10 Common Mistakes When Choosing Winter Workwear – and How to Avoid Them

When cold temperatures hit, selecting the right workwear becomes critical. Whether you’re exposed to freezing outdoor conditions or working in unheated indoor environments, choosing effective winter workwear will determine not only your comfort but also your safety and productivity. At Safety Store Optimum BHP, we specialize in professional insulated workwear, including insulated jackets, insulated trousers, thermal accessories, and safety shoes for winter. But there are key mistakes you must avoid to make sure your winter PPE is truly effective.

Below, we explore the 5 most common mistakes when choosing insulated workwear – and offer proven solutions to help you avoid them.

Check: 

Insulated Jackets vs Insulated Trousers – Which Winter Workwear Do You Need Most?

Top 10 Features to Look for in Insulated Work Trousers for Harsh Winter Conditions

The Role of EN 342 Certification in Choosing Winter Workwear: What Every Professional Should Know

How to Choose the Best Winter Workwear? A Complete Guide for Cold-Weather Jobs

Top 10 Best-Selling Insulated Jackets for Outdoor Work in Winter 2025

The Best Safety Shoes for Winter – What to Wear in Snow, Ice and Sub-Zero Temperatures



Mistake 1: Choosing Style Over Functionality

It’s tempting to pick a jacket or trousers that “look good,” but in winter workwear, functionality must come first. Fashion cuts or lightweight materials may feel comfortable in mild weather but can be dangerous in sub-zero temperatures or snowy conditions.

✅ Solution: Look for garments with EN 342 certification (standard for protective clothing against cold). Select models with quilted linings, storm flaps, adjustable cuffs, and wind-resistant fabrics. Explore our range of certified insulated jackets that combine protection and durability.

Mistake 2: Not Layering Properly

Wearing just one thick insulated jacket may seem like a good idea, but it can lead to overheating and sweating – which, ironically, causes rapid heat loss. Improper layering is a top mistake among both new and experienced workers.

✅ Solution: Follow the 3-layer system:

Don’t forget proper insulated work trousers and winter-rated safety shoes.

Mistake 3: Ignoring Visibility Requirements

In winter, visibility is often reduced due to fog, snow, and shorter daylight hours. Workers who skip high-visibility winter clothing increase their risk of accidents on construction sites, roads, and industrial zones.

✅ Solution: Choose insulated high visibility workwear that complies with EN ISO 20471. Opt for jackets and trousers with fluorescent panels and reflective tape, like the Portwest DX460 or Snickers AllroundWork 1130.

Mistake 4: Overlooking the Feet – Wrong Winter Footwear

Many workers focus on jackets and trousers while neglecting proper winter footwear. Wearing summer safety shoes in freezing temperatures can lead to frostbite, slips, or foot fatigue.

✅ Solution: Invest in certified insulated safety shoes with non-slip soles, thermal insulation, water resistance, and composite toe caps. See our wide range of Portwest winter footwear, including:

Mistake 5: Skipping Key Accessories Like Gloves and Headgear

Even with the right jacket and boots, exposed hands, ears, or face can lead to dangerous heat loss. Many overlook winter-specific PPE accessories – and pay the price with discomfort or injuries.

✅ Solution: Always complete your winter outfit with:

These small additions make a big difference in long shifts under extreme weather.

Mistake #6: Ignoring Visibility and Reflective Protection

One critical aspect often overlooked when choosing winter workwear is the need for high visibility clothing. Shorter daylight hours and fog, snow, or heavy rain can significantly reduce visibility on construction sites, roadsides, or in logistics zones. Choosing non-reflective winter gear, or layering insulated jackets over hi-vis garments, puts workers at serious risk — especially in high-traffic areas. The right solution? Select insulated high-visibility workwear, such as reflective winter jackets or insulated trousers with reflective tapes, that meet EN ISO 20471 or EN 342 standards.

For more details on certified hi-vis winter clothing, check our dedicated FAQ on high visibility workwear and explore our full insulated safety clothing range at the Optimum BHP Safety Store.

Mistake #7: Choosing the Wrong Size for Layering

Winter workwear must accommodate multiple layers — thermal underwear, base layers, sweatshirts — yet many workers choose insulated jackets or insulated work trousers that are too tight. This restricts movement, causes discomfort, and reduces insulation efficiency due to compressed padding. When shopping for winter workwear, always consider a size that allows comfortable layering underneath. Our Safety Store Optimum BHP offers a wide size range and brand-specific size charts to help you get it right the first time.

Mistake #8: Overlooking Breathability in Waterproof Winter Gear

In extreme winter, waterproofing is crucial — but many users forget to check breathability ratings. Wearing non-breathable waterproof winter jackets or trousers can trap sweat, leading to damp clothing, cold chills, and even hypothermia. To avoid this, choose workwear made with membranes (like PU or softshell) that balance waterproofing with ventilation. Browse our range of insulated breathable outerwear to find optimal protection.

Mistake #9: Using Summer Footwear in Winter Conditions

Using the same safety shoes year-round is a common mistake — but summer footwear lacks insulation, grip, and cold protection. For icy surfaces and low temperatures, you need proper insulated safety boots with S3 or S5 ratings, anti-slip soles (SRC), and thermal lining. Whether you’re looking for winter safety trainers or high-cut insulated boots, shop our collection of winter work shoes designed for Polish and European weather.

Explore also our full Winter Safety Workwear and Footwear FAQ and FAQ Safety Shoes EN.

Mistake #10: Not Consulting Experts or Verified Resources

Many companies buy winter gear in bulk without checking certifications, reviews, or expert guidelines — which often leads to poor investments. Workers end up with inadequate or unsafe clothing, and employers waste budget on gear that doesn’t meet EU standards. At Optimum BHP, we combine a curated product selection with expert guidance, FAQs, and content such as our Workwear & PPE Blog (EN).

If you have more questions, check our detailed FAQ on insulated workwear and winter safety footwear, or simply explore our blog to discover other useful articles on winter protection and best practices.

Choose Verified Brands: Portwest and Snickers Workwear

If you want high-performance winter gear, go with tested brands. At Optimum BHP, we recommend:

Both are trusted by thousands of professionals across Europe.

Checklist: What to Look for in Proper Winter Workwear

✅ Waterproof and windproof outer layers

✅ EN 342 and EN ISO 20471 certifications

✅ Proper thermal insulation (but not too bulky)

✅ Reinforced seams and zippers

✅ High-visibility elements

✅ Insulated safety footwear

✅ Matching gloves, hats, socks

Looking for more practical advice? Check our other blog posts

Our blog is full of expert tips, product comparisons, and seasonal guides to help you choose better gear – and avoid common mistakes.

Still have questions?

Visit our FAQ sections: