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One of the UK’s biggest uniform producers Mi Hub, who make clothes for McDonald’s, Royal Mail, and Sainsbury’s among others, has shared their best tips and advice for those struggling to find the best way to dress for work as London gets ready for another heatwave.
Whilst some might be able to don shorts and casual wear, some people will still be expected to dress smartly or even wear a uniform through the heat. But this shouldn’t stop you from finding a way to keep cool if you follow some of this advice.
Ken Wright, Head of Fabric Development at Mi Hub said: “It can be difficult to stay cool in the workplace during a heatwave, particularly when our wardrobe is governed by our employers, but there are some simple hacks to prevent us from feeling hot and sweaty at work — whether you’re in the office, serving customers or working outside under the scorching sun.
READ MORE: UK heatwave: People fainting in the streets of London in 37C heat as calls to paramedics rise
“Wearing loose-fitting and light-coloured items can help to detract the heat. Plus, there are some fabrics that are better suited to keeping you cool in this weather, such as natural cotton and other lightweight fabrics, so always opt for those when choosing your work outfits.
“For those who have to wear a uniform, many employers offer seasonal accessories like sun hats and visors, in addition to adaptable clothing such as rollable sleeves or zip-off trousers that can be turned into shorts. So, it’s always worth asking them!
“Whatever garments you choose to wear, it’s also useful to wash and refresh your work uniform after each wear during hot periods to maintain freshness and avoid skin irritation.”
Ken also believes as we start to see more hot weather through climate change over the next few years employers will need to adapt the uniform they provide for workers.
“With the UK set to continue having these extreme temperatures as the new ‘normal’ and way of life, it’s important that companies who require their employees to wear uniforms start to seek out innovative fabrics for their workwear.
“For example, moisture-wicking fabrics work by drawing the heat and moisture away from the body away from the fabric, essentially allowing the sweat out, which then evaporates from the fabric, ensuring employees are kept at a comfortable temperature throughout their shift.
“Our brand, Dimensions, introduced the ‘37.5’ fabric into our range of designs, which cleverly regulates core body temperatures through the use of activated carbon materials to remove moisture vapour. Not only that, this material is especially effective for those experiencing the menopause, helping to reduce the fluctuations in temperature.”
How have you been keeping cool at work this week? Let us know in the comments here.
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