Construction is one of those industries that can be hugely affected by the weather. Sometimes, heavy rain, winds and storms brings projects to a temporary halt, while on other days there’s no choice but to carry on. In these situations, having the right kit can make all the difference.
Take a look on this page at our full range of exceptional quality waterproof jackets, hi vis bib and braces, vests, trousers and more. All are hi-vis as standard, to ensure the safety and visibility of the wearer even on the busiest of sites – and whatever the conditions.
Need help? Please feel free to get in touch with our expert team if you have a question or need advice on finding the right gear.
Why wearing the right safety gear is so crucial in construction
Hi-vis workwear is essential for so many industries and types of work. Here at Stormline, we find that it’s particularly popular among people who work in construction, agriculture and fishing, as well as on industrial cleaning jobs.
Bright, reflective neons ensure you can be easily seen, even when the sun is setting or heavy rain or fog makes visibility poor. This not only helps with supervising the job and working as a team, but it’s also a vital safety feature.
Hi vis helps make it crystal clear where everyone is on site at any given time, which can prevent accidents. For example, it can prevent a potentially dangerous job involving machinery vehicles or heavy loads from taking place until the area has been fully cleared of site workers.
Hi vis also comes into its own when something goes wrong. If you have an accident, fall or injury, your colleagues can find you quickly and get help right away.
Wearing this kind of workwear isn’t a substitute for protective construction gear that physically protects you, such as steel-capped boots, hard hats and work gloves. But it is an absolutely crucial part of keeping safety standards high on a construction site.
So whether you’re buying your own gear or kitting out a whole crew, it’s important make sure you have an ample supply of hi vis rain gear on hand. If you have a new starter or someone loses their kit, you’ll need plenty of spares.
Is it really 100% waterproof?
This is the number one question to be asking whenever you’re buying new hi vis rain gear for yourself, or your crew. Lots of clothing and even specialist workwear brands stock items that claim to be waterproof. But look a little closer and you might find that they’re only ‘showerproof’ or ‘water resistant’. Some garments start off as fully waterproof, but deteriorate over time. The seams are a particularly vulnerable spot, starting to let in moisture as they lose strength and tightness over time.
At Stormline, we go to extraordinary lengths to make sure that our hi vis rain gear really is 100% waterproof – and that it stays that way. This includes features such as:
- High quality water-resistant materials such as professional-grade PVC, which slicks rainwater, oil
and other liquids right off the surface. This also means it dries faster.
- Welded and reinforced seams. These are made to stand the test of the time, to withstand every
bend, stretch and reach of the working day. This means they won’t weaken over time and start to
let in water.
- Adjustable ankle and wrist cuffs. These can be tightened when necessary, to prevent moisture
penetration. You can also use this flexibility to get a good fit between your trouser leg and work
boots, reducing the chance that rainwater can get in.
- Velcro storm flaps. These form a protective layer to ensure water does not slip into the coat as it
runs off the flap. The extra fabric also allows jackets to be breathable, so you stay comfortable
while working.
Why does it matter so much? Well, if you’ve ever worked on a construction site in wet weather and forgot your waterproofs, you’ll know exactly why waterproofing is so important. There’s nothing more uncomfortable than water gradually soaking your clothes, bringing a chill with it (especially when the winter wind blows). It can run up your sleeves and in your collar, getting through all your other layers until you’re wet through. You may not have a chance to change for hours at a time, or even have other clothes to change into.
Getting wet in the rain can also be a safety concern, as well as causing discomfort. It can lead to wet hands and feet, which can then slip on wet surfaces. It can also cause a distraction, where you’re not able to fully concentrate on a potentially hazardous job because all you can think about is your wet clothes.
Having sub-standard kit and feeling uncomfortable at work just isn’t good for site morale. This is why it’s so critical to kit out your team in high quality, tried-and-tested hi vis rain gear.
Spotlight on: Nelson 656HV PVC Hi Vis Bib and Brace Overalls
Looking for easy-to-wear kit that’s suitable for almost every on-site task? Take a look at our Nelson 656HV PVC Hi-Vis Bib and Brace Overalls. Made from ultra-tough but surprisingly lightweight 500 gsm PVC, these fully waterproof overalls move with you and offer full freedom of movement. You can layer them up or down depending on the conditions, throwing on our Stormtex-Air 242 Hi-Viz Class 3 Wet Weather Work Jacket over the top if the heavens should open and you need full body coverage.
They’re designed and made to Class 1 EN 20471 or ANSI Class E specifications, so are suitable for any and all construction sites. They come in blaze orange and neon yellow, to ensure maximum visibility even in low light.
Other standout features of our Nelson 656HV PVC Hi-Vis Bib and Brace Overalls include:
- Double-welded seams, to keep out the rain and ensure your overalls last for years to come
- Adjustable ankle domes, which can be pulled tighter or loosened to ensure a snug fit and maximum coverage
- An internal pocket, ideal for keeping your phone, keys or small hand tools within easy reach
- Integrated knee pads, providing you with sufficient knee support for day-to-day tasks
- Elasticated waist and adjustable straps, to ensure a custom fit while ensuring your movement is never restricted. Another useful feature is the industrial plastic clips, which are designed to be easily opened and shut even with gloves on.
Why choose Stormline for hi-vis rain gear?
Founded in New Zealand in 1966, we have spent decades designing and improving our wet weather construction 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 hi-vis rain gear that stands the test of time. With a real-world understanding of the construction industry, we know exactly what everyone from labourers and skilled trades to site supervisors have come to expect from their equipment.
We pride ourselves on being able to meet those high standards for professionals all over the world. Our durable 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.
For example, we have hi vis bib and brace overalls that work well with our waterproof jackets in cold or wet conditions, along with overtrousers, vests and a wide range of accessories. It’s all to keep you and your team comfortable and safe on site.
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 construction industry you work in, we know you’ll find the perfect solution here on our website.
Need help choosing hi vis gear or any other kind of construction workwear? If you need advice or have a question, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our friendly, knowledgable team.
Show less
