Stay Warm. Stay Visible. Stay Protected.
Winter in the midwest, Great Lakes, and northern states is no joke especially for linemen, utility crews, construction workers, and industrial teams who work outdoors regardless of conditions. Whether it’s freezing rain, whiteouts, high winds, or sub-zero windchill, workers need purpose-built winter gear that protects against cold stress, limited visibility, precipitation, and workplace hazards.
This 2026 Winter Workwear Guide breaks down the best cold-weather PPE and apparel available now at Novarlo, built for real job sites not ski resorts.
Why Proper Winter Workwear Matters in 2026
Subzero temperatures and winter storms bring additional hazards, including:
· Cold stress, hypothermia & frostbite
· Reduced dexterity (leading to more mistakes)
· Lower visibility due to fog, snow & early sunsets
· Wet clothing that increases conductivity around electrical equipment
· Heavier, insulated gear that can interfere with movement
OSHA requires employers to protect workers from environmental hazards including cold stress and winter gear is a critical part of that protection.
Novarlo carries gear designed to keep crews warm, dry, visible, and compliant all season long.
Top Winter Workwear Essentials for 2026
1. Drifire Hydrolite FR 2.0 Extreme Weather Suit
Best For: Linemen, utilities, storm response crews, cold-weather electrical work
This is the #1 winter suit for linemen built for freezing rain, heavy snow, and brutal windchill.
Key Features:
· 31 cal/cm², CAT 3 arc protection
· GORE-TEX PYRAD® shell (lightweight, breathable, waterproof)
· Passes 1-hour storm shower test
· ANSI 107 hi-vis compliant
· Anti-wicking interior layers
· Hard-hat-compatible hood
· Segmented FR reflective trim
· D-ring access for fall protection
· Insulated, storm-ready construction
If you outfit crews for storm callouts, this is the suit that gets them home safely.
2. FR Base Layers (Cold Weather + Arc-Rated)
Best For: Utilities, electrical, construction, industrial outdoor crews
FR base layers are essential for staying warm without compromising safety.
Why crews need them:
· Inherent FR fabric (protection never washes out)
· Moisture-wicking to reduce sweat-chill
· Insulative but lightweight
· Comfortable under bibs, jackets, or rainwear
Base layers are the foundation of your winter PPE system.
3. DRIFIRE® Quilted Bomber
Best For: Construction, industrial maintenance, roadside crews
Shop Now: DRIFIRE® Quilted Bomber
This jacket gives you three layers of versatility in one system.
Why it belongs in every truck:
· Waterproof & windproof
· Removable fleece liner
· ANSI hi-vis reflective striping
· Works over fall-protection harnesses
· Built for sleet, snow & freezing rain
Ideal for all-day shifts in mixed winter conditions.
4. Bullard - Advent - Type II Polycarbonate Helmets with 8pt Suspension
Best For: Utilities, electrical crews, tower climbers, bucket operators, telecom, and anyone needing Type II impact protection in winter or storm conditions.
Shop Now: Bullard - Advent - Type II Polycarbonate Helmets with 8pt Suspension
Why this helmet is a winter essential:
• Type II impact protection (top + side impact) for high-risk environments
• Meets ANSI/ISEA Z89.1, Type II, Class E & G — ideal for electrical and utility work
• Lightweight polycarbonate shell designed for durability in cold temperatures
• 8-point suspension system for superior comfort and stability
• Chin strap included — critical for high winds, bucket work, and climbing
• Dual-position brim for adjustable visibility and drip protection
• Optimized for add-on accessories such as face shields, hearing protection, and winter liners
• Low-profile design reduces snag hazards when working around equipment or in confined areas
Pair with a balaclava for full cold-weather protection.
5. Electrical-Safe Rubber Voltage Gloves
Best For: Linemen, electricians, power distribution techs
Shop Class 0 Gloves (Up to 1,000V AC)
Shop Class 2 Gloves (Up to 17,000V AC)
Shop Class 3 Gloves (Up to 26,500V AC)
Winter Safety Tips:
· Always wear leather protectors
· Keep gloves dry
· Inspect before each use
· Add thin liners for warmth
Wet weather + energized equipment = massive risk.
Layer properly.
6. Winter-Ready Respiratory Protection
RPB Z4 Welding/Utility Respirator Helmet
RPB Z-Link Respirator Helmet (PAPR or Supplied Air)
GVS Elipse P100 Half-Mask Respirator
Winter welding, blasting, and coating work often occurs in enclosed or windy conditions where fumes linger.
These respiratory systems keep crews breathing clean, even in the worst winter air.
7. Winter Insulated Gloves
Shop Now: Insulated Gloves
Crews need gloves that balance:
· Warmth
· Dexterity
· FR protection
· Grip
· Electrical safety (when using rubber/liners)
The right glove prevents frostbite and accidents.
2026 Winter Workwear Checklist
Use this list for outfitting crews or building company uniform standards.
Cold Weather Essentials
✔ FR base layer
✔ Waterproof FR or hi-vis jacket
✔ Insulated bibs or coveralls
✔ Winter-lined gloves
✔ Face/neck protection
✔ Hard hat + winter liner
✔ Rubber voltage gloves (class depends on task)
Optional but Highly Recommended
✔ Hi-vis outer layer
✔ Arc-rated rainwear
✔ PAPR respiratory systems
Winter PPE Saves Lives
Cold weather is more than uncomfortable it’s dangerous. Every year, workers suffer preventable winter injuries caused by poor gear, cold stress, and electrical accidents in wet conditions.
With the right workwear from Novarlo, your crews stay:
✔ Warm
✔ Visible
✔ Dry
✔ Electrically protected
✔ Ready for long shifts in extreme weather