EN 14058 and EN 342 describe requirements and test methods for protective clothing in cool and cold environments. EN 14058 is intended for garments used in conditions above -5 °C. EN 342 applies to individual garments and complete clothing combinations — referred to in the standard as clothing ensembles — for cold conditions of -5 °C or lower. Separate head, hand and foot protection is outside the scope of these two clothing standards. Two garments carrying the same standard can still provide different levels of protection: the Rct, AP, Icler and, where applicable, WP values show the performance level that was tested.
EN 14058: protective clothing for cool environments
The current reference is EN 14058:2017+A1:2023. The standard covers garments that provide protection against local body cooling in a cool environment. In addition to air temperature, wind and humidity can also affect the conditions in which the clothing is used.
How to read the EN 14058 marking
From top to bottom, the following performance values appear next to the pictogram:
- a — Thermal resistance (Rct): class 1 to 4. The higher the class, the greater the thermal resistance of the material combination.
- b — Air permeability (AP): an optional classification from class 1 to 3. Class 3 has the lowest air permeability and therefore provides the greatest resistance to wind.
- c — Resultant effective thermal insulation (Icler): a measured insulation value in m²K/W for the garment, determined on a moving mannequin with the specified underclothing. If no underclothing is specified, the standard set from EN 342 may be used. This measurement is optional for Rct classes 1 to 3 and mandatory for class 4.
- d — Resistance to water penetration (WP): an optional performance. If an optional field shows X, that property was not tested.
EN 342: protective clothing against cold and low temperatures
EN 342:2017 covers garments and clothing combinations for cold environments of -5 °C or lower. The thermal insulation of the garment or combination is a central performance measure, together with air permeability.
How to read the EN 342 marking
From top to bottom, the following performance values appear next to the pictogram:
- a — Resultant effective thermal insulation (Icler): the measured insulation value in m²K/W. B refers to reference underclothing, C to underclothing specified by the manufacturer and R to the reference clothing system used when testing a single garment.
- b — Air permeability (AP): class 1 to 3. Class 3 has the lowest air permeability and therefore provides the greatest resistance to wind.
- c — Resistance to water penetration (WP): an optional performance. If this field shows X, the property was not tested.
The Icler, AP and, where applicable, WP values show the performance level determined for the relevant test setup. Two EN 342 garments therefore do not necessarily provide the same insulation or air permeability.
Standards and the 3-layer system
The standard values describe tested performance of a garment or clothing combination, but they do not define how to build your complete clothing system. To learn how a base layer, insulating mid-layer and outer layer work together, read our guide to the 3-layer system for workwear.
Winter work jackets for cold working conditions
Want to continue from this standards guide to winter work jackets for cold working conditions? Browse our collection.