat, gloves, eye protection, and often EN ISO 20471 hi-vis. Rail orange (RIS-3279-TOM) is a different requirement from ordinary site yellow.
   
   
2. A taped waterproof shell for sustained rain, and a softshell for wind. Softshell is water-repellent. It is not a taped waterproof substitute. Many outdoor trades keep both in the van.
   
   
3. Stretch trousers that climb and kneel, with knee-pad pockets. Rain overtrousers when legs stay wet. Hanging holsters snag on tiles, battens and ladders — a bag or belt is often cleaner on a roof.
   
   
4. Waterproof or water-resistant safety boots with the slip rating the ground needs. Confirm LG (ladder grip) on the product page when ladders are the job. Do not infer LG from a generic “grip” claim.
   
   
5. Grip or weather gloves, and certified fall-arrest kit as separate PPE. A jacket that layers under a harness is a fit note, not a harness.
   
   

For visibility depth use Guide to Buying Hi-Vis Workwear. 

For footwear use Guide to Buying Safety Boots.

1. Site PPE.
   Follow your induction and risk assessment for boots, helmet, gloves, eye protection and hi-vis.
   
   
2. Footing.
   Choose the toe, midsole, water resistance and slip rating the job needs, and insist on LG if you spend your day on ladders.
   
   
3. Weather.
   Wear a wicking base layer and a softshell for wind, and carry a taped waterproof shell for sustained rain.
   
   
4. Visibility.
   If hi-vis is required, it has to be your outer layer. A yellow vest under a black rain jacket does not count.
   
   
5. Movement.
   Look for stretch at the seat, crotch and knees, knee-pad pockets with certified pads, and low bulk if you wear a harness.
   
   
6. Brand. 
   Last. Use the brand to get the features you already decided you need.
   

Under the Work at Height Regulations 2005, you avoid working at height where you reasonably can. 

Where you can't, you prevent falls with collective measures such as scaffolds, guard rails and edge protection. 

Only then do you minimise the distance and consequences of a fall, first with collective systems such as safety nets and airbags, and last with personal fall arrest. 

HSE says a harness should never be the first choice.

When a harness is specified, it is certified PPE chosen by your site's competent person. 

That typically means an EN 361 full-body harness, an EN 355 energy-absorbing lanyard, suitable anchors, regular inspection and a rescue plan. 

For roof work, many sites prefer a helmet with a chin strap so it stays on if you slip. 

EN 12492 helmets have a tested chin strap as standard, and some EN 397 site helmets offer one as an option, so check what your site accepts. 

"Harness-compatible" on a jacket only means it layers without bulk under the straps. It is a fit feature, not a certification. 

Browse certified kit in Height Safety Equipment.

The SR marking now means the boot also passed a tougher test on glycerine-coated tile. 

The optional LG marking means the sole passed a dedicated ladder-grip test. 

S7 is S3 plus whole-boot water resistance (WR), and the L or S suffix identifies the non-metal midsole. 

Never assume LG from a general "grip" claim. 

Check the marking on the product page and inside the boot.

• Blåkläder 2294 EPIC is certified S7S FO SR HRO SC LG. It is waterproof, with a composite toe and a glove-friendly Freelock dial.
• Blåkläder 2455 ELITE carries the same S7S FO SR HRO SC LG rating in a full-grain leather boot with a waterproof membrane and Freelock fit.
• The Helly Hansen 78341 Magni Evo Mid Cut Boa is S7L FO HRO SR with a Boa fit. No LG marking is listed, so it suits groundworks and landscaping better than ladder-heavy days.
  
  

A softshell is water-repellent and windproof, which is ideal for cold, dry days of climbing. It is not an EN 343 waterproof. 

For wind, try the Snickers 1258 AllroundWork Softshell, the Blåkläder 4950 Softshell or the Carhartt 106438 Galesburg. 

Carhartt's Rain Defender finish sheds showers, but it is not a taped shell.

