Composite toe boots or safety joggers with breathable linings and shock-absorbing midsoles — they balance protection, ventilation, and comfort.
Workwear for the Australian Summer – Stay Cool, Safe, and Comfortable on the Job
Quick Summary
Here’s the lowdown on the key features for breathable workwear during the Australian summer:
- Fabrics to look for: Cotton, polyester-cotton blends, moisture-wicking synthetics, and ripstop materials.
- Shirts: Hi-vis lightweight shirts with UPF-rated fabric, long-sleeve shirts with moisture-wicking technology, and breathable mesh-panelled designs.
- Pants: Lightweight, stretch, and moisture-wicking pants, plus breathable work shorts for mobility.
- Footwear: Composite toe boots, waterproof safety joggers, and breathable liners (see AS/NZS 2210 guide).
- Accessories: Wide-brimmed hats, cooling towels, moisture-wicking socks, and sun protection gear.
- Key features: UPF-rated fabrics, reflective properties, and vented designs for breathability.
If you’re short on time, this is your cheat sheet. Keep reading for a more in-depth look at what makes the best summer workwear.
Fabrics for Summer Workwear
Cotton
Cotton is the go-to fabric for keeping cool in summer. It’s breathable, lightweight, and naturally moisture-absorbing, which helps draw sweat away from your body. On those hot, humid days, cotton allows air to circulate around your skin, helping you stay cooler than heavier fabrics would. It’s also soft and comfortable, making it ideal for long days on-site.
But, it’s important to note that cotton doesn’t dry as quickly as synthetic materials, so if you’re sweating heavily or working in damp conditions, you might want to look at blended fabrics or moisture-wicking options.
Polyester-Cotton Blends
If you’re after durability without sacrificing breathability, polyester-cotton blends are a great option. These fabrics combine the breathability of cotton with the strength and quick-drying benefits of polyester. The result? Workwear that stands up to the toughest conditions while keeping you comfortable throughout the day.
These blends are ideal for workers in industries where they need to look sharp but also need reliable, breathable fabrics. The polyester-cotton mix means less shrinkage and fading after washes, which is a bonus for keeping your workwear looking good as new.
Lightweight Ripstop
Ripstop fabric is designed to resist tears and abrasions, which makes it perfect for tough outdoor environments. Despite its durability, lightweight ripstop fabric is still breathable and comfortable, offering a great option for workwear that needs to withstand some rough conditions without compromising on ventilation.
This fabric’s unique grid structure helps prevent rips from spreading, making it ideal for workers who may encounter sharp objects, rough terrain, or constant movement.
Moisture-Wicking Synthetics
Synthetics like polyester and nylon are often used in moisture-wicking fabrics, which draw sweat away from the skin to keep you dry. These fabrics are lightweight, quick-drying, and breathable, making them perfect for high-intensity work in the summer months.
Whether it’s shirts, pants, or even base layers, moisture-wicking synthetics help to maintain your comfort throughout the day by keeping your body temperature regulated and your skin dry. If you work in high-humidity areas or under intense heat, moisture-wicking fabrics can make a significant difference in your comfort level.
Essential Summer Work Shirts
Hi-Vis Lightweight Shirts
For many industries, high visibility is a requirement, but that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice comfort in the heat. Hi-vis lightweight shirts are a must for summer work, as they combine breathability with sun protection. Made from breathable cotton or polyester-cotton blends, these shirts are designed to keep you visible while providing essential ventilation.
Look for shirts with UPF-rated fabric to protect you from harmful UV rays, and lightweight designs that allow air to circulate. Many brands also offer short-sleeve options for hotter days, which can help keep your arms cool without compromising safety.
Hi-vis shirts with mesh or ventilation panels also offer excellent airflow, ensuring you stay as cool as possible without sacrificing your visibility on-site. This is particularly important when working outdoors, as it helps keep you visible in low-light conditions while ensuring you don’t overheat.
Cool-Breeze™ Shirts
Cool-Breeze™ shirts are a summer essential. These shirts often feature mesh panels or ventilation zones strategically placed under the arms or along the back to promote airflow. Designed with cooling technology, these shirts help you maintain a comfortable body temperature by maximising heat dissipation.
Cool-Breeze™ shirts are perfect for those working in hot and humid conditions. The added breathability ensures sweat evaporates quickly, keeping you dry and reducing the risk of overheating. Whether you're in construction, mining, or another physically demanding job, these shirts are a great way to stay comfortable all day long.
Long Sleeve Shirts
If you need extra sun protection, long-sleeve shirts made from lightweight, breathable fabrics are a fantastic option for the summer months. These shirts often come with underarm mesh panels or ventilation zones to keep you cool while still providing full arm coverage for added protection.
