EN 342 winter workwear consists of protective garments certified according to the EN 342:2017 standard. They are designed to protect against cold in extreme environments.
They are tested for thermal insulation, wind resistance, and moisture permeability. All to ensure that they actually keep you warm when the temperature falls below -5°C.
EN 342:2017 is a European standard that sets requirements and specifies test methods for protective clothing in cold working environments. It is about ensuring that the clothing truly insulates against cooling.
The standard covers both individual garments and complete clothing sets with multiple layers. It is the entire system that is tested, not just the jacket or pants individually.
The tests measure how effectively the clothing prevents heat from leaving the body.
EN 342 garments must meet strict criteria for air permeability and water resistance. Air permeability is divided into three classes, with class 1 providing the best protection against wind.
EN 342 winter workwear is intended to protect against temperatures of -5°C or lower. This is achieved by retaining body heat and preventing cold air and moisture from entering.
Thermal insulation is measured and classified to ensure that the protection is indeed sufficient.
Wind resistance is crucial – wind can significantly cool the body quickly. Therefore, garments are tested for air permeability to ensure that they block cold air.
They are also evaluated for moisture resistance and water resistance. This is to manage moisture from both sweat and rain or snow.
Many EN 342 garments also feature rain protection and are tested according to EN 343 for water resistance.
EN 342 winter workwear is used where it is cold at work. The construction industry, transport, logistics, and other outdoor professions are typical examples.
Construction workers working outdoors in winter need such certified garments to avoid freezing and to work safely.
Warehouse workers and logistics personnel in cooled or unheated premises also use EN 342 clothing. It’s not fun to be cold at work, right?
In the transport industry, these garments are often required for drivers and cargo handlers who are out in the cold.
Examples of garments that can be EN 342 certified include:
Emergency services and security personnel also use EN 342 clothing during winter operations.
The EN 342:2017 standard defines three fundamental performance parameters. They determine how well a garment protects against cold.
These are thermal insulation, wind resistance, and moisture protection.
The Icler value indicates how well the garment retains body heat. It is expressed in m²K/W – the higher the value, the better the insulation.
The test is conducted using a test dummy with heat sensors in a climate chamber where temperature and humidity are carefully controlled.
Icler Classification:
Garments with higher classifications are suitable for extremely cold conditions. Class 4 garments can even withstand extreme conditions down to -40°C.
The AP value indicates how much cold air can pass through the fabric under pressure. Low AP values mean better wind protection.
The test is conducted by exposing fabric samples to air pressure. The result is expressed in liters per square meter per second (l/m²/s).
AP Classification:
Garments with class 3 provide maximum protection against wind chill. This is particularly important for outdoor jobs where it is often windy.
Water penetration resistance concerns how well the garment keeps moisture away from the body. If the clothing becomes damp, it quickly loses its insulating ability.
The test simulates rain and snow by spraying water on the fabric under controlled conditions. The time it takes for the water to penetrate is measured.
Water Resistance Classification:
The higher the classification, the better it is in environments with heavy snow, rain, or high humidity. The combination of water resistance and breathability significantly affects comfort.
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The EN 342 label displays three values: Icler for thermal insulation, AP for wind resistance, and the WP symbol for water resistance. These numbers help you choose the right clothing for different weather and temperatures.
The Icler value measures how well the clothing insulates against cold and is expressed in m²K/W. The test is conducted with a thermal dummy to mimic real conditions.
Common Icler values:
The labeling applies to entire clothing combinations. A coverall or jacket with pants needs to be complemented with base layers, gloves, boots, and a hat to provide the promised protection.
Multiple layers provide higher Icler values. The tests according to EN 342:2017 evaluate how well the entire clothing set retains heat at different activity levels.
The AP class indicates how well the clothing withstands wind. The scale ranges from class 1 to class 3, with a higher number indicating better wind protection.
Air permeability is measured by blowing compressed air against the fabric. The less air that passes through, the better the protection against wind chill.
