Outdoor workers, drivers, warehouse teams and anyone working in cold stores need clothing that keeps them warm enough to work safely and comfortably. Most warm workwear is simply sold as "insulated" or "thermal", but some garments are tested to European standards for protection against cool and cold environments. The two you will see most often are EN 14058 and EN 342.
EN 14058: cool environments
EN 14058 covers garments that protect against cool environments, generally down to around −5°C. It applies to individual garments such as jackets, gilets and trousers. Garments are classed for thermal performance, and some are also tested for wind (air permeability) and water penetration. If a test was not carried out, the label shows that it was not tested rather than giving a class.
EN 342: cold environments
EN 342 covers clothing for colder environments, below around −5°C. It is aimed at harsher conditions such as cold stores and sustained outdoor work in winter. The marking includes the garment's measured insulation and its air permeability class, and it may also show a water penetration class.
| EN 14058 | EN 342 | |
|---|---|---|
| Conditions | Cool, generally down to around −5°C | Cold, below around −5°C |
| Typical garments | Jackets, gilets, trousers and other single garments | Heavier jackets, suits and garment combinations |
| Typical users | Outdoor trades, yards, drivers, unheated buildings | Cold stores, freezers, severe outdoor conditions |
For how to read the pictogram and numbers on a label more generally, see EN standards on workwear labels explained.
How to choose
- Start with the conditions. How cold does it get, how long are people exposed, and is there wind or rain?
- Think about activity. Someone moving all day needs less insulation than someone standing still, and may overheat in a very heavy jacket.
- Layer up. A base layer, a mid layer and an outer shell can be adjusted through the day. See our winter layering guide and thermal base layers guide.
- Do not forget hands, head and feet. Gloves, hats and warm socks make a big difference. See our headwear guide.
- Check visibility needs. Shorter days mean more work in low light. If your risk assessment calls for hi-vis, choose a certified garment. See hi-vis workwear.
For the full range of warm kit, see our winter workwear, gilets and fleeces & work jackets.
The short version
EN 14058 is for cool conditions and EN 342 is for colder ones. Check the label for what was actually tested, match the protection to how cold it gets and how active your team is, and base the decision on your own risk assessment. If in doubt, ask us and we will help you find a suitable option.
