Winter brings a fresh set of challenges for businesses, as temperatures drop and the weather becomes windy, wet and unpredictable, companies need reliable work clothing that keeps teams warm, dry and presentable. This is where high quality personalised workwear becomes essential.
For many companies, personalised workwear jackets are now a core part of their winter uniform. They help protect staff from the elements while ensuring your business looks professional in all conditions. With new technologies, improved waterproofing, better insulation and modern styles arriving each year, winter jackets for 2025 and 2026 offer more choice than ever.
Below, you will find everything you need to know about selecting the best workwear jackets for the coming winter, from essential features to customisation options, materials, fit and supplier guidance.
Why Winter Workwear Matters More Than Ever
Winter clothing is no longer an optional extra for many industries. The UK faces increasingly unpredictable winters, with frequent rain, stronger winds and long cold spells. Staff who work outdoors or in unheated spaces rely on suitable garments to carry out their tasks safely and comfortably. Frost, early sunsets and wet conditions all create risks that correct workwear can help reduce.
A warm, waterproof jacket helps prevent staff discomfort and can support productivity. Businesses often notice fewer issues when teams are properly equipped. Cold hands, wet clothing and wind exposure can all reduce efficiency, especially for roles that require precision work or prolonged periods outdoors.
What Features to Look for in a Winter Workwear Jacket
Choosing winter jackets for your team involves much more than selecting a style that looks good. The right features help staff stay dry, warm and comfortable, which is essential for productivity during the colder months. Below are the key elements that business owners should consider.
Reliable waterproofing
Waterproofing is one of the most important qualities in any winter jacket. Light shower protection is rarely enough for teams who work outdoors, travel between jobs or face unpredictable weather. A well-made personalised waterproof jacket offers stronger protection, keeping staff dry while still allowing heat to escape. Breathable waterproof fabrics help prevent that uncomfortable build-up of warmth that often occurs when employees stay active throughout the day, making them far more practical for real working conditions.
Insulation suitable for your environment
Not every business needs heavy insulation. Busy delivery drivers may require lightweight warmth to avoid overheating, while construction teams working on exposed sites may need thicker padding. Hospitality teams working in outdoor dining areas often need warmth without the bulk. Understanding your work environment helps you choose insulation that supports comfort throughout the day.
Wind resistance
Wind can make temperatures feel significantly colder. Jackets designed for winter workwear often include wind-blocking layers that help staff stay warm even in harsh conditions.
Durable fabrics
Work environments can be demanding. Construction, utilities and maintenance roles often require jackets made with reinforced fabrics that withstand constant movement and regular wear. Look for tough outer shells and well-stitched seams for long-lasting performance.
Practical pockets
Functional pocket design is important for staff who carry tools, radios, notepads or personal items. Secure pockets also help protect valuables from rain. Some jackets offer inner pockets that keep items safe and dry.
Ease of movement
Bulky jackets can restrict movement. Stretch panels, ergonomic seams and well-designed shapes allow staff to work comfortably in colder weather without feeling restricted.
Visibility and safety
For industries working in low-light conditions, reflective strips and high-visibility colours improve safety. Winter brings darker mornings and evenings, so visibility plays an important role in protecting staff.
How to Choose the Right Jacket for Your Industry
Every industry faces different winter challenges. The type of jacket your team needs depends on the environment, the tasks they perform and the conditions they face each day. Below is guidance tailored to specific sectors.
Construction, trades and utilities
Staff working outdoors all winter need workwear jackets that protect against continuous exposure to rain, wind and cold. Waterproof outer shells, insulating linings and windproof layers are important. High-visibility colours and reflective bands help keep staff safe on busy sites. Tough fabrics that withstand abrasion are essential for long-term durability.
Logistics, delivery and transport
Drivers and delivery teams need lightweight but warm work jackets that allow movement and prevent overheating. Breathable waterproof fabrics work best. Jackets with multiple secure pockets help carry devices, documents and phones while keeping them protected from rain.
Hospitality and outdoor service roles
Front-of-house teams benefit from workwear jackets that look smart while providing warmth during outdoor service. Softshell jackets, padded gilets layered under waterproof shells and insulated lined coats can all work well. Style and presentation matter here, as staff represent the business directly to customers.
Retail teams
Retail staff often move between indoor and outdoor areas, especially in garden centres, hardware stores and large retail parks. Lightweight insulated jackets or fleece-lined softshells help them stay comfortable without looking overly bulky.
Healthcare and community workers
Professionals who travel between locations need practical work jackets that offer warmth without restricting movement. Waterproof breathable designs help them stay dry during frequent travel, while smart styling maintains a professional appearance.