When rain lasts all day, you want a fully taped waterproof shell, ideally with an EN 343 rating:

• The Helly Hansen 71140 Chelsea Evo is a stretch everyday shell. The 71160 Magni Evo (EN 343 4,4,X) is the heavier choice when wind and rain are the whole day.
• The Snickers 1300 FlexiWork is an EN 343 stretch shell that suits climbing.
• The Blåkläder 4866 Rain Jacket and Fristads 432 RS are straightforward waterproof rain jackets.
• The Carhartt 105751 Monterey uses a Storm Defender membrane with fully taped seams.
• The Portwest S553 Radial is a taped EN 343 (3:2:X) 3-in-1 with a removable fleece at a lower price.

For wet legs, wear rain trousers over your work trousers rather than expecting stretch canvas to cope. 

Good options are the Snickers 6901, Blåkläder 1866, MASCOT 07062 Riverton, Fristads 2002 LPT and Portwest T604 (EN 343 3:3:X). 

For full coverage, try the Helly Hansen 70596 Alna 2.0 bib.

For winter roofs and early starts, the Snickers 1112 is a waterproof insulated jacket. 

The Carhartt 106981 Force Winnipeg is a lighter, stretchy insulated layer with a water-repellent shell rather than a taped one.

Class 2 is common on general sites, while Class 3 is often specified for high-speed roads and higher-risk work. 

UK rail is stricter still. Lineside clothing must be fluorescent orange that meets RIS-3279-TOM, at Class 2 or above. 

Ordinary yellow or standard orange-red does not qualify.

• Helly Hansen 71185 UC-ME (EN 343 3,3,X)
• MASCOT 15501 Harlow (EN 343 4,4,X)
• Blåkläder 4323 (EN 343 4,1)
• Fristads 4624 RS, which is Class 2 in size 2XS
• Snickers 1132, which is insulated
• Portwest RT60. Its orange version meets RIS-3279-TOM.

For winter rail work, the orange Blåkläder 4457 Winter Parka is Class 3 and RIS-3279-TOM compliant. 

For Class 2 on the legs, try the Fristads 2625 RS or Snickers 6530 rain trousers. 

Check the class and rail marking for the colour you buy. 

More detail: Guide to Buying Hi-Vis Workwear.

• Snickers 6218 AllroundWork 4-Way Stretch is the current Snickers all-rounder. It has holster pockets with zipped compartments and Cordura-reinforced knees. If you already own and like the 6241, there's no need to change.
• The MASCOT 17079 ADVANCED has no hanging pockets, Ultimate Stretch fabric and Dyneema-reinforced kneepad pockets. It's the tidiest choice for roofs.
• The Helly Hansen 77563 Magni Evolution Construction has 4-way stretch, detachable hanging pockets and adjustable knee-pad pockets.
• The Fristads 2687 SSL Craftsman Jogger has holster pockets that zip away when you're on the roof, plus height-adjustable knee pockets. Fristads approves it to EN 14404 with its own kneepads.
• The Snickers 6940 FlexiWork Softshell is a wind-blocking, water-resistant trouser for cold climbing days. Add rain trousers over it when the rain sets in.
• The Portwest DX440 is a 4-way stretch holster trouser with detachable pockets at a lower price.

Look for EN 343 or equivalent, fully taped seams, and reinforced leg endings on rain trousers. 

Skip “showerproof” for all-day outdoor work.

Helly Hansen — when weather is the hard part of the job. Everyday non-hi-vis shell: 71140 Chelsea Evo. 

When rain and wind are the whole day: 71160 Magni Evo Shell. 

Hi-vis waterproof Class 3: 71185 UC-ME (orange listings can be rail spec). 

Rain bib: 70596 Alna 2.0. 

Browse Helly Hansen Workwear

Helly Hansen Waterproof Clothing 

Helly Hansen Jackets.

Helly Hansen Trousers

Helly Hansen Brand Guide.

MASCOT — structured Class 3 shell. 

The 15501 Harlow Safe Supreme Outer Shell is the MASCOT weather/hi-vis outer — not a builder’s Hardwear trouser relabelled as a jacket. 

Rain legs: 07062 Riverton Aqua. 

Browse MASCOT Workwear

MASCOT Jackets

MASCOT Trousers

MASCOT Brand Guide.

Non-hi-vis shell: 1300 FlexiWork Stretch Waterproof. 