Long sleeve shirts with moisture-wicking technology are ideal for keeping sweat at bay, which is crucial when working under the hot Australian sun. Whether you’re working outdoors or in direct sunlight, long sleeves provide the perfect balance of comfort, breathability, and protection. Plus, they can be easily rolled up if the temperature rises.
Breathable Work Pants for Hot Weather
FLX & MOVE Stretch Cargo Pants
When it comes to work pants, flexibility is key. The FLX & MOVE Stretch Cargo Pants are designed with moisture-wicking properties and reinforced knee panels, making them both durable and breathable. These pants provide the mobility you need for physical work while keeping you cool in high temperatures.
Their stretch cotton blend allows for greater movement, which is important when working in tight spaces or performing tasks that require bending and stretching. They also offer practical storage options, with large pockets for tools and other essentials, so you don’t need to sacrifice comfort for convenience.
Lightweight Ripstop Work Pants
For those who need durable pants that won’t weigh them down, lightweight ripstop work pants are a great choice. Designed to be tear-resistant, these pants are perfect for tough outdoor conditions. The ripstop fabric is also breathable, allowing you to stay comfortable throughout the day while tackling demanding tasks.
These pants are ideal for workers in construction, landscaping, or other outdoor industries. The tear-resistant feature means they’ll stand up to rugged conditions, so you won’t need to replace them as often. Plus, they provide the flexibility needed for a full range of movement.
Work Shorts
When the heat becomes unbearable, work shorts are a lifesaver. Made from lightweight, breathable fabrics, work shorts offer maximum mobility and comfort in the hottest conditions. Many brands now offer reinforced shorts with strong stitching and practical pockets, making them just as durable as full-length pants, but much cooler.
Whether you're in construction, trades, or another outdoor job, work shorts provide the perfect balance of comfort, durability, and breathability. They’re a great option for those who need to stay cool while still having access to essential tools and materials.
Breathable Safety Footwear
Composite Toe Cap Boots
When it comes to footwear, comfort and safety are paramount, especially in the heat. Composite toe cap boots are a lighter alternative to traditional steel-toe boots, making them ideal for warmer conditions. These boots are made from non-metallic materials, such as Kevlar or fibreglass, offering the same protection as steel caps but with significantly less weight.
Breathable linings help keep your feet cool and dry, while shock-absorbing midsoles provide comfort for long shifts. The lightweight nature of composite toe boots means they won't weigh you down, and their flexibility allows for better movement, making them a perfect choice for those in physically demanding jobs.
These boots are great for workers in construction, trades, and other heavy-duty industries, as they combine the protection you need with the comfort required for long days in the heat. For compliance details, see our Australian Standard Guide for Work Boots (AS/NZS 2210).
Waterproof Safety Joggers
Waterproof safety joggers are a fantastic option for workers who need the flexibility of a jogger-style shoe but still require safety features. These boots are designed with breathable mesh linings and shock-absorbing midsoles, making them comfortable for all-day wear. Despite being lightweight, they still offer protection, including composite toe caps and slip-resistant soles.
Their waterproof feature ensures that your feet stay dry, even in wet conditions, while the breathable mesh lining helps regulate temperature. These joggers are ideal for workers in construction, warehouse environments, or even those working outdoors in varying weather conditions.
Work Boots with Breathable Linings
For those who need a more traditional boot with all-day comfort, work boots with breathable linings are a great choice. These boots offer the same protection as steel-toe models, with the added benefit of breathable mesh linings that help wick away sweat and moisture. This is crucial for staying comfortable when working in hot environments.
Anti-fatigue soles and shock-absorbing footbeds add an extra layer of comfort, reducing foot strain during long shifts. Whether you're working on a construction site, in warehousing, or doing physical labour, breathable work boots keep your feet cool and protected throughout the day.
Accessories for Sun Protection and Comfort
Wide-Brimmed Hats or Caps
Working in the Australian summer means exposure to intense sun. Wide-brimmed hats or caps are essential for providing much-needed shade to your face, neck, and ears, areas that are often overlooked when it comes to sun protection. These hats are designed to offer maximum coverage, blocking harmful UV rays while keeping you cooler in the process.
Many of these hats are made from lightweight materials like cotton or polyester, which are breathable and comfortable to wear all day. If you're working outdoors for extended periods, these hats are an easy, effective solution to prevent sunburn and heat exhaustion.
Cooling Towels
Cooling towels are a simple but effective accessory to keep you cool during the hottest days. Simply soak the towel in cold water, wring out any excess, and wrap it around your neck to help regulate your body temperature. This accessory is lightweight, portable, and easy to use, offering instant relief during breaks or when you feel overheated.
Cooling towels are perfect for those working in the sun for long hours, such as in construction, landscaping, or agricultural fields. They provide a cooling effect by lowering your skin temperature, helping prevent overheating and heat stress.
Moisture-Wicking Socks
Moisture-wicking socks are essential for keeping your feet dry and comfortable throughout the day. These socks are made from synthetic fibres, like polyester or merino wool, which pull moisture away from the skin, preventing sweaty feet and blisters.
