CABRATS REVIEWS
Workwear Reviews
Hi-vis, jackets, trousers, overalls and more — rated by the drivers who wear them every day on the road.
HOW WE RATE
Review Categories
Every workwear product is rated across five key areas that matter most to professional drivers.
Comfort
How it feels during a 12-hour shift. Breathability, fit, freedom of movement, and whether it’s comfortable in the cab.
Durability
How long it lasts under real working conditions. Stitching quality, fabric strength, and resistance to wear and tear.
Visibility
Hi-vis effectiveness, reflective strip quality, and compliance with EN ISO 20471 standards for on-site safety.
Weather Protection
Waterproofing, windproofing, insulation, and how well it handles the full range of UK weather conditions.
Value for Money
Price vs quality, how long it lasts before replacement, and whether it’s worth the investment for working drivers.
TOP RATED
Featured Workwear Reviews
The most popular workwear for professional drivers, rated by the people who actually wear it on the job.
Top Rated
Portwest Hi-Vis Traffic Jacket S460
Hi-Vis Jacket | EN ISO 20471 Class 3
“Industry standard hi-vis. Warm, visible, lasts ages. Can’t go wrong.”
15 years driving
Dickies Everyday Workwear Trousers
Work Trousers | Knee Pad Pockets
“Comfortable for all-day cab wear. Knee pad pockets handy for loading. Good value.”
9 years driving
Premium Pick
Snickers 1148 AllroundWork Winter Jacket
Winter Jacket | Insulated
“Premium but brilliant. Warm without being bulky. Movement is unrestricted.”
12 years driving
Helly Hansen Manchester Lined Rain Jacket
Waterproof Jacket | Breathable
“Proper waterproof. Breathable too. Perfect for UK weather.”
7 years driving
Budget Pick
Result Core Hi-Vis Vest R201X
Hi-Vis Vest | EN ISO 20471 Certified
“Cheap and cheerful. Buy in bulk. EN ISO 20471 certified. Does the job.”
5 years driving
Mascot Advanced Stretch Trousers
Stretch Work Trousers | 4-Way Stretch
“Like wearing joggers that look professional. Stretch material is a game-changer.”
11 years driving
Regatta Hardwear Benson III 3-in-1
3-in-1 Jacket | Removable Fleece
“Versatile three-season jacket. Removable inner fleece. Great for transitional weather.”
8 years driving
Caterpillar Insulated Parka
Winter Parka | Heavy Duty Insulation
“Seriously warm for winter nights. Big hood for loading bay work. Heavy but worth it.”
19 years driving
THE ESSENTIALS
What Workwear Do Drivers Need?
As a professional driver in the UK, your workwear isn’t just about comfort — it’s a legal and safety requirement. Here’s what you need to know before you kit yourself out.
⚠ Legal Requirements
- Hi-vis clothing is mandatory on most commercial sites, depots, and loading bays. You will not be allowed on-site without it.
- Safety boots (steel or composite toe) are required at most warehouses, distribution centres, and construction sites.
- Some sites require Class 3 hi-vis (full jacket, not just a vest).
- ADR drivers handling dangerous goods may need additional PPE including chemical-resistant clothing.
✅ Practical Essentials
- Hi-vis vest or jacket — keep one in the cab at all times, even if your employer provides one.
- Waterproof jacket — you’ll be sheeting, strapping, and checking loads in all weather.
- Work trousers — durable, comfortable for long hours sitting. Avoid jeans that restrict movement.
- Work gloves — essential for curtainsiders, flatbeds, and any manual handling.
- Thermal layers — base layers for winter. You’ll be in and out of a warm cab all day.
- Spare set — always keep a change of clothes in your cab for emergencies.
KNOW THE STANDARDS
Hi-Vis Standards Explained
Hi-vis clothing in the UK must comply with EN ISO 20471. Here’s what the different classes mean and when you need them.
