Workwear needs to do more than just protect – it should be comfortable, durable and versatile. From knee protection and PPE to a tailored women’s range, Nick Poulson, UK Country Manager at Carhartt, looks at what wholesalers should consider stocking to stay ahead.

Tough, safe, practical, comfortable; all key words when it comes to workwear. But that’s only part of the picture. There’s another key factor on the workwear agenda too – clothing that looks just as good off site as it does on. For wholesalers, getting the balance right means offering a range that works across the board – men and women, across all seasons and fit for all jobs. That’s where companies like Carhartt deliver, providing electricians with gear built for safety, comfort and a style that works anywhere.

For electricians, safety on the job goes beyond protective boots – knees take a beating too. Whether crouching to install wiring, kneeling to access fuse boxes or working on low-mounted control panels, the constant pressure can lead to long term joint damage and discomfort. Without proper knee protection, electricians risk strain injuries that could sideline them from work.

One of the standout items from Carhartt’s latest collection are the Steel Pants, which have secure kneepad pockets that conform to EN14404-4:2024 dimensions. Carhartt now has its own kneepads which can be seamlessly incorporated into the pant design – not bulky or awkward, these kneepads are made to move around in on the job, helping anyone to stay comfortable when kneeling for any length of time.

Versatile outerwear

Working as an electrical contractor is no office job. It means moving between a variety of environments, indoors, outdoors, and can mean putting up with some uncomfortable weather conditions. Versatile outerwear is therefore really important. The Carhartt Chore Coat is a great addition to every wardrobe. It’s a classic so it looks good and is blanket-lined, wind-resistant and water-repellent to keep the wearer warm and protected. It also incorporates Rugged Flex technology so it doesn’t need to be removed to tackle a job. There’s a women’s version too; it comes in a sturdy fabric with practical and large reinforced pockets so all essentials can stay close at hand.

The number of women in the trades is increasing – and with it the demand for workwear designed specifically for female contractors. Ill-fitting or unisex garments can hinder safety, comfort and productivity so it’s really important that workwear is tailored specifically for women. A women’s range is nothing new for Carhartt – the company first sold coveralls for women back in 1917 – but it has recognised there are more women than ever entering the industry. So representatives met with real women in the field and listened when women said they wanted clothing that is lighter but still tough. The TENCEL Fibre Series has been the result. TENCEL is lightweight, soft, breathable but incredibly durable – more durable even than cotton. Colours have also been carefully chosen – delicate rose, wisteria blue, dusky apple butter and undyed ecru are all choices in the women’s range.

Championing inclusivity

Tailoring is important too – trousers cut specifically for a woman’s shape, jackets with narrower shoulders, overalls with adjustable waists. Carhartt’s range ensures that all contractors, regardless of gender, are equipped to perform their best. Wholesalers have an opportunity to champion inclusivity by stocking a balanced range of men’s and women’s workwear, reflecting the changing face of the industry and positioning the wholesaler as a forward-thinking partner to its trade customers.

No discussion of workwear trends would be complete without addressing the role of personal protective equipment (PPE). Safety glasses, for example, remain a vital piece of kit for electrical contractors, guarding against hazards like flying debris or accidental exposure to electrical arcs.

Carhartt’s range of safety glasses conforms to EN166, the European standard that outlines the specifications for protective eyewear. Made with a polycarbonate lens and frame, these glasses are almost indestructible – polycarbonate is 250 times more impact-resistant than glass and 10 times more resistant than standard plastic. Polycarbonate lenses are also thinner and lighter compared to alternative materials.

Seasonal changes

Workwear has two distinct seasons – spring/summer and autumn/winter and it’s important wholesalers stay ahead of these shifts to maximise sales opportunities. Carhartt’s spring/summer collection, launching at the end of January, features lighter weight fabrics and breathable designs tailored for warmer weather. Items such as short-sleeve shirts, lighter jackets and work shorts are perfect for contractors working in warmer temperatures. By introducing seasonal ranges early, wholesalers can ensure that customers are equipped with the right gear before demand peaks.

Point-of-sale displays can play a key role here, helping contractors easily identify seasonal collections. In-branch merchandising strategies, such as mannequins dressed in full seasonal outfits or racks organised by temperature-appropriate gear, can encourage contractors to upgrade their workwear for the months ahead. Successful wholesaling isn’t just about stocking the right products – it’s also about how those products are presented. Engaging in-branch displays, knowledgeable staff and clear signage can all contribute to a positive shopping experience, making it easy for contractors to find what they need.

For more information on the Carhartt range, click here

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Nick Poulson, UK Sales Manager at Carhartt EMEA/PAC, explains how seasonal collections, advanced material technologies and dynamic POS resources can elevate your retail space and redefine the workwear shopping experience in wholesalers.

As electrical wholesalers, positioning your branch as the go-to destination for high-quality workwear can open up new commercial opportunities. Stocking workwear in-branch requires an understanding of its seasonal nature – spring/summer and autumn/winter. Carhartt has a selection of staple items loved by workers all year round, including sturdy trousers, versatile jackets and comfortable hoodies. But alongside these mainstays, two key seasonal shifts that bring fresh collections: the lighter gear for spring/summer and the robust attire for autumn/winter.