For really cold and windy environments, class 2 or 3 is clearly preferable. Class 1 works if you are working in a more sheltered area and not exposed to much wind.
The WP symbol (Water Penetration) indicates how well the clothing resists water penetration. This symbol only appears if the garment withstands at least 8000 Pa water column.
Water resistance is tested by exposing the fabric to increasing water pressure until water penetrates. A higher Pa value simply means better protection against water.
If a garment lacks the WP symbol, it has no certified water protection. For work in wet winter environments or during snowfall, it is crucial that the clothing has WP labeling.
Worth noting: The WP symbol guarantees only basic water protection. If you are going to be outside for an extended period in rain or wet snow, it is not enough – proper rain gear is needed on top of EN 342 winter clothing.
Choosing the right EN 342 certified winter clothing is not just about grabbing the first jacket you see. You must actually analyze the work environment, activity level, and how much you move. Temperature, wind, and how you work dictate what insulation and air permeability you need.
The temperature where you work and how exposed you are determines the level of protection you need according to EN 342. If it is colder than -5°C, garments with documented thermal insulation are required.
Things to check:
Cold environments with strong winds require garments with low air permeability to avoid losing heat. People working in transport or logistics often find themselves in drafty environments where the wind makes it even colder.
If you are standing still in extreme cold, you need more insulation than if you are moving a lot. Garments with class 3-4 insulation are best suited for static work when it is colder than -15°C.
How much you move affects how much insulation you need. The more physically active you are, the more heat you generate yourself.
Low activity level (e.g., monitoring):
Medium activity level (construction work, maintenance):
High activity level (heavy work):
Garments with removable layers are invaluable when the pace varies throughout the day. Especially in the construction industry, where it can go from standing still to full speed in a quarter of an hour.
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Fit and how you dress in layers affect both safety and comfort. The right accessories also make a significant difference in how well your EN 342 clothing actually protects.
EN 342 garments must be tried on carefully to fit correctly. They should be loose enough to allow air to circulate between the layers. If they are too tight, the insulating air pocket is lost.
Layering works best with three levels:
You should be able to move freely; otherwise, you lose both comfort and protection. Armholes and legs need a little extra room for you to work as usual.
Always try on all layers at the same time when fitting. Many actually choose one size larger than usual for winter clothing.
For the EN 342 protection to apply, you must also have the right headgear. Without a hat or similar, the certification does not fully apply.
Approved headgear can include:
Gloves and shoes are equally important. Insulated shoes with good grip reduce the risk of slipping. The gloves should both warm and allow you to work with precision.
Reflectors and high-visibility colors on accessories significantly increase visibility when it is dark. It is wise to test all equipment together with the winter clothing before they are used on really cold workdays.
When purchasing EN 342:2017 clothing, you must pay attention to labeling and technical values. How well the garment insulates and withstands cold determines whether it works where you work.
The correct labeling on EN 342 garments contains clear information that you can actually read and understand. The garment should be labeled with EN 342:2017 and have technical values that show performance.
The certification label shows the Icler value (thermal insulation) in m²K/W. The higher the value, the better the insulation. The label also includes the Ap value indicating air permeability in l/m²/s.
CE marking must be present, and the manufacturer's information should be clear and permanently affixed. If the labeling is unclear or looks fake, you should be cautious.
The manufacturer should always be able to provide test results and clear instructions. Reputable brands never release products without proper documentation.
The Icler value is the most important when comparing different garments. Values between 0.31-0.45 m²K/W work for moderately cold days. Over 0.60 m²K/W is needed when it is really cold.
Air permeability (Ap value) determines how much wind penetrates. Lower values mean better wind protection, but sometimes poorer breathability. Below 5 l/m²/s is considered windproof.
Water resistance is measured according to the standard and shows how well the material withstands water. This becomes crucial if you work in wet and cold conditions, as moisture quickly destroys insulation.
Always compare these values between different brands. The highest value is not always the best – sometimes comfort and intended use are just as important.
How you care for your EN 342 winter clothing affects both protection and longevity. Incorrect washing can ruin insulation, but proper storage ensures they last longer.
