Workwear for lorry drivers: Comfort meets protection

• Comfort in the cab: Comfortable waistband systems (e.g. Flexbelt® or Eazyfit), stretch fabrics and tailored pocket solutions make all the difference on long journeys.
• High-visibility according to EN ISO 20471: When carrying out loading operations where there is crossing traffic, certified high-vis clothing is compulsory – Class 1 to 3, depending on the level of risk.
• Safety shoes with a clever design: Fuel-resistant, slip-resistant soles and safety toe caps are compulsory when loading – many drivers also opt for lightweight changeable shoes for driving as an additional measure.
• Summer & UV: Breathable, lightweight workwear with UV protection provides protection for drivers whilst working outdoors and reduces heat stress on hot days.
• Full-service supplier for vehicle fleets: Strauss supplies driving teams of all sizes – offering a logo service, scale prices and long-term availability of collections to ensure reliable reorders.

Frequent getting in and out of the vehicle, sitting for long periods, loading, securing the load – all whilst dealing with changing weather conditions. The day-to-day work of a professional driver places very different demands on workwear, depending on whether you are behind the wheel or busy loading and unloading. These are the key requirements for truck drivers’ clothing:

Anyone who gets in and out of a high-frame lorry several times a day needs trousers and jackets that can move with them in every direction. Stretch fabrics or strategically placed stretch panels ensure that the clothing does not pull or restrict movement whilst loading – and still fits just as well at the end of the shift as it did at the start.

A pair of work trousers that fit perfectly when you’re standing can become a real nuisance in the cab. Waistband systems such as Flexbelt® or Eazyfit automatically adapt to your posture whilst sitting – no digging into the waist, no slipping, even after five hours on the motorway. Added to this is the pocket concept: Too many pockets on the thigh can cause pressure sores when sitting. Minimalist solutions featuring pockets that keep everything safely stowed away without getting in the way when you’re sitting down have proven their worth.

As soon as a lorry driver leaves the cab and moves into an area with crossing traffic, high visibility is a mandatory requirement for workwear. It is not an optional extra. Depending on the risk situation, high-visibility clothing conforming to EN ISO 20471 (Classes 1–3) or enhanced visibility conforming to EN 17353 applies.

Rain, wind, cold – professional drivers often work outdoors without shelter. Jackets that combine high-visibility and weather protection in a single garment save time when getting out of the vehicle and prevent the high-vis vest from being left behind in the cab.

For the summer, a solution is needed to deal with direct sunlight and heat: Lightweight, breathable materials reduce heat build-up, and UV protection provides protection for the skin. This helps to prevent fatigue, even at high temperatures, and ensures you can maintain the concentration required for driving.

Safety caps and SRC/SR slip-resistant soles are compulsory when loading or unloading – this applies to all lorry drivers who are loading or unloading. For tanker drivers, fuel-resistant soles are an additional requirement. Many drivers opt for interchangeable shoes: a pair of certified safety shoes for outdoor use and a pair of lightweight, breathable shoes for driving.

Everyday working life places an unusual combination of demands on work trousers: Hours of seating comfort combined with complete freedom to move at the loading bay. For professional drivers, three things are crucial:

• Lacing system: A stiff waistband that fits well when you’re standing can quickly become a problem in the cab. Work trousers with a Flexbelt® waistband or the Eazyfit system automatically adjust to your posture when sitting – no digging into the waist, no annoying slipping. The system makes a great impression right from the start in everyday use.
• Pocket concept: Full thigh pockets sound practical – but in the cab, they cause pressure marks over time. Well-designed workwear for lorry drivers focuses on minimalist pocket solutions. This means: Chest and leg pockets positioned so that they do not get in the way when sitting, yet are still easily accessible when loading.
• Material uand cut: Anyone who gets in and out of a high-back seat several times a day will quickly notice whether a pair of trousers has stretch panels or not. Stiff fabric pulls, chafes and restricts movement – particularly around the knees and bottom. Stretch fabric or strategic stretch panels give way without making the trousers too loose. This is gentler on the seams and the driver.

