What to look for when choosing farming waterproofs bibs
Whether you’re looking for all-purpose gear or specialist workwear for specific jobs on the farm, there are certain key features you should be looking for. With a little research and by choosing the right supplier, you’ll avoid the trap of buying ‘cheap’ clothing that isn’t up to the job and needs to be replaced regularly.
The goal is to find gear that lasts for years, and is able to withstand both the demands of the job and the weather conditions.
So, what kind of features should you be looking out for specifically? Let’s take a look.
Durability
The last thing you want is for your new gear to rip or wear through in just a few months. So, look for items with reinforced/welded seams, made from high quality PVC material. Here at Stormline, our lightweight farming waterproofs are made from 340gsm PVC, with some items having a double front for extra toughness. This is strong enough to offer protection and durability, but light enough that you can work comfortably.
Looking for a little more protection? For more heavy duty jobs, check out our midweight farming waterproofs. These offer a step up in terms of material, as items such as our Stormtex 669B Midweight PVC Farming Bib and Brace Overalls are made from 500gsm PVC.
Flexibility
Features such as elasticated cuffs, elasticated waists and adjustable straps give you full freedom of movement while working. This eliminates one of the main drawbacks often found with protective farming workwear – that it’s too stiff or bulky to move in comfortably.
Stormline’s farming gear is designed with real workers in mind, using their actual feedback to improve the design with every new range. This means that it’s tried and tested in the field, by real agriculture workers in a wide range of jobs within the industry.
Lightweight and breathable
One of the reasons that lightweight workwear is so well suited to agriculture is that it can be worn year-round, for both indoor and outdoor work.
If you choose items that offer freedom of movement (especially around the arms) and have breathable qualities, you’ll be able to wear them in all conditions. You can add warmer layers and a heavier duty waterproof shell in winter, and take off layers as you need to in the hotter months.
Built-in knee protection
Knee protection is absolutely crucial if you work in agriculture, as the work can really put a strain on your knees. Separate knee pads would be far too bulky and impractical for everyday use – they simply wouldn’t end up being worn.
But items like our farming bib and brace overalls have built-in knee protection as standard. This is light enough so that it doesn’t get in the way (or affect how you bend, stretch and move). But it’s sufficient to keep you protected for any work that involves kneeling.
Waterproofing
Lastly, you’ll need farming workwear that is fully waterproof. This isn’t only for outside work, but also for protection when cleaning, milking or working with oil or chemicals. Our professional grade PVC is perfect for this, as it slicks water away from the surface of the garment and lets it dry easily. You’ll also find welded or otherwise reinforced seams on most of our farming waterproofs, as the seams are typically the most vulnerable spots for moisture penetration.
Why comfort and flexibility matters in farming
Of all the attributes we’ve looked at above, comfort and flexibility have to be up there as top priorities. Agriculture involves an enormous variety of different tasks, many of which can take place in a single day. This is why you and your workers need gear capable of doing it all. You need something you can throw on in the morning and that serves you well all day long, whether you’re in the milking parlour, working indoors or out in the fields.
Our lightweight farming waterproofs offer both comfort and flexibility in spades. The material is strong enough to withstand the rigours of everyday wear, including kneeling, bending, scruffs, scrapes and exposure to liquids, oils, chemicals and manure.
But its also designed to be light enough for everyday wear, and it has added stretch. It moves with you, allowing you full freedom of movement. Items like our Stormtex-Air 652 Farming Bib and Brace Overalls are particularly good for this, as they are an all-in-one piece that lets you keep your arms free. You can wear whatever layers you like underneath or on top, adding thermal layers in colder months and adding waterproofs over the top in wet weather.
Our garments also have other clever design features to ensure you can move, bend, stretch and lift easily. This includes an elasticated high back which moves with your body, integrated knee pads (an essential for any agriculture work) and adjustable ankle cuffs.
It’s easy to get a custom fit for every worker too, thanks to features such as elasticated waists and adjustable straps. Handily, these are often operated using industrial plastic clips that are designed to be easy to open even when you have gloves on.
Spotlight on: Stormtex-Air 664G Waterproof Farming Bib and Brace Overalls
One of our most popular products among agriculture workers is our Stormtex-Air 664G Waterproof Farming Bib and Brace Overalls. It’s easy to see why, as they’re an all-round workhorse – suitable for every imaginable job on the farm or out on the fields. They’re a breeze to slip on and off, and they pair well with everything from insulating under layers to waterproof jackets.
Made from 320gsm stretch PVC with an oil resistant PU coating, the Stormtex-Air 664G has a reinforced double layer of PVC on the thigh and knees for extra protection.
Other standout features of our Stormtex-Air 664G Waterproof Farming Bib and Brace Overalls include:
- Double-welded seams, offering heavy-duty durability as well as keeping out the rain.
- Adjustable stainless steel ankle domes, which can be pulled tighter or loosened for a perfect fit.
- Internal chest pocket, ideal for keeping your phone, keys and other essentials within easy reach.
- Elasticated waist and adjustable straps, to ensure a custom fit while ensuring your movement is
never restricted.
Why choose Stormline for farming waterproofs?
Founded in New Zealand in 1966, we have spent decades designing and improving our wet weather farming gear. We could only do it by listening to customers, actively seeking their feedback and making sure we fully understand their needs.
All of this work empowers us to produce high-quality farming waterproofs and workwear that really does the job – and that lasts. We have a real-world insight into the demands of the agriculture industry, which means we know what workers have come to expect from their equipment. Our items are designed with a range of perspectives in mind, from herdspeople and labourers to agricultural engineers and farm managers.
We pride ourselves on being able to meet those high standards for professionals all over the world.
Our durable agriculture workwear is available in a wide range of designs, including lightweight, midweight and heavyweight options. This makes it easy to find the right kit for the right job, with many items designed to be paired up to suit changing weather conditions.
Here at Stormline, we have developed a reputation for quality, safety features and innovation. We pride ourselves on catering to our customers’ needs. No matter what area of the agriculture industry you work in, we know you’ll find the perfect solution here on our website.
And if you need assistance choosing the right kit for yourself or your team, we’re here to help. If you need advice or have a question, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our friendly, knowledgable team. Give us a call on +44 (0) 330 133 6550.
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