Best Workwear for Summer 2024

15 January 2024

From breathable rainwear to lightweight t-shirts, we've made sure that sell all of the workwear that you need for summer. It doesn't matter how hot the temperature gets, you still need to protect yourself against the hazards of work. We've created this guide to help you find the best workwear for you, covering t-shirts, trousers, jackets and more.

Protect yourself in hot weather with our range of summer workwear
Protect yourself in hot weather with our range of summer workwear

Find the Best Workwear for You This Summer

If you know what kind of workwear you want, click on the below headings to head on down to your choice. If not, scroll down and view each of the products in full.

Best Work Shorts for Summer

Portwest TX14 Black Texo Contrast Shorts

Portwest TX14 Black Texo Contrast Shorts

Why We Love It...

  • Breathable work shorts for manual work
  • Well suited to DIY, maintenance, building and other similar jobs
  • Includes an impressive seven pockets for ample storage room
  • Control panels protect against grease while an elasticated waist ensures comfort

Best For... 

  • General work, DIY, construction, building, manufacturing, mechanics, engineering and more

View the Range... 

Editor's Verdict:  The Portwest TX14 Black Texo Contrast Shorts are high comfort breathable shorts for an array of outdoors tasks in the summer, ranging from heavy duty work such as building and scaffolding, to dirty work such as engineering and mechanics.

Best Work Trousers for Summer

Portwest C711 Navy Combat Trousers

Portwest C701 Navy Combat Trouser

Why We Love Them...

  • Breathable modern day work trousers with a focus on longevity
  • Lightweight design is designed to keep the legs cool during use
  • Reinforced for use over extended periods in tough conditions
  • Includes six pockets for storing tools and equipment

Best For... 

  • Warehousing, building, maintenance, utilities and similar outdoor work

View the Range...

Editor's Verdict: Lightweight, breathable and flexible, these Portwest C701 Navy Combat Trousers are well suited to work in the summer, including in the warehousing, maintenance, utilities and couriering industries.

Best Work T-Shirts for Summer

Portwest B210 Black Work Polo Shirt

Portwest B210 Black Work Polo Shirt

Why We Love It..

  • Lightweight and breathable for use outdoors
  • Designed using stretchy pique knit polycotton for supreme comfort
  • Includes a three button placket opening for nice ventilation
  • Comes in a smart professional look

Best For...

  • Low risk outdoor work, shop floor work, mechanics, maintenance, warehousing and more

View the Range...

Editors Verdict: The Portwest B210 Black Work Polo Shirt is a smart-casual t-shirt that can be used across a range of different jobs including shop floor work, engineering and maintenance, while the three button placket opening means that you can stay cool in hot weather.

Best High Visibility T-Shirt for Summer

Supertouch Hi-Vis T-Shirt

Supertouch Hi-Vis T-Shirt

Why We Love It...

  • Comes in the option of high visibility orange or high visibility yellow
  • Designed to keep you visible around vehicles or in low light conditions
  • Made from polyester for preventing overheating during use
  • Certified for use in the rail industry

Best For...

  • Warehousing, lorry yards, rail and Underground work, traffic management and security

View the Range...

Editors Verdict: The Supertouch Hi-Vis T-Shirt is a simple orange or yellow high visibility t-shirt that is designed to keep you visible when working in low light conditions or around vehicles, with the 100% polyester lining keeping you cool in hot weather.

Best High Visibility Shorts for Summer

Portwest PW343 Hi-Vis Orange Holster Shorts

Portwest PW343 Hi-Vis Orange Holster Shorts

Why We Love It...

  • Lightweight orange high visibility work trousers designed for railway work
  • Heavy duty design can protect you against manual risks
  • Includes 9 pockets, an ID holder and reinforced pockets
  • Designed using cotton for improving breathability during use

Best For... 

  • Railway work, building, manufacturing, maintenance and more

View the Range... 

Editor's Verdict: The Portwest PW343 Hi-Vis Orange Holster Shorts are some of our most popular work shorts and it's not hard to see why, with their high visibility design supported by reinforced panels, nine pockets and comfortable cotton.

Best High Visibility Jacket for Summer

Supertouch Hi-Vis Breathable Jacket

Supertouch Hi-Vis Breathable Jacket

Why We Love It...

  • Designed for wearing in case of wet weather or during chilly mornings and night shifts
  • High visibility for ensuring visibility in dark conditions especially around vehicles
  • Waterproof design perfect for wet weather
  • Supplied in two colours (orange and yellow)

Best For...

  • Use in wet weather, on night shifts or in morning and evening work

View the Range... 

Editors Verdict: The Superotuch Hi-Vis Breathable Jacket is designed for use in wet weather during the summer, with the lightweight and breathable design keeping you dry without leading to overheating.

Best Flame Resistant T-Shirt for Summer

ProGARM 5430 Flame Resistant Arc T-Shirt

ProGARM 5430 Flame Resistant Arc T-Shirt

Why We Love It...

  • Long sleeved flame resistant t-shirt
  • Isn't overbearing while wearing around heat
  • Designed to resist flames, static and flash hazards
  • Includes a traditional neck collar for impressive comfort

Best For... 

  • Welding, foundry, fabrication, arc flash work and more

View the Range... 

Editor's Verdict: The ProGARM 5430 Flame Resistant Arc T-Shirt is a long sleeved t-shirt that offers protection against flames, heat, static and arc flash, with the lighter design ideal for use in hot weather.

Best Waterproof Trousers for Summer

Portwest F441 Iona Rain Trousers

Portwest F441 Iona Rain Trousers

Why We Love It...

  • Waterproof and lightweight trousers for rainy working conditions
  • Includes a reflective tape for extra visibility at work
  • Includes side access pockets for impressive functionality
  • Elasticated waist and ankles for a secure fit

Best For... 

  • Summer work in wet weather conditions

View the Range... 

Editor's Verdict: The Portwest F441 Iona Rain Trousers are simple rainwear for wet weather, with their waterproof design supported by a lightweight and breathable finish that is perfect for wet but warm weather. 

Best Waterproof Jacket for Summer

Portwest DX474 DX4 Softshell Work Jacket

Portwest DX474 DX4 Softshell Work Jacket

Why We Love It...

  • A simple lightweight softshell jacket with a waterproof lining
  • Non thermal design means that you can use it during warmer but wetter weather
  • Stylish grown on hood is ideal for when the rain starts to pour
  • Designed to provide total freedom of movement for an array of tasks

Best For... 

  • Use in wet weather, outdoor work, low risk handling, driving and more

Not the Best For... 

Editor's Verdict: Our last option is the Portwest DX474 DX4 Softshell Work Jacket, which is designed to prevent overheating while protecting you against rain, ideal for outdoor tasks such as couriering, handling and utilities.

Shop Our Summer Workwear Range Now

Hopefully this has given you an idea of the kind of workwear that you might want this summer. If you want to view our full range, then take a look at our Work Apparel category for our full workwear range.

If you have any questions or anything to add, please leave a comment below and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.