September is here, and somewhere out there, a new apprentice is wondering what to wear on Monday morning for their first day on the job. Whether you're the one kitting them out or you are that apprentice wondering, this is the list you need.
It matters more than it sounds like it should- a new starter in decent, branded kit looks like part of the team from day one, and also feels like one. One in their mate's old joggers, does not.
You don't need to buy everything at once either, employer or apprentice. Start with the basics, and the essentials that'll get them through the first week looking the part, and build up the kit from there.
So grab your brew, and lets get down to business.
The Essentials: Work Trousers
A solid place to start. A good pair of work trousers is the foundation of the whole kit and need to be durable, comfortable to move in, and tough enough to survive the first month on the tools when everything is still new.
September's a transitional month too, still warm some days, more autumn on others, so a mid-weight, non-lined pair makes more sense than anything heavy. And if there's any kneeling involved, knee pad pockets are worth having from day one, not added on later once the knees start complaining. Here's our top trouser picks:
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TuffStuff Pro Work Trousers: Honest value, durable build, four colourways. A sensible first pair that looks smart without overspending.
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Dickies Everyday Mens Holster Trousers: A trusted trade name that carries instant credibility on site. Reinforced knees, good pocket layout, works across a range of trades, and with the added holster pcoket for the essentials.
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TuffStuff ProFlex Work Trousers: Stretch Cordura panels and knee pad pockets. A smart choice for trades with a lot of movement and kneeling.
Trade Tip: Buy two pairs from the start. Kit gets through the wash quickly during a busy first few weeks, a spare pair means never being stuck on a Monday morning.
The Layer They'll Live In: Hoodies and Sweatshirts
If there's one item us tradies wear more than any other, it's a hoodie or sweatshirt. On in the morning, off when it warms up, back on at the end of the day. They travel between home, site, and the van, which means it's also the piece most likely to be seen by customers and other tradespeople. It's also where a logo does the most work: get one embroidered on the chest and a starter kit suddenly looks like a proper uniform. (More on that shortly.)
September calls for something mid-weight. Not a thin summer top, not a heavy lined jacket, just something that can be thrown on either side of the changing weather.
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TuffStuff Hendon Hoodie: No-nonsense, affordable, washes well and holds its shape. Also available in black, navy, or grey, depending on your kit co-ordination.
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Fort Workforce 1/4 Zip Sweatshirt: A smarter option that steps away from the casual hoodie look, and works well for customer-facing trades.
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DeWalt Stratford Hooded Sweatshirt: Always a recognisable name that carries weight on site. Solid mid-weight build with a properly professional finish.
Trade Tip: Sounds obvious, but a hoodie with your logo on it changes the whole impression. Customers notice, other tradespeople notice, and so does the apprentice. It feels (and looks) professional.
Under the Hoodie: T-Shirts and Polo Shirts
T-shirts and polos are the everyday base layer, worn under a hoodie in autumn, and on their own when the heatwave strikes like this summer. They're also the fastest way to build out a uniform without breaking the bank.
For customer-facing trades like plumbing, electrical, joinery, a polo can read slightly smarter than a plain tee, and it's worth the small extra spend. Multi-packs make sense here too, since these are the items that get washed hardest and wear out fastest.
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TuffStuff Elite T-Shirt: The real workhorse of the bunch. Hardwearing, cotton-rich, and doesn’t need ironing after a wash (win win!) A full week's worth won't break the budget.
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Dickies Mens Everyday Polo Shirt: This one speaks for itself with Dickies' signature durability. A loighter cotton blend, it keeps its colour and shape even when the weeks get tough.
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TuffStuff Elite Polo Shirt: A clean, professional polo for customer-facing roles. Good value, and pairs naturally with the Elite T-Shirt above if you want a matching set for rotation.
Trade Tip: Plain neutrals are always a good call for a first kit. They match pretty much everything, look professional, and are easy to embroider later if you decide to brand up (as we keep saying, more on that soon.)
The Outer Layer: Waterproofs and Jackets
September in the UK means the rain's coming sooner or later, no matter how hot the summer has been. An apprentice without a waterproof is an apprentice not taken care of, and a slower, colder one at that.
Contrary to some beliefs, waterproof workwear doesn't need to be expensive. A lightweight, breathable waterproof or softshell covers the basics without overcooking the budget this early on. As autumn turns to winter, a warmer mid-layer becomes worth adding, but for now, we can start light.
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TuffStuff Hatton Softshell Jacket: Clean and professional, and works through September and October. Wind-resistant, comfortable, presentable enough for customer-facing work.
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Fort Airflex Breathable Waterproof Jacket: Lightweight, and does the job without the huge bulk of a winter waterproof for those clocking up the hours outside. A trusted everyday option across the trade, it’s good value and genuinely weatherproof.
Trade Tip: If we’re talking serious waterproofing, don't just go on the "waterproof" label. Check for taped seams and a storm flap over the zip, and if we’re being technical, around 5,000 to 10,000 in hydrostatic rating. That's what actually keeps water out, not just the fabric itself.
Get Started Right
A well-kitted apprentice starts better, feels more confident, and represents the business properly from day one. The list doesn't need to be complicated: two pairs of trousers, a couple of hoodies, a handful of tees and a waterproof covers most trades through the first few weeks, then build from there.
And there’s one more thing worth knowing: here at Hollands Workwear we offer an embroidery service, so if you want the kit properly branded, get in touch with our customer service team about logos on hoodies, polos, or tees. Minimum quantities and turnaround vary, so it's worth asking early if September's on the horizon.
And if you're an employer who isn't providing the kit yourself, send this post straight to your new starter. Everything they need is right here.
Browse the full range of apprentice-ready workwear at Hollands Workwear. Employers: get in touch about our embroidery service for branded kit. Apprentices: start here, and get sorted before Monday.
