Winter overalls

Insulated coveralls for working in the cold

Winter coveralls combine trousers and an upper section with an insulating lining. This keeps your lower back covered when you bend or reach, without wearing a separate jacket over trousers. If you are looking for thermal coveralls, these insulated versions are often the relevant choice. How much warmth a suit provides depends on its lining, closures and the clothing you wear underneath.

Looking for winter coveralls from Hydrowear or Helly Hansen? Also browse Hydrowear coveralls and Helly Hansen coveralls. These brand collections include other styles as well as winter coveralls.

Which lining suits your working day?

• Lots of walking, lifting or climbing: a lighter lining with a separate midlayer gives you more flexibility when you get warm. Remove that midlayer during heavier work rather than wearing several thick layers under a tight suit.
• Long periods outdoors with little movement: a thicker lining and close-fitting cuffs, neck and trouser hems help retain warmth. Combine this with protection against wind.
• Moving between indoors and outdoors: consider how easily the coveralls go on and off. Long leg zips can be useful when changing while wearing work shoes; not every model has them.

Try winter coveralls on with your layers underneath

When trying them on, wear the layers you use at work. Sit down, squat and reach above your head: the suit should not pull at the crotch, shoulders or knees. Leave enough room to move without sleeves or trouser legs being so loose that they get in the way.

Squeezing a thick winter jacket under ordinary summer coveralls is therefore not a practical substitute for a properly fitting insulated suit. Start with a base layer that helps move sweat away and add an insulating midlayer in colder conditions. Insulated winter coveralls already provide part of the insulation; three layers do not all have to be thick.

Need protection against rain and wind too?

A warm lining does not automatically make coveralls waterproof. If you work in rain for long periods, choose a version with verified rain protection, suitable seams and a fastening that keeps precipitation out. Water-repellent fabric is not the same as a waterproof suit. In dry but windy weather, wind resistance and the fit around your neck, wrists and ankles matter.

All-weather suits focus on continuing to work in changing weather conditions. Winter coveralls focus on insulation against cold. An insulated, weather-resistant suit can serve both purposes, so consider warmth and rain protection separately.

What do EN 342, EN 14058 and the rain standard tell you?

• EN 342: performance of protective clothing for cold environments at −5 °C or below. The tested insulation and specified clothing combination matter; the standard number does not guarantee unlimited working time at every freezing temperature.
• EN 14058: performance of garments for cool environments above −5 °C.
• Rain protection: EN 343 appears on product markings. Its successor is EN ISO 24232. Rain performance is separate from insulation against cold.

Cold protection also depends on your activity, wind, exposure time and clothing underneath. A pictogram without the accompanying performance information is therefore not enough to choose a suit for your workplace.

Complete your winter work kit

Coveralls do not cover your hands, head or feet. Combine them with suitable winter work gloves, a beanie and winter work shoes. When choosing gloves, consider the grip and finger movement your work requires. For separate jackets, trousers and other combinations, browse winter workwear.