Wet weather isn’t just an inconvenience. It’s a safety hazard. But with the right gear, the job becomes more than just bearable. It becomes doable.

Here are five tips for choosing weather-ready workwear that keeps workers safe, dry and productive when the bottom falls out.

Avoid overdressing or underdressing for the rain

Working in the rain is never comfortable. In extremely hot or cold temperatures, the risk of heat or cold stress makes working in the rain dangerous too. 

The wrong gear can trap moisture against the skin, making workers vulnerable to blisters, infections, irritation and, in extreme cases, heat stroke or hypothermia. Choosing rain gear that best suits each worker’s temperature and activity level decreases the risk of temperature- and weather-related illness and injury while increasing worker comfort and productivity.

In mild or warm conditions, look for rainwear made with lightweight and flexible materials, breathable liners and mesh vents that release excess body heat without letting moisture seep inside the garment.

In cold or freezing conditions, choose insulated rainwear with sufficient warmth for the ambient temperature, plus the windchill and rain, sleet or snow. Some rainwear manufacturers conduct thermal testing on rainwear to determine a range of temperatures in which waterproof jackets, pants, gloves and boots can protect against cold, wind, rain or snow. Use those ratings as a guide to the best gear for conditions on the job.

When selecting insulated rainwear, keep in mind that a person who is very active and moving around may need less insulation to achieve optimal warmth. In contrast, a sedentary person, such as a backhoe or skid-steer operator, may need more insulation because they’re generating less of their own body heat and still feeling all the effects of windchill and wet weather.

Look for truly waterproof gear

Safety managers and crew leaders must understand the terms used to describe rain gear and weather-ready workwear because not all workwear marketed as “rain gear” is truly waterproof. The main terms used to describe the materials in rain gear are “waterproof,” “water-repellent” and “water-resistant.” 

Waterproof materials include an impenetrable barrier that blocks moisture from accumulating on the garment or soaking into it. Water-repellent and water-resistant fabrics are generally covered with a semipermeable coating that causes moisture to bead and roll off for a few minutes. Still, they may not prevent moisture on the surface from soaking through.

If workers are caught in a downpour and must continue the job, only fully waterproof garments, gloves and boots will protect them from the elements.

To find highly functional rainwear, workers should look for features like waterproof zippers, storm flaps and adjustable cuffs that protect vulnerable areas so blowing rain and splashing puddles can’t slip through the cracks.

Mobility, dexterity and breathability

Baggy, bulky and hot gear can be a worker’s worst enemy on a rainy job site. Mobility and breathability matter for workers climbing into tight spaces, running heavy machinery or working at height. 

Rain jackets and gear with stretch panels, strategically placed vents and a proper fit (as now required by OSHA) allow you to work efficiently with the elements, not against them. Good rainwear keeps the water out. But great rainwear keeps the water out, allows full freedom of movement and makes working in miserable conditions feel a little less miserable. 

Wet hands make for sloppy work, accidental injuries and lost productivity, so workers also need waterproof gloves. Just as with rain jackets and weather-ready workwear, insulated and lightweight work gloves will be labeled with terms such as “waterproof” and “water-resistant.” 

You should choose fully waterproof gloves that keep your hands warm and dry while delivering enough dexterity for the job at hand. Look for gloves with grip textures along the palm, flex panels along the knuckles, a precurved ergonomic fit and adjustable cuffs for extra protection and productivity.

Stay dry, stay seen, stay safe

In some cases, high-visibility workwear isn’t optional; it’s essential. Choosing high-visibility waterproof workwear can save a life, especially in busy roadside work zones or areas with heavy traffic around heavy equipment. 

Look for waterproof garments that also meet or exceed ANSI standards for high-visibility protection. These garments are made with retro-reflective materials and trimmed with highly reflective tape, making workers stand out against a gloomy job site background.

Work boots should be waterproof too

Slips, trips and falls are the leading causes of workplace injuries. When water pools or runs in rivulets across the job site, it’s a nasty — and dangerous — situation. To keep crews safely on their feet, it’s essential to invest in comfortable, supportive, fully waterproof work boots.

For the best protection against slip-and-fall injuries, look for waterproof work boots with soles that are laboratory-tested and certified to meet or exceed ASTM F2413-24 standards for slip resistance on dry and wet surfaces. Waterproof work boots that meet these requirements will be labeled with the term “SR” and provide sufficient traction for walking and working in rainy and slippery conditions. The term “SRO” indicates that the boot provides traction on oily, wet surfaces.

Crews also need a safety toe cap to protect against impacts and compression. A boot with a composite toe cap will be lighter and warmer than a standard steel or aluminum safety toe and will be labeled with “I/C” to show that it meets or exceeds ASTM F2413-24 standards for impact and compression. 

For protection against electric shock, look for “EH” on the label of waterproof work boots. On construction sites, or in cases of flooded floors where live wires could present an unseen hazard, EH-rated boots guard the feet from accidental shock.

Finally, when looking for waterproof work boots, look for synthetic materials such as Kevlar that provide durability and water repellency without extra care or conditioning. Workers who choose leather work boots over synthetic waterproof materials should ask the manufacturer what oils or treatments are required to maintain the leather’s waterproof barrier and how often such treatments should be applied.

Lastly, waterproof work boots should offer adequate moisture wicking to channel sweat away from the foot and support and cushioning to reduce foot fatigue during long hours on the job. And it’s always a good idea for workers to keep an extra pair of socks handy to keep feet dry and comfortable.