Summer colours

This spring/summer season, Carhartt has revitalised its line with a vibrant new colour palette, infusing the collection with energising hues. It means electricians can look and feel good on site and off. Key colours for men include Apple Butter, Tender Green, Loden Frost and Fog Blue while the women’s line includes delicate Lilac Haze and strong Dried Clay.

Lightweight packable anoraks are good examples of this colour update, offering a functional yet fashionable solution for the sometimes unpredictable summer weather. They pack down easily for convenience and feature breathable mesh lining and Rain Defender technology for dryness and comfort. These anoraks are now available in Tender Green and Lilac Haze colour options.

Layering is always key, particularly in summer and there are some key pieces that make this easy. The Relaxed Fit Midweight Short-Sleeve Pocket T-Shirt has breathable mesh side panels to keep you cool while getting on with the job while the iconic Carhartt K87 Pocket T-Shirt, a staple since ’92, now pops in fresh, summer hues of Loden Frost green, Apple Butter and Deep Lagoon blue for men and Lilac Haze and Dried Clay for women. Also in the new summer colours are the Midweight Logo Sleeve Graphic Sweatshirt, with a roomy fit that ensures freedom of movement and for women, the Logo Sleeve Graphic Sweatshirt is made of a soft, warm, stretchy fabric with the Carhartt ′C′ printed on the chest, jersey lined to stay cosy all day long.

Technologies

Carhartt’s range goes beyond aesthetic appeal however, incorporating innovative material technologies that cater to the practical needs of electricians as the weather heats up. Carhartt’s Force is ideal for the warmer months. This isn’t a material – it’s a suite of features designed to enhance the performance, durability and comfort of workwear no matter how high the mercury rises. It incorporates Stainbreaker Technology for easy stain release, FastDry for moisture wicking, to keep the wearer cool and dry all day and has anti-microbial properties to fend off odours, maintaining freshness after long hours of work.

Rugged Flex technology gives extra stretch where it’s needed so the wearer can easily kneel, bend, crouch and reach. Even when working in cramped, hot spaces like lofts or under sinks, these clothes stay comfortable to move in. And let’s not forget the inevitable summer showers. Carhartt’s got it covered with its Rain Defender and Storm Defender technologies. Rain Defender offers a water repellent coating that keeps light rain at bay – water simply beads up and rolls off. For more severe conditions, Storm Defender comes into play with its waterproof yet breathable fabric, ensuring rain is kept out while allowing body heat to dissipate. The Storm Defender jackets combine lightness and durability, featuring waterproof seams for full protection.

Carhartt’s durable apparel is designed for longevity, but should your gear suffer from the occasional snag or mishap, there’s no need to discard your favourite pieces. The company offers free, easy-to-use repair kits which help extend the life of your Carhartt items right at home. Quick-fix iron-on patches can mend pants, bibs and jackets in no time, and replacing buttons or mending a zipper takes minutes.

Point of Sale

The key to showing customers what a range offers often comes down to good point of Sale (POS) materials. In a market where standing apart is key, expertly crafted POS displays, signs and banners are vital tools for capturing customer interest and cultivating brand recognition. These elements spotlight promotions and special products, directly steering consumer buying behaviour and bolstering sales. Carhartt engages with merchants to gain insights into your specific market and clientele, collaborating to fine-tune both product presentation and sales strategy. Carhartt’s Visual Merchandising Team breathes life into the retail space, meticulously arranging displays in prime locations to maximise visibility.

The power of branding and visual appeal within a retail environment is crucial. Carhartt’s distinctive imagery and core values are immediately recognisable as symbols of quality and resilience. To aid merchant partners in harnessing these elements, Carhartt offers a full suite of resources including an extensive image library and a detailed marketing toolkit. These tools are designed to be easy to use, enabling our partners to create compelling and effective in-store marketing that resonates with their customer base. By doing so, merchants can effortlessly make the brand’s values vividly present throughout their store.

With a vibrant new summer palette and innovative technologies, Carhartt offers workwear that stands up to the task, and the elements, with ease. Paired with strong POS materials and marketing support, merchants will be equipped to convey the essence of the brand, build customer relationships and boost sales growth.

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Snickers Workwear’s Kneeguard is a fully certified system for protecting knees against kneeling injuries and knocks at work.

Combining trademarked Kneeguard pads with Kneeguard PRO positioning system in Snickers Workwear trousers is one of the most ergonomic solutions for effective knee protection.

Snickers Workwear has a range of 8 Kneepads to fit different types of trousers to suit different jobs on site, such as the specialist Squarefit Kneepads for the Floorlayer trousers and the slim-fit kneepads for street-smart slim-fit trousers. The D30 Ergo kneepads mould around your knee to provide enhanced impact protection. They are great for tradesmen and women who spend a lot of time working on and off their knees and who want to ensure maximum long-term comfort and wellbeing.

Snickers Workwear trousers come in 5 different leg lengths as standard and what’s more, the design of the kneepad pocket allows you to adjust the kneepads to different heights to ensure the correct positioning to maximise protection.

The long-term effects of working on your knees could cause a lifetime of discomfort and restricted movement without proper protection. Check out our Snickers Workwear’s Kneeguard PRO system that helps to prevent long-term discomfort.

For more information, click here

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