Keep the chill out: a guide to insulated jackets
When the air turns cold, staying warm becomes a top 10 concern. Puffy, pillow-like jackets were long the go-to, without much emphasis on fashionability, but today’s insulated jackets are designed to hold your body heat close and keep you looking professional at the same time.
If you are choosing a jacket as part of your company’s uniform, you will likely choose one for the entire fleet. When choosing an insulated jacket, there are a few key factors to consider:
Types of Insulation
The insulation of a jacket is what provides the heat trapping effect. Down, nature’s best insulator, provides the most warmth for the least weight and bulk. However, it won’t insulate if it gets wet and is the most expensive. Water repellent down exists, but it will only protect against light rain, so it is still best for only dry or damp conditions. Synthetic fiber down is, by contrast, water-repellent and quick-drying that is engineered to mimic down’s loft, low weight and compressibility. While natural down is more durable and breathable, synthetics are getting better every year and will keep you warm, and dry, in all conditions. Another option available is fleece. Best for chilly conditions, but not serious cold, fleece jackets, vests, and pullovers are commonly worn as a middle layer in a 3-part layering system used to regulate heat and perspiration during vigorous activity.
Weather conditions
As mentioned with your selection of insulation type, weather conditions such as rain can hold a lot of weight in your jacket decisions. While some winters are burlier than others, typically you can rely on the 10-year average for temperature and precipitation to know the conditions your workers, and uniforms, will face. Expecting wet conditions? A waterproof/breathable shell, even if your jacket uses synthetic insulation, is essential in case of a downpour. Will it be cool instead of cold most days? Focusing on the wind-breaking features may be more bang for your buck.
Fit and features
If possible, provide two different sizes of the same jacket for your employees to choose from. Everyone runs a little hotter or colder during mild activity, and having well fitting clothes helps give off the professional image your business can benefit from. To test the sizing, raise your hands over your head. Ideally, the core of your body will remain covered and insulated even as you’re stretched out. The design of a jacket can boast many useful features. Check for pockets, both in number and location, as well as the snugness of cuffs, availability of a double-sided zipper, and covered buttons. Hood or no hood is another personal preference for many employees. They may appreciate the certainty of having an attached hood – no “Where’s my hat?” moments. For serious cold, a fur ruff around a hood’s opening can be a big plus as well. As we head into the holiday season, give your team members the gift of warmth! We know their comfort is important to you, so get started today with SITEX’s garment rental services or view our catalog, and outfit your employees in the warmest garments on the market.