Summer Trends: Safe, Stylish & Functional Uniforms for Staff Working Outdoors
As the UK continues to experience warmer summers due to climate change, the demand for staff uniforms that are not only safe and stylish but also functional and sustainable has never been greater — particularly in sectors like construction, engineering, and transport, where staff face long working hours in challenging outdoor conditions.
In the past, heavy fabrics, ill-fitting designs, and poor breathability left many workers struggling in the heat. Today, however, expectations have evolved.
From construction uniforms to transportation uniforms, modern outdoor workwear must deliver more than just basic protection, also supporting staff performance and wellbeing, enhancing brand identity, and reflecting environmental responsibility.
At Jermyn Street Design (JSD), we understand that outdoor workwear must adapt. As a leading uniform supplier and B Corp certified business, we are proud to drive forward-thinking approaches to sustainable workwear in the UK.
With a focus on ESD workwear (which provides electrostatic discharge protection), multi-functional safety elements, and sustainable practices, we’re redefining what seasonal outdoor uniforms can achieve.
Why Outdoor Uniforms Need to Do More — Especially in Summer
Working outdoors during the summer presents unique challenges. Heat stress, sun exposure, and the physical demands of outdoor work can all take a toll on employees, causing ill effects that range from reduced concentration and dehydration to heat-related illnesses (HRIs) and even occupational injuries.
In sectors like construction, transport, and engineering, rising temperatures can intensify these risks. Workers often operate around metal scaffolding, high-temperature vehicles/machinery, and heat-radiating tarmacs — environments that become even more hazardous in the heat.
Traditional construction uniforms, transportation uniforms, and engineering workwear have historically prioritised physical protection. However, this can leave workers wearing uncomfortable garments that trap heat, restrict movement, and ultimately hinder performance.
Sweating through a heavy polyester shirt or struggling in stiff trousers doesn’t just reduce morale; it compromises safety and focus, increasing risks in already hazardous environments.
Today’s workforce, along with clients and regulators, expect uniforms that balance technical performance with comfort, responsible sourcing, and a professional appearance. JSD is proud to lead that change.
As a certified B Corp, we go beyond aesthetics or box-ticking compliance. We create bespoke, sustainable workwear in the UK designed to keep staff cool, safe, and on-brand, no matter their job or working conditions.
How Performance Fabrics Are Changing Outdoor Workwear
The evolution of textile technology has opened exciting new possibilities in uniform design. Performance fabrics now allow us to offer summer uniforms that are breathable, flexible, and capable of regulating wearer body temperature — without compromising on durability or protection.
At JSD, we create construction uniforms and transportation uniforms using performance fabrics specifically engineered for safety and comfort in outdoor environments. For example, lightweight, breathable weaves prevent employees from overheating during physically demanding tasks.
Unlike traditional cotton or polyester blends that absorb sweat and become heavy, moisture-wicking fabrics pull moisture away from the skin, allowing it to evaporate — keeping workers cooler and more focused throughout the day.
Flexibility is just as important. Four-way stretch materials support freedom of movement, making physical tasks safer and less tiring. Whether crouching under vehicles, scaling scaffolding, or managing heavy tools and cumbersome equipment, your staff benefit from ergonomic workwear that moves with them.
What’s more, many of these high-performance materials can be made from recycled or sustainable fibres, reducing environmental impact while still delivering on functionality — an important consideration for companies committed to eco-friendliness and ethical manufacturing.
Sustainable Workwear in the UK: Meeting ESG and Performance Goals Together
One of the biggest shifts in outdoor workwear is the growing expectation for sustainability. Clients, investors, and employees alike increasingly expect companies to demonstrate responsibility across their supply chains — and that includes what staff wear.
At JSD, we approach sustainable workwear in the UK with purpose and precision, considering longevity and ethics at every stage of the garment lifecycle, from design to disposal.
