Why Fleece Lined Shirts are Essential for Your Winter Workwear
As the winter months creep in, and the mornings start greeting you with a layer of frost on your van, it’s hard not to start thinking about how you’re going to stay warm while working outdoors.
That’s why, here at Hollands, we always keep a fleece-lined shirt close at hand. These great pieces of kit are a staple for anyone who spends their days braving the elements, and they’re often our number one recommendation to folks who call us up, wondering how to make winter work a bit more bearable.
But we’re not just throwing out random suggestions—there’s good reason behind our love for these padded shirts. So, let us share them with you here!
What is a Fleece Lined Shirt?
Before we start, let's just clarify what we mean when we say fleece-lined shirt.
You may have heard them go by "padded shirt", "lumberjack shirt", or even just simply "fleece shirt" or "shacket". However they introduce themselves, they make an essential part of any cold-weather workwear wardrobe.
You can wear them when out in the fields, working on a building site, or just doing some odd jobs around the yard. Pretty much anywhere you’re dealing with the cold, truthfully. You can go for a padded shirt style or a micro fleece shirt - the latter being more versatile for layering under work jackets.
So, what makes these shirts so special? Well, it’s all in the design. On the outside, you’ll often find that classic checked pattern—usually lumberjack style (hence their alternative name)—with a durable cotton or flannel exterior that’s built tough. But we all know it's what's on the inside that really counts. Soft, insulating fleece that gives you that extra level of warmth without the bulk of a heavy jacket.
In a nutshell, they’re comfy, practical, and an absolute winner when you’re up against the cold.
What Makes These Winter Shirts So Great?
Now, let's get to it. These shirts have earned their spot in the workwear hall of fame because they tick all the right boxes for anyone working outdoors in cold conditions. But what are those boxes?
Well, here are our five reasons why you'll want to get your hands on one of these padded shirts.
1. They Will Keep You Warm
We'll start with the obvious! It gives you that extra warmth you need when the weather takes a turn for the worse.
Fleece-lined shirts can handle everything from those nippy autumn mornings to the bone-chilling winter days. That soft fleece does all the work for you, trapping your body heat and using its insulating properties to keep you warm.
Think about why this matters:
- Energy Conservation: Staying warm means less energy spent trying to keep your body temperature up, leaving you with more stamina to get the job done.
- Reduced Outfit Hassle: With one of these warm shirts ready to go, you won’t need to constantly switch outfits as the weather changes—it's an outer layer that can handle it all.
So, overall, it's a small investment for a big boost in warmth, comfort, and efficiency.
2. They Make Layering Easy Across Seasons
You might be thinking, why don't I just buy a regular fleece?
And that's a valid question. But that's where the "shirt" side of things comes in.
Instead of piling on layer upon layer, these fleece shirts simplify the process. They can be worn on their own, over your base layers, or even under a waterproof jacket if the colder weather is really wet and wild.
This means you get the flexibility to layer as you'd like. You've got a standalone work shirt for milder temperatures in autumn or early Spring, as well as that essential warm mid - layer for winter.
Just straightforward, practical comfort that makes your workday that much easier.
3. They’re Incredibly Practical in Design
Ever had a shirt that felt like it was made for anything but work? You know, the kind that’s got useless pockets or fabric that just doesn’t hold up...
Well, a fleece-lined shirt is the opposite of that—it’s like it was designed by someone who actually gets what it’s like to be doing outdoor activities.
A few key features you can expect to find are:
- Side and/or Chest Pockets: Ones that actually hold your tools and personal items without everything falling out.
- Flexible Fabric: Moves with your body, reducing strain and allowing for unrestricted movement during physical activity.
- Additional Protection: An extra layer against elements like dust and dirt, which keeps you looking smarter in front of clients and customers.
In short, they are the perfect shirts because they actually do what you need them to do.
4. They Offer Style Versatility for Your Workwear
Matching your workwear to your personal style isn’t just about appearances; it’s about feeling good in what you wear. When you feel put together, it boosts your confidence. It’s a small thing, but it makes a big difference in how you carry yourself throughout the day.
These shirt jackets have got that rugged, durable look that goes with practically anything in your workwear wardrobe. It’s that classic lumberjack style we mentioned earlier—reliable, timeless, and just plain good-looking.
What's even better is that the casual, clean-cut design means you can head from work to whatever’s next without worrying you're in the wrong clothes. Need to pop into town after a day on the site? No problem. Got plans to meet mates for a quick drink after work? You’re already dressed for it.
5. They’re Low Maintenance and Easy to Care For
Finally, and this is one of our favourite reasons, padded shirts are designed with the everyday worker in mind, meaning they’re super easy to take care of with minimal effort on your part.
Let's look at why:
- Machine Washable: Most padded shirts are fine to go in the washing machine. We always recommend checking the care label though, just in case there's a certain temperature to set it at.
- Quick Drying: What makes these shirts a real winner is how quickly they dry, which is great for regular washing.
- Durable Material: The fabric is designed to withstand regular wear and tear, meaning you won’t have to replace them often.
- Wrinkle-Resistant: No need to spend time ironing —these shirts come out of the wash (or the front seat of your van) looking presentable and ready to go.
If you value convenience in your workwear, these fleece shirts are about as low-maintenance as it gets.
Our Top Choices for Your Outdoor Workwear
Speaking of keeping things simple...
We'd thought we'd wrap things up by suggesting some our best fleece lined shirts, so you can easily pick up a few for your own wardrobe.
Here are a few bestsellers that are worth considering:
- Champion Kinross Padded Fleece Lumberjack Shirt
- Fort Penarth Sherpa Fleece Lined Tartan Hoodie
- Hard Yakka Mens Sherpa Jacket
- Champion Pennine Fleece Lined Shirt
Or if you’re looking for something a bit lighter that you can wear under other layers, micro fleece shirts are a great alternative. Something like:
We're confident to say that adding one (or a few) to your winter workwear rotation is a decision you won’t regret.
Summary
Once you throw on a fleece-lined shirt, you’ll wonder how you ever got through the colder seasons without one. These are a worthwhile investment in your comfort and efficiency during the toughest types of weather.
At Hollands Workwear, we have a wide range of colours, styles, and brands in our full winter shirts collection, so take a look and find your ideal fit. From the warmest shirts for the coldest days to lighter options for layering, our selection has something for everyone.
Curious to learn more about the other products we stock? Drop us a comment or get in touch with our friendly customer service team—we’re always here to help you find exactly what you need!
About the Author
Matthew Holland brings a wealth of expertise to the world of workwear. With an extensive background in warehousing and outdoor work, he possesses an intricate understanding of the high-quality, functional garments needed for the demands of the workplace. Using his hands-on experience and knowledge gained, he continues to contribute valuable insights that resonate with professionals seeking superior workwear across various industries.