Warehouse and industrial environments
Cold warehouses often require insulated jackets that allow movement while trapping heat. Breathable insulated designs prevent discomfort, especially for staff who mix physical tasks with administrative duties.
Understanding your industry’s demands ensures your investment in winter workwear meets both staff comfort and professional needs.
Print vs Embroidery for Personalising Winter Jackets
Branding a winter jacket is an effective way to improve your business visibility. Customers regularly see outerwear, which makes jackets an ideal choice for displaying your logo.
Both print and embroidery offer strong options, and each method suits different garments.
Embroidery
Embroidery is a popular choice for workwear because it gives a high-quality, long-lasting finish. The stitched design sits securely on the jacket and holds up well through regular wear and washing. Softshell jackets, padded jackets and fleece-lined coats often work very well with embroidered logos.
Business owners choose embroidery when they want a premium look that reflects professionalism, particularly for customer-facing roles.
Print offers a clear and bold finish, which makes it ideal for personalised waterproof jackets with smooth outer shells. It works well for larger back prints, high-visibility designs and jackets that require crisp, highly visible branding.
Clear placement and bright colours make print an effective choice for teams that need noticeable branding, especially for outdoor work.
In many cases, businesses use both methods depending on the garment type. For example, printed high-visibility jackets for site work and embroidered softshell jackets for customer-facing roles.
Best Materials for Winter Workwear Jackets
Materials play a major role in how effective a jacket is during winter. Choosing the right fabric ensures your team stays warm and dry even in challenging conditions.
Softshell
Softshell jackets are breathable, water resistant and comfortable. They are perfect for mild winter days and roles that require continuous movement. Many softshells now come with fleece linings for added warmth, making them suitable for a wide range of industries.
Waterproof shells
When rain is the main concern, waterproof shells with taped seams offer the best protection. They keep staff dry even in heavy rain. Some waterproof shells are lightweight, while others include thermal liners for additional warmth.
Padded and quilted jackets
Padded jackets offer reliable warmth. Modern synthetic fillings trap heat effectively without feeling heavy. These jackets are ideal for colder conditions and suit staff who spend long hours outdoors.
Fleece-lined layers
Fleece linings add soft, comfortable warmth. They help staff maintain body heat and work well for dry but cold conditions.
High-visibility materials
Hi-vis jackets are essential for roles that require visibility in traffic, construction or low-light conditions. High-visibility materials paired with reflective strips help keep staff safe during winter.
The right material depends on your team’s daily environment, the weather conditions they work in and the level of insulation they require.
Trending Jacket Styles for Winter 2025/26
Winter fashion and professional workwear continue to evolve. The latest winter trends for businesses combine practicality with modern, streamlined designs.
Here are the styles gaining attention for the 2025 and 2026 winter seasons:
Lightweight insulated jackets
These jackets deliver warmth without bulk. They are ideal for busy teams who need mobility and comfort.
Technical waterproof shells
Technical shells with breathable membranes are becoming the standard for outdoor workers. They offer high-level waterproofing while remaining lightweight.
Padded softshell hybrids
These jackets combine the stretch and comfort of a softshell with the warmth of padded panels. They suit both active tasks and customer-facing environments.
Fleece-lined coats
Longer fleece-lined coats provide consistent warmth for staff who work outdoors for extended periods. They combine comfort with a smart finish suitable for a range of industries.
Eco-friendly materials
Sustainable fabrics continue to rise in popularity. Jackets made from recycled fibres and responsibly sourced materials offer companies an eco-conscious option without compromising performance.
Colour-coordinated branding
Businesses are increasingly choosing jackets that match their brand colours. Dark shades remain popular for durability, while bold accent colours help staff stand out in busy environments.
These trends reflect the balance businesses want between practicality, branding and comfort.
Choosing a Supplier You Can Rely On
Selecting a good supplier is essential when investing in winter workwear. As the season gets colder, staff rely on these jackets every day. A professional supplier should offer reliable service, clear guidance and high-quality garments.
Many business owners look for a custom workwear provider that offers a variety of garments, dependable lead times and clear advice on print and embroidery. A knowledgeable supplier will help you:
- choose the right materials for your industry
- understand waterproof ratings
- select the best insulation for your environment
- place branding effectively
- pick sizes and styles suitable for your whole team
Reliable suppliers give consistent quality and help businesses prepare early for winter with guidance tailored to their work environment.
Bringing Winter Workwear Into Your Business With Confidence
Winter can be challenging for any team, the right workwear jackets ensure your staff stay warm and dry while presenting your business in a professional and consistent way.
With so many options now available, choosing suitable workwear jackets has become easier and more effective. Investing in well-chosen winter workwear jackets and uniforms gives your team the tools they need to perform at their best while representing your business with pride.