Why EN 342 Certification Matters for Cold Climate Workwear – Understanding the Standard
Working in sub-zero temperatures without proper protection can lead not only to discomfort but also to serious health risks. For employers and workers alike, choosing winter workwear that meets the EN 342 standard is essential. At Optimum BHP, we offer a wide range of certified insulated workwear, including work jackets, thermal trousers, and accessories that meet or exceed EN 342 requirements.
See our full workwear collection and visit the Workwear & PPE Blog or our Winter FAQ section for expert tips.
What Makes the Best Winter Workwear Set? Essential Clothing for Cold Weather Jobs
Why Certified Winter Workwear Matters – EN 342, EN 343 & EN ISO 20471 Explained
Hi-Vis Winter Clothing for Road Maintenance Crews: Safety and Comfort in Harsh Conditions
Branded Winter Workwear for Delivery Drivers: Stay Warm, Safe, and Visible
What Makes the Best Winter Workwear Set? Essential Clothing for Cold Weather Jobs
Insulated Hi-Vis Workwear – Stay Warm and Visible All Winter Long
⸻
🧊 What is EN 342 and Why Is It Important?
EN 342 is the European standard that specifies performance requirements for clothing designed to protect against cold environments. It applies to thermal insulation, air permeability, and resistance to water penetration.
Winter workwear certified to EN 342 provides reliable protection against:
• Ambient temperatures below –5°C
• Wind chill and low wind speeds
• Wet or humid outdoor conditions
• Long exposure during stationary or low-activity tasks
Choosing garments with EN 342 ensures that the wearer remains warm and dry even in extreme conditions — which is crucial for industries such as construction, logistics, or energy.
⸻
🧥 What Does EN 342 Certification Include?
EN 342 certification includes specific test results for:
1. Thermal Insulation (Icler) – the higher the value, the better the protection.
2. Air Permeability (AP) – affects breathability. Lower permeability means better wind protection.
3. Resistance to Water Penetration (optional) – often paired with EN 343.
For example, a jacket rated EN 342: 0.330 (B), 2, X means:
• 0.330 clo insulation value
• Class 2 air permeability
• Water penetration not tested (X)
Look for this label inside garments when shopping for certified insulated jackets.
⸻
🧰 Who Needs EN 342 Workwear?
Any worker exposed to cold, wet, and windy environments needs EN 342 gear — particularly those who work:
• Outdoors in winter (e.g. road workers, logistics, construction)
• Inside cold storage or freezer rooms
• During night shifts with low activity
• In mountainous or open rural terrain
We recommend EN 342-certified workwear for companies looking to protect their employees from cold stress and avoid fines or accidents.
⸻
🧵 EN 342 Certified Brands Available at Optimum BHP
We carry winter clothing that meets EN 342 from trusted European brands:
• Delta Plus – pilot jackets, waterproof layers, and thermal parkas
• CXS Canis – insulated trousers, bib overalls, and high-visibility options
• Sara Workwear – fleece-lined bomber jackets, insulated trousers
• Procera – cost-effective solutions for temporary winter work
• Snickers Workwear – premium 37.5® insulation with reflective visibility
• Urgent – affordable and warm jackets with basic EN 342 compliance
Explore our entire insulated clothing section to compare options.
⸻
🧤 Layering Certified Winter Gear for Maximum Safety
While EN 342 sets a strong foundation, pairing garments correctly is equally important. Best practices include:
• Wearing certified thermal base layers under insulated trousers
• Choosing winter gloves and socks with thermal insulation
• Using EN 343 jackets when working in wet snow or rain
• Choosing hi-vis certified outerwear for roadside or low-light jobs
• Always wearing insulated boots – see our winter footwear
⸻
🖨️ Custom Branding on EN 342 Workwear – Professional and Visible
You can add your company logo to insulated jackets or trousers without compromising the EN 342 certification. At Optimum BHP, we support:
• Embroidery on jackets, bibs, and hoodies
• Reflective prints for added visibility
• Brand consistency across teams
Branded winter workwear boosts team identity while keeping your employees safe.
🧊 EN 342 Jackets from Delta Plus, CXS, and Sara Workwear – Certified Protection Meets Innovation
At Optimum BHP, we carry EN 342 certified jackets from trusted European brands such as Delta Plus, CXS Canis, and Sara Workwear. These manufacturers invest in technical fabrics and ergonomic designs to ensure your team stays both warm and mobile. Whether you choose a softshell jacket with built-in insulation or a waterproof parka with fleece lining, these certified products are built to handle prolonged cold exposure in compliance with EN 342 requirements.
👖 Insulated EN 342 Work Trousers: Layered Comfort from Brands You Can Trust
For full-body thermal protection, insulated work trousers are just as crucial as jackets. Our selection includes EN 342 certified trousers from Urgent, Procera, and Snickers Workwear, all of which offer combinations of high insulation (Icler), wind resistance, and optional waterproofing. Designed for workers in construction, energy, logistics, and roadside maintenance, these thermal trousers support safe movement even in freezing or windy environments.
🔄 Mix and Match EN 342 with Other Standards for Complete Winter Safety
To maximize protection, combine EN 342 workwear with other certified PPE available at Optimum BHP. For wet conditions, choose jackets that also meet EN 343 waterproof standards. For visibility, pair your thermal garments with hi-vis clothing that meets EN ISO 20471. You can even explore brands like Portwest and Ardon, which offer multi-standard workwear designed for complex outdoor conditions. The result is a versatile, fully compliant winter wardrobe that keeps your team safe, dry, and seen.
High-Visibility Insulated Clothing for Winter Drivers: A Must-Have
When driving long hours in low-light or stormy conditions, visibility is critical. That’s why high-visibility workwear becomes an essential part of any winter workwear kit for truck drivers, bus operators, and other road-based professionals. At Optimum BHP, we offer a wide selection of insulated high-visibility jackets, trousers, and vests designed to meet EN ISO 20471 standards. These garments not only keep workers warm, but also significantly improve safety by ensuring visibility during loading, unloading, or emergency stops in dark or snowy conditions. Discover more guidance in our FAQ on high-visibility clothing.
Combining Functionality with Brand Identity: Add Your Logo
Personalized workwear is becoming a trend in modern fleets — and for good reason. By adding your company’s logo to insulated jackets or softshells, you not only enhance your brand’s visibility but also build trust and professionalism. Whether you operate a logistics firm, construction transport service, or winter road maintenance team, outfitting your drivers with custom-logo apparel ensures cohesion and recognition. Optimum BHP provides certified winter workwear that can be fully customized, combining durability with brand identity. Read more about branding options on our English workwear blog.
Why Order from Optimum BHP – Trusted Since 2008
Choosing the right supplier matters — especially in demanding winter conditions. At Optimum BHP, we’ve been delivering professional workwear and safety gear to clients across Europe since 2008. With thousands of successful orders, rapid dispatch, and one of the largest inventories of winter clothing in Poland — and arguably in Europe — we’re the ideal partner for bulk winter apparel orders. Lead times for customized insulated clothing range from 5 to 20 working days depending on season, so don’t wait for the peak. Benefit from winter clothing promotions and expert support today.
⸻
🛒 Ready to Equip Your Team? Order EN 342 Certified Clothing Today
Don’t wait until the temperatures drop. Equip your staff with certified winter clothing that meets EN 342 standards from top European manufacturers. At Optimum BHP, we ship across Europe and offer support in choosing compliant workwear for your industry.
Check our full selection and stay ahead of the season.
