Clothing for (car) mechanics

What kind of clothing should technicians wear?

As a mechanic you work every day in conditions that place high demands on your clothing. What do you wear as a car mechanic, installation technician or service technician? And what standards must that clothing meet?

Work clothing for mechanics is more than just overalls or trousers. It concerns protection against specific risks in the workplace: from flame protection and anti-static properties to wear resistance and freedom of movement. In this article you can read what good mechanic clothing must meet and which clothing items are suitable.

Why are standards important for mechanic clothing?

Technicians regularly work near electrical installations, flammable substances or hot tools. This entails risks that ordinary work clothing cannot overcome. Certified work clothing offers demonstrable protection and has been tested for specific hazards.

For technicians, the following standards are most relevant: EN ISO 11612 for protection against heat and flame, EN 1149 for antistatic properties and EN ISO 13688 as a basic standard for protective clothing. Garments that meet these standards have been tested and certified for use in hazardous environments.

What does a car mechanic wear?

A car mechanic works with machines, tools and chemical fluids such as oil, coolant and brake fluid. The clothing must be resistant to pollution and wear, but also offer sufficient freedom of movement to work under a car or reach into hard-to-reach places.

How do you dress as a car mechanic? Sturdy work trousers with knee reinforcements such as the Work trousers Twill Cordura Stretch and a good sitting one T-shirt Redefined or Polo shirt Redefined as outerwear are the basics. The Twill Cordura Stretch Work Trousers are specially designed for car mechanics: the concealed button does not protrude, so it cannot scrape against the car and prevents paint damage. Steel toe safety shoes are mandatory in most garages.

Tricorp offers two suitable models for car mechanics who prefer to work in overalls. The Overall Twill Cordura and the American Overall Twill Cordura are both made of sturdy twill material with Cordura reinforcements in the most wear-sensitive areas. An overall has the advantage that clothing underneath remains fully protected against oil and dirt, which is a practical advantage in the garage.

Multi-standard clothing: protection on multiple levels

For technicians who work in environments with multiple risks at the same time, multi-norm clothing is the most complete choice. This clothing meets multiple safety standards at the same time, so that you meet multiple requirements with one piece of clothing.

It T-shirt Multinorm from Tricorp is made of 60% modacrylic, 39% cotton and 1% carbon. It complies with EN ISO 11612 for flame protection, EN 1149 for antistatic properties and EN ISO 13688 as a basic standard. A T-shirt that protects without you noticing it while at work.

The Work trousers Multinorm is made of 74% cotton, 25% polyester and 1% carbon and also meets several standards, including EN ISO 11612 and EN 1149. The trousers have internal knee pads, a raised back and an elastic waistband for extra comfort during long and intensive use.

Maintenance of mechanics clothing

Certified work clothing only retains its protective properties if it is properly maintained. Always follow the washing instructions on the label. Do not use bleach or aggressive detergents that can damage the protective fibers. Wash the clothing at the recommended temperature and check regularly for wear or damage.

Clothing that is visibly worn or damaged no longer provides certified protection. Replace work clothing on time, so that you can always be sure that you are well protected in the workplace.

Comfort also counts for technicians

A technician is on the move all day long. Good work clothing does not hinder you, but rather supports you. Choose clothing with sufficient stretch, a good fit and materials that are breathable. This way you can work comfortably all day long, even when conditions are tough.

Tricorp offers multi-standard work clothing in a wide size range from XS to 5XL, so that every technician can find the right fit.