
The Role of EN 342 Certification in Choosing Winter Workwear: What Every Professional Should Know
When choosing the right insulated workwear for cold environments, it’s not just about warmth—it’s about certification, safety, and compliance. One of the most important standards to look for in insulated trousers and jackets is the EN 342 certification. But what exactly does EN 342 mean? And how can it help you or your team stay safe during harsh winters?
In this guide from Optimum BHP Safety Store, we explore the full meaning of EN 342, why it matters for your winter PPE selection, and how to identify the best certified garments for cold protection. You can also learn more in our Winter Workwear FAQ, General FAQ, and our Workwear & PPE Blog.
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
How to Layer Insulated Workwear Effectively in Sub-Zero Temperatures
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 Ultimate Guide to Choosing Insulated Workwear for Harsh Winter Conditions
What Is EN 342 Certification?
EN 342 is the European standard for protective clothing against cold environments. It evaluates garments intended for use in conditions with temperatures below -5°C, including exposure to cold air, humidity, and wind.
An EN 342 certified garment is tested for three key factors:
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Thermal Insulation (measured in clo)
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Air Permeability (how windproof the material is)
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Resistance to Water Penetration (optional)
This standard ensures your clothing can handle extreme cold scenarios, from construction in snowy fields to work in industrial freezers.
How to Read the EN 342 Label
Every certified product includes a label showing:
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Thermal insulation value (e.g. 0.310 clo)
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Air permeability class (1 to 3; 3 is best)
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Water penetration resistance (optional, shown if present)
🧊 Example label: EN 342: 0.310, 3, WP
This means: High insulation, excellent windproofing, and waterproof.
🔗 Shop our EN 342 insulated jackets
Why EN 342 Matters for Outdoor Work
If you’re exposed to freezing temperatures for extended periods, regular padded clothing won’t offer sufficient protection. EN 342 certified garments are tested under simulated extreme conditions to ensure:
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Extended body heat retention
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Wind and moisture resistance
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Breathability and comfort under work stress
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Performance over time, even in wet or humid conditions
This standard is essential for roles such as:
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Road and rail maintenance
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Construction and scaffolding
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Forestry and energy infrastructure
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Cold storage warehousing
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Port and logistics operators
🔗 Browse all winter workwear
Checklist: What to Look for in EN 342 Certified Clothing
Here’s what professionals should check before purchasing insulated PPE:
✅ Clear EN 342 label with insulation values
✅ Outer shell that is windproof (air permeability class 2 or 3)
✅ Waterproof membrane (especially for road or snow work)
✅ Breathable inner lining to reduce sweating
✅ Reinforced seams and high-quality zippers
✅ Comfortable fit for layering underneath
✅ Certifications also for EN ISO 20471 (visibility) or EN 343 (rain protection)
Need help finding compliant gear? Contact the Optimum BHP team
Top Products at Optimum BHP with EN 342 Certification
We stock top-performing winter PPE from brands trusted across Europe:
🧥
Insulated Jackets
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Snickers Workwear 1130 AllroundWork – EN 342 + 20471 reflective
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Portwest DX460 – Waterproof + windproof shell
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Ardon H1062 River – Comfortable winter protection with EN marking
👖
Insulated Trousers
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Snickers 6241 – Ergonomic trousers with 37.5® insulation
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Portwest DX440 – Softshell trousers with EN 342 approval
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CXS Canis and Sara Workwear models – Affordable certified options
🔗 Read brand reviews in our Workwear & PPE Blog
Common Mistakes When Buying Winter Workwear Without EN 342
Even seasoned buyers make these errors:
❌ Relying only on brand, not certification
❌ Choosing warm clothing that lacks windproof properties
❌ Assuming waterproof = cold-proof
❌ Ignoring label details and clo values
❌ Wearing non-certified gear in regulated work zones
Choosing EN 342 certified products avoids legal risks and ensures worker safety.
How EN 342 Interacts with Other Standards
Standard |
Focus |
Works With EN 342? |
---|---|---|
EN 343 |
Rain protection |
✅ Yes |
EN ISO 20471 |
High-visibility safety |
✅ Yes |
EN 14058 |
Mild cold protection (above -5°C) |
❌ No (different use) |
The best winter PPE meets multiple standards — and our filters at Optimum BHP help you find those products fast.
Final Thoughts – Trust Certified Cold Protection
Choosing certified workwear is not just about compliance — it’s about ensuring your team can work safely and efficiently in the cold. EN 342 gives you peace of mind that your clothing has been tested under real-world extreme conditions.
✅ Protect your crew from wind, moisture, and freezing temperatures
✅ Comply with workplace safety regulations
✅ Extend the life of your PPE with the right materials and features
Explore our wide range of EN 342 certified winter workwear, including insulated jackets and thermal trousers, on the Optimum BHP Safety Store.
And don’t forget to explore our full Winter FAQ and Workwear & PPE Blog for more guidance.
How to Maintain EN 342 Certified Workwear for Long-Term Performance
To ensure your EN 342 certified clothing continues to protect against extreme cold, proper maintenance is essential. Even the most advanced insulated jackets or trousers can lose their effectiveness if not cared for correctly.
Here are key maintenance tips:
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Always follow the manufacturer’s washing instructions – High temperatures can damage insulation or compromise waterproof membranes.
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Avoid fabric softeners and bleach – These chemicals break down technical fabrics and reduce windproof and waterproof performance.
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Hang dry only – Tumble dryers can degrade synthetic insulation and cause shrinkage.
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Store in a dry, ventilated area – Never pack wet garments in sealed bags.
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Inspect before each use – Check for tears, seam damage, and worn-out zippers or velcro.
Proper maintenance extends garment life and ensures compliance with EN 342 standards for every shift, every winter.
Which Industries Require EN 342 Certified Workwear?
Not every workplace faces the same cold exposure risks — but in some industries, EN 342 certified winter workwear is absolutely essential. Employers in these sectors are often legally obligated to provide proper cold protection PPE that meets the EN 342 standard.
Common sectors that rely on EN 342 clothing:
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Construction and infrastructure maintenance – Crews working on scaffolding, bridges, and roadways in sub-zero wind and snow
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Cold storage and food processing – Workers exposed to refrigerated environments below -18°C
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Municipal and public services – Snow removal teams, sanitation crews, and emergency response units
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Logistics and warehousing – Forklift operators and loading dock staff in open or unheated buildings
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Forestry and energy sectors – Outdoor teams in remote locations facing long exposure to windchill and moisture
Providing certified thermal PPE reduces health risks, meets regulatory requirements, and supports employee productivity throughout the cold season.