As such, we choose sustainable fabrics that not only perform well, but also last — reducing waste and ensuring that uniforms look sharp, wash after wash. These include recycled polyester (rPET), organic cotton blends, and bamboo textiles.
By working with suppliers who share our values, we ensure every stage of production meets high ethical and environmental standards. Plus, our B Corp certification means we are independently verified for our environmental and social impact — so you can be confident that working with us aligns with your company’s wider ESG goals.
Safety First: The Role of ESD and Multi-Functional Protective Workwear
Outdoor workwear must do more than keep staff cool — it must keep them safe too. In engineering, transport, and construction, anti-static ESD workwear is essential to protect both workers and sensitive equipment.
ESD workwear prevents the build-up of electrostatic discharge, which can cause serious harm in environments where workers handle electronics, explosives, or flammable materials. In sectors like transport maintenance or engineering for complex systems, this protection is vital.
Yet traditional anti-static gear has often been bulky, hot, and uncomfortable — making it poorly suited for summer use. As an experienced engineering uniform supplier and expert in transportation uniforms, JSD designs ESD garments that incorporate lightweight, breathable fabrics with anti-static technology — ensuring workers are protected without suffering in the heat.
Our garments can also include multi-functional features, such as flame-resistance or high-visibility detailing, offering a complete safety solution in a single uniform.
By incorporating multi-functionality into our designs, we help reduce the number of separate garments your staff need to own — streamlining wardrobe management and reducing costs while keeping workers protected in all environments.
Making Uniforms Fit for People — The Role of Ergonomics and Inclusive Design
A uniform should support the person wearing it — physically and emotionally. That’s why we place ergonomics, fit, and inclusivity at the heart of every uniform design.
Poorly fitting uniforms are more than just uncomfortable; they’re a safety hazard. Oversized trousers can get caught, while tight shirts can restrict movement. That’s why we tailor each uniform collection for proper movement, posture, and climate-appropriate layering.
In industries like construction and engineering, uniforms have historically been designed with male workers in mind. However, we focus on creating construction uniforms and transportation uniforms that cater to diverse teams, accounting for different genders, body types, and cultural identities. This can be seen in our work with Laing O’Rourke.
When people feel seen and supported, they work better — and that starts with what they wear.
Layering for Outdoor Comfort — A Smart Approach to Changing Conditions
In the UK, as in many other European countries, outdoor workers often face sudden weather changes — chilly mornings, hot afternoons, unexpected rain. Therefore, they need adaptable uniform solutions to keep comfortable across any conditions.
JSD designs lightweight, breathable base layers that can be paired with protective outerwear such as ESD workwear components or high-visibility vests. This allows workers to adjust their clothing throughout the work day without having to compromise on maintaining brand identity or safety standards.
These layered systems work especially well for sectors like construction and engineering, where visibility and mobility are essential, and for transportation crews who shift between indoor and outdoor environments throughout their day.
Why Branding and Style Still Matter in Outdoor Workwear
Uniforms are more than just PPE — they’re also a powerful branding tool. On a construction site, at a transport hub, or in front of a client, what your team wears shapes how your business is perceived.
At JSD, branding isn’t an afterthought. It’s built into every stitch — helping your team represent your company with pride and professionalism.
Our design process includes carefully selecting colour palettes, bespoke trims, and discreet but durable logo applications. We ensure your brand is front and centre — while keeping the primary focus on functionality, sustainability, and comfort.
Ready to Redefine Your Outdoor Workwear? Contact JSD Today
At JSD, we believe outdoor workwear can be safe, stylish, and sustainable — all at once. Our expertise in designing construction uniforms, engineering uniforms, transportation uniforms, and ESD workwear means we understand what it takes to keep staff protected, cool, and professional — even during the hottest summer months.
If you’re looking for uniforms that reflect your business’s commitment to people, planet, and performance, we’re ready to help. Contact us today to start designing outdoor uniforms that are ready for anything — just like your team.
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