With autumn in full swing and winter just around the corner, the morning fog and that first coffee shiver are all reminders that the seasons are shifting fast.
That’s why in this blog post, I want to talk to you about transitional workwear. That awkward time in between where a light layer has you reaching for an extra jacket, but that big thermal coat you keep for the depths of winter still has you feeling like a human sauna, it’s hard to find the happy medium.
The answer to this problem many workers are missing is simple: layering, and Hollands workwear is here to give you the ultimate rundown of our transitional workwear layering top picks. By the end of this guide, you’ll be geared up with a no-nonsense layering setup that keeps you warm, dry, and ready to tackle both hard work and the indecisive weather.
So grab a brew, and let's make a start.
Why Layering Matters: Smart Kit, Less Bulk
We all know about putting a good hoodie under a coat for a chilly day on the job, but proper layering is about more than just piling on the bulk.
Done thoughtfully, incorporating smart kit and technical features, a real layering set-up keeps you warm, breathable, and saves you from lugging around a coat that feels like body armour. And while that big coat might keep you warm, it’ll only slow you down faster than wet cement in the long run. That’s where layering becomes the smart option.
Here’s a quick overview, before we dive into the details:
- Base = Dry. Pulls sweat off your skin so you don’t get that damp chill halfway through a shift.
- Mid = Warm. Traps heat without bulk. Fleeces, lined shirts and hoodies are your best mates here.
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Outer = Weatherproof. Windproof, waterproof, and easy to peel off if the day brightens up.
1. Sweat Happens - Keep It Off Your Back
The most important start to the day is with a good base layer (as well as a good coffee). A thermal, moisture-wicking option is ideal, as once sweat sets in, it’s game over, and you’ll spend the rest of the day fighting the chill.
Moisture-wicking fabrics pull the sweat away from your skin, keeping you dry from the inside no matter how much hard work the day throws at you. Add a good thermal rating, and you can work hard without worrying about that nippy drop in temperature when you stop for a tea break.
Our Base Layer Picks:
- Fort Thermals
Affordable, reliable, and available in both long and short sleeves, these Fort Thermals with matching long johns will see you right through winter.
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TuffStuff Basewear
Warm, stretchy, breathable and moisture-wicking, TuffStuff Basewear is the go-to base layer for a day of serious sub-zero grafting.
Trade Tip:
Pair up your thermal base layer with a moisture-wicking t-shirt as the winter weather sets in.
2. Heat Without the Hassle
Next up, a solid mid-layer. We know we’ve mentioned a hoodie, but if you’re smart about it, a mid-layer is where the magic happens.
Pick pieces that trap heat without turning you into the Michelin Man, and they’re light enough to move, warm enough to graft, and easy enough to throw on and off.
Just remember- make sure to pick one with enough room around the edges, so you’re not left stiff as a board when you add your base layer and t-shirt underneath come winter!
Our Mid-Layer Picks:
- Champion Cartmel Fleece Lined Shirt
Perfect for non-bulky warmth, the Champion Cartmel Fleece Lined shirt can do both jobs in the yard, and look smart with a tie after hours!
- Regatta Thor III Fleece
Durable and quick drying, the Regatta Thor Fleece is a no-nonsense go-to that layers easily without that Michelin-style bulk- and it comes in 10 different colourways to choose from.
- Dickies Rockfield Hoodie
Tough, comfortable, and built to handle any job in style, the Dickies Rockfield Hoodie is a must-have for the cooler, chillier days spent working outside.
Trade Tip:
Think of your mid-layer as your shift-long safety net. You can throw a jacket over it for work in the rain, or strip back to it when the work warms up.
3. Stop the Rain, Stay Working
If there’s one thing we can bet on, it’s that autumn into winter in the UK will probably bring rain. For protection without the weight, go for a lightweight, protective outer layer, such as waterproofs, windproofs, or breathable shells- before the big coats come out for winter.
Breathable without cooking you underneath, a lighter transitional outer layer can thrown on over a mid-layer when the clouds roll in and stripped off when the day brightens again.
Our Outer Layer Picks:
- Ridgeline Monsoon Jacket
A firm favourite for farm work, for anyone working against the elements, the Ridgeline Monsoon jacket has you covered.
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TuffStuff Hale Jacket
Sweat gets out, rain doesn’t get in, the Hale Jacket is a softshell that shouts performance, and at a price that doesn't break the bank.
Trade Tip:
Patch a roof, not a jacket. Don’t scrimp on waterproofs - a decent shell pays for itself in a single week of rain-soaked shifts.
4. Bonus Kit: Fill in the Gaps
Layering isn’t just about the big three. The right extras make the difference between a decent day and a miserable one. As the cold creeps in, gilets, hats and thermal socks become the unsung additions to your transitional kit.
A good gilet (or body warmer) provides core warmth without restricting your arm movement, beanies hold in the heat where you lose it fastest, and thermal socks are, well, an absolute no-brainer.
Our Accessory Picks:
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Hoggs of Fife Kingston Rip-Stop Gilet
A lightweight gilet with heavyweight strength, the Hoggs Of Fife Kingston Gilet provides core warmth with rip-stop technology, and even folds away into its own pocket.
- HJ Hall Wool Thermal Workwear Socks
Built for keeping toes toasty, these HJ Hall Wool Thermal Workwear Socks are built for cold days on the concrete or long days working the land.
- Caterpillar Rib Watch Beanie
A warm, simple, and site-ready staple, the Caterpillar Rib Watch Beanie keeps you warm against the worst weather - right through winter.
Trade Tip:
Keep spares. A dry pair of socks or an extra hat for unexpected showers are always good to keep handy.
Gear Up, Layer Up
So there we have it, a transitional layering kit that works just as hard as you do. You’re not stuck with one bulky coat; you have a flexible system that you can build up or strip back, depending on the weather and the occasion.
At Hollands, we’ve been fitting the UK’s toughest grafters since 1978, and with years spent out in the elements, we know what keeps you warm, dry, and ready to get working.
Layer smart, not heavy, this season. Browse our autumn-winter workwear collection and kit yourself up with the best transitional gear, including thermals, fleeces, waterproofs and more, made for hard work in every season.
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.