Hi-vis insulated waterproof Class 3: 1132. 

Rain overtrousers: 6901 AllroundWork Waterproof Shell Trouser; 6530 if Class 2 has to live on the legs.

Browse Snickers Workwear

Snickers Jackets

Snickers Trousers

Snickers Brand Guide

Fristads — Swedish rain kit, not a site craftsman trouser. 

Non-hi-vis: 432 RS rain jacket and 2002 LPT rain trousers. 

When the outer must be seen: 4624 RS Class 3 rain jacket with 2625 RS Class 2 rain trousers. 

Browse Fristads Workwear

Fristads Jackets

Fristads Trousers

Fristads Brand Guide.

Blåkläder — rain kit, not only overtrousers. 

Legs: 1866 Rain Trousers — taped, breathable, built to go over work trousers. 

Matching shell: 4866 Rain Jacket, or 4305 Level 2 if you want a heavier waterproof. 

When Class 3 has to be the outer: 4323 Hi-Vis Rain Jacket (orange listings can be rail spec). 

Wind mid-layer is still 4950; winter Class 3 remains 4457. 

Browse Blaklader Workwear

Blåkläder Jackets 

Blåkläder Trousers
Blåkläder Brand Guide.

Portwest — value waterproofs, hi-vis volume, and trousers. Non-hi-vis 3-in-1: S553 Radial. 

Class 3 rain jacket: RT60. 

Winter bomber: S463; lighter 2-in-1 C464. 

Rain legs: DX433 DX4, or T604 PW3 if you want a breathable PW3 pair; F441 Iona if it only needs to be cheap. 

Work trousers: DX440 DX4 detachable-holster stretch for mixed outdoor days; KX343 if you want a value holster jogger. 

PW306 when Class 2 has to live in the trousers (orange listings can be rail spec). 

Legitimate for apprentices and crew kit-outs. 

Check the class and rail marking on the label. 

Browse Portwest Workwear

Portwest Jackets

Portwest Trousers. 

Portwest Brand Guide

Look for stretch at the seat, crotch and knees; knee-pad pockets; a gusset or articulated cut; fabric that dries; and pockets that do not snag on tiles or scaffold. 

Empty knee pockets do not protect you.

If you are buying a new pair of Snickers holster trousers for mixed outdoor days, start with the 6218 AllroundWork 4-Way Stretch. 

Full 4-way stretch, lighter next-generation cloth, zipped holster compartments, Cordura at holsters and knees. 

That is the current all-rounder for fencing, landscaping, groundworks and any day you still want holsters.

The 6241 is the classic everyone already knows. 

Keep it if you like the heavier twill. 

If you are choosing between the two as a new buy, take the 6218.

On a roof, hanging holsters are optional. 

For cold, windy climbing with holsters still attached, the 6940 FlexiWork Softshell Stretch is a wind trouser, not a rain trouser. 

When legs stay wet, add 6901 over the top — do not pretend a stretch pair is waterproof.

Snickers 6-series often comes up small. 

Knee protection is only EN 14404-certified with compatible pads. 

Browse Snickers Workwear

Snickers Jackets

Snickers Trousers

Snickers Brand Guide

Snickers is popular for stretch. 

It is not automatically the right shell, boot or rain layer — and it is not a harness.

Choose Helly Hansen for construction stretch that belongs with a weather kit. 

The 77563 Magni Evolution Construction is the roofer/outdoor pick: 4-way stretch, detachable hanging pockets, articulated knees, external pad pockets. 

That is a climbing construction trouser, not a plant-room service cut.

77461 Oxford Construction is the lower-ticket construction alternative. 

The bigger Helly Hansen win is still usually the jacket.

Choose MASCOT for Danish stretch without hanging holsters catching on the roof. 

The 17079 ADVANCED trousers with kneepad pockets are Ultimate Stretch with Dyneema at the knees — built to kneel, not to drag pouches through battens. 

Add 07062 when it rains. 

For assessed hi-vis weather, use the 15501 shell, not a non-hi-vis Advanced jacket.

Choose Blåkläder for rain kit, craftsman stretch and grip boots.

1866 over a stretch pair; 4866 or 4323 for the shell. 