Not only do moisture-wicking socks reduce discomfort, but they also help to prevent fungal infections, which can occur when feet stay damp for extended periods. Choose socks with reinforced heels and toes for added durability, especially for those who work on their feet all day. These socks are perfect for workers in construction, trades, or anyone needing breathable footwear.
Sun Protection Features
UPF-Rated Fabrics
UPF-rated fabrics are designed to offer built-in protection from the sun’s harmful UV rays. These fabrics are tested and rated to block out a specific percentage of UV radiation, helping protect your skin from burns and long-term sun damage.
Look for garments like hi-vis shirts, pants, and jackets that are specifically labelled as UPF-rated. Many brands now incorporate this feature into their summer lines to ensure workers are protected while still remaining comfortable in the heat.
UPF-rated workwear is crucial for outdoor workers, such as construction crews, landscapers, or anyone working in direct sunlight for long hours. It’s a simple but effective way to add an extra layer of protection to your workday.
Reflective Properties
In addition to keeping you cool, reflective properties in workwear can help maintain visibility while you’re on the job. Hi-vis clothing with reflective strips not only ensures that you stay visible to colleagues and machinery, but it also helps to reflect sunlight away from your body, keeping you cooler.
Reflective clothing is essential for safety on construction sites, roadwork, and other high-traffic areas. It ensures you’re seen even in low-light conditions while providing comfort in the sun.
Additional Tips for Staying Cool
Stay Hydrated
Working in the heat can quickly lead to dehydration, which can cause fatigue and other health issues. It’s crucial to stay hydrated throughout the day to keep your energy levels up and prevent heat exhaustion. Make sure you’re drinking water regularly, and keep a bottle nearby so you can top up at every opportunity.
Remember, it’s not just about drinking when you’re thirsty — by the time you feel thirsty, your body is already starting to get dehydrated. So, make it a habit to drink water continuously throughout your shift to stay in peak condition.
Take Shade Breaks
When working outdoors, take shade breaks whenever possible to cool down and recharge. Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can lead to overheating, so it’s essential to give yourself regular breaks in shaded areas. Whether it’s under a tree, a tent, or the break room, taking time to rest in the shade helps prevent heatstroke and keeps you performing at your best.
Having a break during the heat of the day is also important for mental recovery. A few minutes of rest can help you stay focused and productive for the remainder of your shift.
Choose Lighter Colours
Lighter-coloured workwear is more effective at reflecting sunlight than darker colours, which absorb heat. Choosing light-coloured fabrics helps keep your body temperature lower, as dark colours trap more heat. Look for light grey, beige, or white work shirts, pants, and outerwear to stay cooler during those scorching summer days.
In addition, lighter colours can make you feel more comfortable visually. They can give off a "cooler" appearance compared to darker, heat-absorbing hues, which can help you feel fresher, even on the hottest days.
Get Ready for Summer
With the Australian summer bringing intense heat, breathable workwear is essential to keep you cool, safe, and comfortable. Choosing fabrics like cotton, polyester-cotton blends, and moisture-wicking synthetics ensures you stay dry and ventilated. Light, breathable shirts, pants, and footwear will help you handle the heat without compromising on safety or performance.
From hi-vis shirts with UPF protection to lightweight pants and compliant footwear (AS/NZS 2210), there’s a range of gear that’s specifically designed to help you manage the heat while maintaining compliance and comfort on the job. Don’t forget to keep yourself hydrated, take breaks in the shade, and wear lighter colours to further combat the summer sun.
Stay Cool & Safe This Summer
Get Expert Help In-Store at Osborne Park
Not sure what to pick for the heat? Our team will help you choose lightweight shirts, breathable pants and the right safety boots for WA conditions, all compliant and built for long shifts.
- UPF, vented, moisture-wicking options for hot worksites
- Composite toe & breathable-lining footwear
- Hi-Vis, hats, cooling towels & socks ready to go
Your Summer Workwear Questions, Answered
What fabrics are best for hot Australian conditions?
Cotton, polyester–cotton blends, lightweight ripstop, and moisture-wicking synthetics (poly/nylon). They’re breathable, quick-dry, and durable in heat.
Are long sleeves better than short sleeves in summer?
Often yes. Lightweight, vented or mesh-panelled long sleeves add UPF sun protection while maintaining airflow. Many crews prefer them for all-day UV coverage.
Do composite toe boots offer the same protection as steel?
Yes. Composite caps (e.g., Kevlar/fibreglass) meet safety standards with less weight and better thermal comfort — ideal for hot conditions.
How can I stay cooler without compromising safety?
Use UPF-rated, hi-vis vented shirts; moisture-wicking pants/shorts; breathable-lining boots; wide-brim hats; cooling towels; and drink water regularly. Take shade breaks and choose lighter colours.