LMA rainwear

There are different ways to protect yourself against the risk of injury, but there is only one against the rain: waterproof clothing. Indeed, the shower or the humidity do not facilitate professional activities. Workers need gear that keeps them dry and warm while allowing great freedom of movement. It is then essential that the rain gear keeps all its promises.

What does "impermeability" mean?

We say that an outfit is waterproof when the fabric prevents the penetration of water through the fiber of a garment. The finish plays a major role: it ensures the total insulation of the garment. This type of outfit has the advantage of being an excellent windbreaker.

You should know that the level of impermeability of a garment has an impact on its breathability. The more waterproof it is, the less the fabric is breathable. Besides, it is not recommended to make a compromise between the two, because breathability is also very important: it wicks away perspiration and makes the outfit comfortable to wear. So you have to find the happy medium.

There are subtleties that could be confusing for rain protective clothing:

• Waterproof: it is a material that does not allow any liquid to pass through.

• Water-repellent: this fabric prevents water from penetrating thanks to a product applied to the material. The water simply slides off forming droplets. It does not protect against heavy rain, but gives great breathability to the outfit.

• Water repellent: this is a fabric that has undergone a treatment to prevent water from penetrating.

These techniques seem to have the same function, but still have distinct roles.

How to know the level of impermeability of a garment?

The impermeability of a fabric is measured in different ways, but the best known is the water column test or the Schmerber test. This technique assesses the performance of the fabric against water penetration, but this will also depend on the quality and brand of the garment.

The method consists of testing the fabric with a water pressure evaluated in mm. If droplets form on the surface, it means that water is passing through the material. Namely, a garment is only considered waterproof if it resists the pressure of a water column of 1.5 m. If it is less than 8,000 mm, the term water-repellent can be used.

It is recommended to follow a certain level of impermeability:

• For fine rain or light showers: WR (Water Resistance) impermeability between 2,000 mm to 3,000 mm.

• For moderate to heavy rain: WR between 5,000 mm to 10,000 mm

• For bad weather: WR between 20,000 mm.

The standard for rainwear

The standard of outfit is obtained based on the test result. It can be standardized EN 343. This is the level of protection against showers. It is presented in the form of an umbrella with drops of water. Two values ​​are listed: permeability to water vapor and resistance to water penetration.

It should be noted that in addition to this standard, some garments are also EN 342 certified or EN 14 058. They certify the level of protection against the cold. This certification is very useful for professionals in industry, construction and landscape gardeners. Moreover, rainproof and anti-cold clothing is highly recommended since bad weather can directly impact day-to-day comfort.

How to choose rain gear?

The tests carried out and the standard are not enough to choose a rainwear. First of all, you have to think about finding the right model for your work. To do this, you have to be careful when choosing the manufacturing material: it must be waterproof and not water-repellent. Coated fabrics and waterproof-breathable membranes are often used.

For its finishes, it is advisable to favor tight seams, that is to say sealed, waterproofed, heat-sealed, or other. For a waterproof jacket, it is important that the closure is waterproof or that it is: waterproof zipped or zipped with an additional flap closed by press studs.

For the wrist, opt for models with the presence of inner cuffs or cuffs closed by press studs. The presence of a hood is essential, and it is even better if it is easily adjustable.

Apart from a few details, it is possible to adapt the rain gear according to the weather conditions:

• rain and cold: there are waterproof and lined clothes
• rain without cold: choose unlined models
• wind and rain: waterproof outfit with windproof fabric
• short shower or drizzle: softshell
type water-repellent outfit
• cold and light weather: water-repellent softshell coating with inner lining
• severe weather conditions: complete and 100% waterproof rainwear.

What are the different kinds of rainwear?

At Oxwork, you will find a whole range of waterproof outfits from different brands to help you face the rain. There are models of clothes for men and women. You have the choice between:

• a rain jacket
• a professional rain coat
• a waterproof jacket
• rain pants, coveralls
• waterproof rain overalls or overalls
• a complete waterproof set.

Each of its garments is available in a high visibility version to provide protection against low light or lack of visibility.

To complete your professional waterproof outfit, you can combine it with rainproof work shoes or safety boots against rain. They are suitable for all existing business sectors.