If you still want craftsman holsters and kneeling cloth on dry days, X1900 remains the tough option — the 1999 dropped-crotch hang is the climbing cut. 

Boots: 2294 or 2455. 

Choose Fristads for rain you can actually see, and for a work jogger roofers actually like. 

Rain layer: 4624 RS Class 3 jacket with 2625 RS Class 2 rain trousers when the outer must be seen; 432 RS and 2002 LPT when it does not. 

For climbing stretch, the 2687 SSL Craftsman Jogger is the pair: full 4-way stretch, holster / nail pockets that tuck away on the roof, height-adjustable knitted knee pockets. Not cheap. Best in class.

Choose Tuffstuff 718 when you want a work jogger without the Fristads ticket. 

The 718 Hyperflex is the cheap-and-cheerful climbing option — stretch jogging bottoms built as work trousers, not a fashion cuff. Use it for dry climbing days; it is not a taped rain trouser.

Choose Engel for all-day outdoor comfort. 

Galaxy layering — start with the 1809-255 stretch work jacket — then add a taped shell when rain is sustained. 

Choose Carhartt for duck toughness and a waterproof that is actually taped. 

Wind mid: 106438 Galesburg Rain Defender — a softshell, not a rain shell. 

Lightweight taped waterproof: 105751 Monterey (Storm Defender membrane, fully taped seams). 

Heavy rain: 104670 Storm Defender Shoreline — loose-fit heavyweight, fully taped. 

Cold climbing: 106981 Force Winnipeg — stretch insulated with Rain Defender DWR; warmth and movement, not a taped shell.

Helly Hansen still leads if you need EN 343 and hi-vis in the same garment.

Choose Portwest when price or a whole crew kit-out is the constraint. 

Jackets as above. Trousers: DX440 for stretch holsters, KX343 for a value jogger, DX433 or T604 when legs stay wet. 

Features come at a price; replace Portwest more often. 

Check the label against the assessment.

Match toe, midsole, slip and water protection to the risk assessment — often S3 or modern S7S/S7L with SR. 

Confirm LG on the listing when ladder grip is specified.

Starting points we stock:

• Blåkläder 2294 EPIC — waterproof S7S with SR (Freelock fit).
• Blåkläder 2455 ELITE — S7S; some colourways carry SC LG — confirm on the page you buy.
• Helly Hansen 78341 Magni Evo Mid Cut Boa — S7L, SR-rated outsole, Boa fit.
• Solid Gear SG80208 Sonar Mid — S3S SR for active outdoor work.
• Steel Blue PARKES Scuff Cap Zip — comfort-first S3 when site rules allow.

Browse all Safety Footwear at Tuffshop.

Further details: Guide to Buying Safety Boots · EN ISO footwear standards.

Many UK outdoor sites require EN ISO 20471. 

Class depends on the assessment — Class 2 is common on general sites; Class 3 is often specified for higher-risk roads, rail and plant.

Orange rail-spec may also need RIS-3279-TOM.

Wear hi-vis as the outer layer. 

Keep reflective bands visible.

Starting outers: Helly Hansen 71185 UC-ME; MASCOT 15501; Snickers 1230 Class 3 softshell for wind, or 1132 when you need waterproof insulation; Portwest RT60 or C464 at a lower ticket.

Further info: Guide to Buying Hi-Vis Workwear.

Dexterity: Portwest A120 or DeWalt Grippemaster DPG70.

Wet handling: Portwest AP80 Liquid Pro. 

Cold wet: Blåkläder 2876 lined waterproof touchscreen.

Choose cut, impact, heat or chemical only when the task risk requires it. 

Check EN 388 markings. 

Keep spare pairs in the van so wet gloves do not become a reason to work unprotected.

Site PPE first — boots, hard hat, gloves, hi-vis if required, eye protection where assessed. 

Add a wicking base, a softshell or mid-layer, stretch work trousers and a taped waterproof shell for sustained rain. 

Choose safety boots with the required slip, toe, midsole and water protection. 

Clothing should allow movement and sensible harness fit. 

Fall-arrest remains separate certified PPE.

