What to Expect for Safety Workwear Apparel in 2024

Intro

Workplace safety is ever on the move towards better products which offer increased protection, the year 2024 is poised to bring even more exciting advancements in workwear, which has been seen year on year in the last decade. As industries continue to push the boundaries of innovation, the garments we used in the workplace are expected to adapt to the specific needs of the skilled professionals. Let's delve into some anticipated workwear trends that we may see emerge in 2024.

Adaptation: There is a shift towards workwear becoming even more focused towards a specific trade, ie mechanics overalls will adapt more to the environment of a motor repair garage, therefore functional pockets suited towards the actual trade. Here at Built Tough our mechanics overalls have been designed with adjustable Velcro straps on the cuffs so that a mechanic can easily navigate around the parts of a car without the cuffs being caught on parts. We have already seen STS (smart textile system) workwear which has been used in the development for Electricians, a workwear shirt with integrated sensors that detects a voltage drop or or an electrical current flow on the wearer’s body that could result in an electric shock. If there is an electrical emergency, it detects a voltage difference in the arms of the sensor, which then sends a message for help. This kind of tech offers several safety benefits.

Smart Fabrics and Wearable Technology: We've witnessed the gradual integration of technology into our clothing, and 2024 is likely to elevate this trend. Smart fabrics equipped with sensors for temperature regulation, biometrics, and even communication features could become commonplace. Imagine workwear that not only protects you physically but also keeps you connected and informed in real-time.

Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Materials: The global push towards sustainability is influencing every industry, and workwear is no exception. In 2024, expect to see a surge in the use of eco-friendly materials, from biodegradable textiles to garments made from recycled materials. The usability of a workwear product cycle can be short lived, especially in hazardous work environments where workwear clothing can be torn. Due to the nature of some challenging skilled trades, safety clothing is often damaged. So the use of eco-friendly and biodegradable properties is a must in this industry to reduce carbon foot print where the product lifecycle can be short. Sustainable fabrics can play an important role in environmental policy in the workwear industry. Increasing companies and brands are recognizing the importance of reducing their environmental footprint, and this mindset is reflected in the workwear choices they offer.

Ergonomic designs for tradesmen: The concept of one-size-fits-all is out and old, the new way forward is personalized workwear solutions. Tailoring garments to individual trades ensures purpose fit not only a better fit, enhancing the ergonomic design to be adaptable. Improving design features such as adjustable straps, ventilation areas, and ergonomics are likely to gain prominence.

Augmented Reality Integration: Augmented reality (AR) has already found applications in various industries, and workwear is no exception. In 2024, we might see the incorporation of AR elements into safety helmets or goggles, providing real-time data overlays for improved situational awareness. This not only enhances safety but also streamlines complex tasks providing key data for analytics..

Antistatic Fabrics: In situations where it is imperative to reduce static electricity to protect electrostatic-sensitive devices (ESD) and to prevent high voltages from accumulating on workers' bodies.

As we step into 2024, the future of industrial workwear looks promising, with a convergence of technology and sustainability. Embracing these anticipated trends will not only redefine our professional attire but also contribute to safer, more sustainable, and enjoyable work environments.