Class 1
Minimum Visibility
What it is: Small hi-vis garments like vests with minimal fluorescent material and reflective tape.
When required: Low-risk areas with minimal vehicle movement. Car parks, light traffic areas.
Driver use: Rarely sufficient for commercial sites. Most depots require Class 2 or 3.
Class 2
Standard Visibility
What it is: Hi-vis vests, waistcoats, or short-sleeved garments with more fluorescent area and reflective bands.
When required: General work sites, standard depots, loading bays with vehicle movements.
Driver use: The minimum standard for most delivery and distribution work. A good hi-vis vest will meet Class 2.
Class 3
Maximum Visibility
What it is: Full hi-vis jackets with sleeves, maximum fluorescent material, and reflective bands on torso and arms.
When required: High-risk environments — motorway work, rail sites, ports, construction sites, and anywhere with fast-moving or heavy vehicles.
Driver use: Recommended for all HGV drivers. Many large logistics companies require Class 3 as standard. Some sites will refuse entry without it.
Pro Tip: Always go for Class 3 if you can. It covers you for every site. A Class 3 hi-vis jacket costs a few quid more than a vest but gets you on-site everywhere without argument.
SEASONAL GUIDE
Best Workwear By Season
UK weather is unpredictable. Here’s what works best at different times of year for drivers who are in and out of the cab all day.
☀ Summer Picks
- Lightweight hi-vis vest — breathable, doesn’t trap heat
- Cargo shorts (if site-appropriate) or lightweight trousers
- Moisture-wicking base layer — keeps sweat at bay in the cab
- Lightweight safety trainers instead of heavy boots
- Sun cream and cap — don’t underestimate the windscreen greenhouse effect
Top pick: Result Core Hi-Vis Vest R201X — lightweight, certified, dirt cheap.
❄ Winter Picks
- Insulated hi-vis jacket — Class 3 with quilted lining
- Thermal base layers — merino wool or synthetic. Essential for night shifts.
- Lined work trousers or thermal leggings underneath
- Insulated safety boots — cold feet kill morale
- Thermal gloves — see our gloves reviews
- Neck gaiter / snood — windproof, doesn’t get caught like a scarf
Top pick: Snickers 1148 AllroundWork — premium warmth without the bulk.
🌤 All-Year Essentials
- Waterproof jacket — it rains in every season in the UK
- Durable work trousers — knee pad pockets are worth having
- Hi-vis jacket (Class 3) — one that works spring through autumn
- Grip gloves — for strapping, sheeting, and load security
- Safety boots (S3 rated) — waterproof, steel/composite toe
- Spare set in the cab — you’ll thank yourself one day
Top pick: Regatta Benson III 3-in-1 — three-season versatility in one jacket.
HEAD TO HEAD
Quick Comparison
How does the top-rated workwear stack up at a glance?
| Product | Overall | Comfort | Durability | Visibility | Weather | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Snickers 1148 Winter Jacket | 4.6 | 4.8 | 4.7 | 3.5 | 4.9 | 4.2 |
| Portwest Hi-Vis S460 | 4.5 | 4.3 | 4.6 | 4.9 | 4.2 | 4.7 |
| Mascot Advanced Stretch | 4.5 | 4.8 | 4.3 | 3.2 | 3.5 | 4.1 |
| Helly Hansen Manchester | 4.4 | 4.2 | 4.4 | 3.3 | 4.8 | 4.2 |
| Dickies Everyday Trousers | 4.3 | 4.5 | 4.2 | 3.0 | 3.2 | 4.7 |
| CAT Insulated Parka | 4.3 | 4.1 | 4.6 | 2.8 | 4.8 | 4.2 |
| Regatta Benson III 3-in-1 | 4.2 | 4.1 | 4.0 | 2.5 | 4.3 | 4.6 |
| Result Core Hi-Vis Vest | 4.1 | 4.0 | 3.5 | 4.8 | 1.5 | 4.9 |
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