Softshell for wind and cool dry days — Snickers 1258, Blåkläder 4950, Engel Galaxy 1809 or Carhartt 106438. 

Waterproof shell for sustained rain — taped seams and an appropriate EN 343 performance level: Helly Hansen 71140 or 71160, Snickers 1300, Fristads 432, MASCOT 15501 if you also need Class 3, or Portwest S553. 

Carhartt taped options if you already live in Carhartt cloth: 105751 Monterey (lightweight) or 104670 Shoreline (heavyweight Storm Defender). 

A softshell can resist light showers. 

Carry both so weather does not force a poor compromise.

Waterproof or water-resistant safety boots with the slip rating in your assessment, commonly S3 or S7S/S7L with SR. 

For ladders, confirm LG on the product page; never infer it from a generic “grip” claim. 

Consider Blåkläder 2294 or 2455, Helly Hansen 78341, Solid Gear SG80208 or Steel Blue PARKES where the site specification permits. 

Fit matters: allow toe movement, secure the heel, test with the socks you actually wear.

Whatever EN ISO 20471 class your risk assessment requires. 

Class 2 is common on general sites; Class 3 is often specified for higher-risk roads, rail and plant. 

Orange rail-specific garments may also need RIS-3279-TOM. 

Wear the hi-vis outer where visibility is needed. 

Check the garment label, class, colour and care instructions rather than assuming every bright jacket is compliant.

No. Clothing does not provide fall arrest. 

Buy certified harness PPE separately from Height Safety Equipment. 

Choose jackets that layer cleanly under straps — helmet-compatible hoods, less bulk — that is comfort, not a substitute for fall protection.

The Fristads 2687 SSL is the best-in-class holster jogger — tuck-away pouches, 4-way stretch. 

Tuffstuff 718 Hyperflex is the cheap-and-cheerful option. 

Portwest KX343 sits in between. 

They are not taped waterproof rainwear.

Many roofers use a bag or belt on the roof and holsters on mixed outdoor days. 

If you want holsters that can disappear, use Fristads 2687. 

If you do not want hanging pouches at all, MASCOT 17079 is the kneepad pair without them.

For many outdoor trades, yes — 6218 for a new holster pair, 6940 if you want a wind-resistant stretch trouser, 6901 when legs stay wet.

Helly Hansen leads more often for waterproof shells; MASCOT 17079 is the cleaner no-holster climbing pair.

Blåkläder, Fristads rain kit, Engel, Carhartt and Portwest are credible alternatives depending on the layer.

Buy 6218 for a new pair. Keep 6241 if you already like that heavier twill.

Portwest A120 for dexterity; Portwest AP80 Liquid Pro for wet handling; Blåkläder 2876 for lined waterproof touchscreen gloves in cold weather.

Start at Tuffshop.co.uk, then:

• Helly Hansen 71140 Chelsea Evo · 71160 Magni Evo Shell · 71185 UC-ME · 77563 Magni trousers · 70596 Alna bib · 78341 Magni boots · HH waterproofs · HH hi-vis jackets
• Snickers 6218 · 6940 FlexiWork · 6901 rain trousers · 1300 shell · 1258 softshell · 1132 · Snickers trousers
• MASCOT 15501 Harlow · 17079 ADVANCED · 07062 Riverton
• Blåkläder 1866 · 4866 rain jacket · 4323 hi-vis rain · 4457 parka · 2294 EPIC · 2455 ELITE
• Fristads 2687 jogger · 4624 rain jacket · 2625 rain trousers · 2002 LPT
• Tuffstuff 718 Hyperflex
• Engel Galaxy 1809
• Carhartt 106438 Galesburg · 105751 Monterey · 104670 Shoreline · 106981 Force Winnipeg
• Portwest DX440 · KX343 jogger · S553 · RT60 · A120 · AP80
• Solid Gear SG80208 · Steel Blue PARKES · Steel Blue
• Height Safety Equipment

Help-centre: Safety boots · Hi-vis · Brand comparison · EN ISO footwear

This is Part 4 of the Workwear by Trade series from Tuffshop.

Also in this series: Builders & Construction Workers · Carpenters & Joiners · Electricians · Women’s Workwear · Plumbers & Heating Engineers