Washing temperature and method matter. Always follow the washing instructions on the label if you want the garment to retain its insulation.
Too high a temperature can damage insulation. Most EN 342 garments can withstand 40-60 degrees, but some materials prefer cooler washes.
Use the right amount of detergent to avoid dirt that clings and degrades insulation. Wash similar colors together to avoid discolored reflectors.
Store the clothing in a dry and airy place. Damp spaces destroy insulation and reduce protection. Hang the garments so they are not compressed, as this helps retain heat better.
Wash regularly to avoid odors and bacteria. Dirty clothes actually insulate worse than clean ones.
The insulation in EN 342 clothing deteriorates over time, especially after many washes. Visible damage such as holes or broken seams means the garment no longer provides adequate protection.
If the insulation has clumped together or become uneven, you will get cold spots on your body – a clear sign that it is time to replace them.
Reflective bands and warning labels that have faded or come loose must be replaced immediately. Visibility is not something to be careless about in the winter darkness.
Zippers that malfunction let in cold air and reduce protection. Torn cuffs at wrists and neck also create cold bridges.
If the fit has changed after washing and the garment no longer fits well, it can lead to gaps where the cold can enter.
The EN 342 standard sets requirements for insulation, air permeability, and water resistance for workwear used at -5°C or colder. Material choice, the right level of protection, and good maintenance determine how long the clothing lasts and how well it performs.
Thermal insulation is, of course, the most important aspect of EN 342 clothing. The standard measures this with an Icler value, which essentially shows how well the clothing retains body heat.
Air permeability is divided into three classes. Class 1 provides the best protection against wind, which makes a significant difference when it is blowing cold.
Water resistance is also crucial. Many EN 342 garments are additionally tested according to the EN 343 standard for rainwear, so it’s worth looking for that.
Synthetic insulation materials have an advantage when it comes to retaining heat even when they get wet. They dry quickly and maintain their shape well, even after many washes.
Natural materials like down insulate very well but easily lose their ability when wet. Wool is somewhat of an exception – it actually insulates even when damp.
The outer material also plays a role. Polyester and nylon are durable, while cotton blends are more comfortable but not as water-repellent.
The temperature range at the workplace dictates the minimum requirements. The standard covers environments from around -5°C down to -40°C, with different levels of protection depending on the range.
If you work in a very windy area, you need better protection against wind. Class 1 for air permeability is what you should look for there.
Your activity level is also worth considering. If you are sitting still a lot, you need more insulation than if you are moving and generating heat yourself.
It is important to follow the washing instructions carefully to avoid ruining the insulation. Incorrect temperature or detergent can actually damage both the material and the impregnation.
Drying should be done exactly as the manufacturer specifies. Synthetic materials do not always tolerate high heat, so air drying is often best.
Ensure that the clothing is completely dry before storing it away. Storing in a dry space reduces the risk of mold and bacterial growth.
Multi-layer systems are often certified as complete suits according to the standard. This significantly enhances insulation compared to just a single garment.
Seals and seams sometimes receive extra treatment to keep out the cold. Tight zippers and welded seams help reduce heat loss.
Ventilation openings with zippers are actually quite smart. They can be opened when you are working hard and need to cool down, and closed when you are standing still and want to conserve heat.
How often you use your winter workwear actually determines when it is time to replace them. If you wear them every day throughout the winter, they typically need to be replaced about every two to three years.
Do you see holes, broken zippers, or notice that the impregnation has worn off? These are clear signs that the clothing has reached the end of its life.
Even small damages can make a significant difference in protection. It’s easy to underestimate how quickly performance deteriorates.
Do you feel that the clothing no longer keeps you warm as it used to, despite the same temperatures? Then the insulation has likely lost its effectiveness.
The information on this page is intended as general guidance only and does not replace manufacturer instructions or applicable regulations. Workwise does not guarantee that the content is accurate, complete, or current and is not liable for decisions or actions taken based on this information. Always follow current standards and manufacturer instructions.