When loading and unloading the lorry in large, congested areas with crossing traffic, it is compulsory to wear approved high-vis clothing. The EN ISO 20471 standard defines three classes for high-visibility clothing – the higher the class, the greater the size of the area covered by fluorescent material and reflective strips. The company’s risk assessment determines which specific class applies. This workwear for lorry drivers provides adequate high-visibility protection:

• High-visibility performance shirt: In summer, it’s the simplest solution – and for many drivers, the most practical. Anyone wearing a high-visibility shirt usually does not need to put on a separate high-vis vest when getting out of the vehicle. Alternatively, there are breathable high-visibility functional shirts, certified to EN ISO 20471.
• High-vis bodywarmer: A high-vis bodywarmer can be slipped on quickly and can be stowed away easily and compactly in the cab.
• Hi-vis jacket and softshell jacket: They are selected as the right choice for regular outdoor use in changing weather conditions. If you’re looking for a garment that combines high-visibility and weather protection, Strauss has jackets that tick both boxes. Hi-vis jackets from the e.s.motion 2020 collection, such as the high-vis softshell jacket softlight e.s.motion 2020 combine visibility, freedom to move and breathability.

Did you know? Class 2 and 3 high-visibility standards can also be achieved through a combination of items, such as a Class 1 high-vis bodywarmer plus High-vis trousers – provided that both items are certified for use in combination.

Well protected against hazards and UV radiation Not every outdoor task requires high-visibility clothing that conforms to EN ISO 20471. For situations involving lower risk – such as in daylight and with manageable levels of traffic – the EN 17353 standard for increased visibility may be sufficient. Strauss also offers UV-protective workwear with EN 17353 certification, such as the Visibility functional T-shirt UV e.s.trail – ideal for drivers who need both high visibility and protection from the heat in summer.

DGUV Regulation 70 and the occupational safety guidelines issued by BG Verkehr set out the requirements for footwear and foot protection for professional drivers. When driving, sturdy shoes that fully enclose the foot are compulsory – open shoes and open sandals are not permitted. However, special safety sandals with a closed toe cap are an exception. During loading and unloading and when using industrial trucks such as forklift trucks or pallet trucks, safety shoes are compulsory.

Because of this requirement, many lorry drivers opt for two pairs of shoes: certified safety shoes for outdoor use and a lightweight, breathable pair for driving. Wearing safety shoes in the cab for hours on end puts unnecessary strain on your feet – and if your feet are tired, your concentration suffers.

Tip for the summer: Safety sandals with a closed toe cap, such as the S1 safety sandal e.s. Apirol, can be a good option in high temperatures. They provide protection during loading and better ventilation than closed models. Open-toed sandals without a toe cap are generally unsuitable for professional drivers.

An important criterion outside the driver’s cab is puncture protection: S1 shoes feature a toe cap and a closed heel – sufficient for dry environments involving light loading work. S1P shoes add a puncture resistant sole that provides protection against sharp objects on the ground – allowing most lorry drivers who regularly carry out loading and unloading tasks to select them as the more sensible option. Anyone who works outdoors, in damp conditions or in winter needs S3 boots with a membrane or S7 boots – waterproof, with a treaded sole.

When selecting the right safety shoes, it all depends on the job:

• Slip-resistant soles (SRC/SR) are essential on industrial premises where surfaces may be wet or oily.
• For tanker drivers and drivers transporting dangerous goods fuel-resistant soles are an additional requirement.
• Anyone who spends a lot of time working outdoors or loading goods in winter needs waterproof shoes with a treaded sole.
• A simpler model is often sufficient for lighter loading work in dry conditions.

Tip for winter: If you’re constantly in contact with cold surfaces, it’s worth investing in safety shoes with cold-insulating soles – they keep your feet warm without compromising on flexibility.

Gloves are an underestimated issue in the day-to-day work of lorry drivers – yet the requirements vary greatly depending on the task. When driving, dexterity on the steering wheel is key; when loading and securing the load, robustness and grip are essential. Strauss offers two models specifically designed for professional drivers made from nappa cowhide leather, both certified to EN 388:2016 for mechanical risks:

• The nappa leather driver's gloves are robust and durable, with a slight elasticated fit for a secure hold – ideal for drivers looking for a reliable pair of everyday gloves that are simple and functional.
• The nappa leather driver's gloves Driver Profi go one step further: In addition to the nappa leather, there is a breathable textile insert. That makes all the difference when you’re wearing them for long lengths of time, especially in summer. Anyone who wears the glove all day will notice a clear difference.

Tanker drivers work in environments that require special safety measures – at petrol stations, refineries or industrial sites. The following points are crucial when it comes to workwear for tanker drivers:

• Fuel-resistant soles are mandatory – they withstand contact with fuels and oils.
• Antistatic properties conforming to EN 1149 are often required for the transport of dangerous goods – including for outerwear. The specific requirements are set out in the workplace risk assessment.

Anyone putting together their own set of features does not want long waiting times and wants no compromises on fit. Strauss supplies workwear for drivers – from work trousers and hi-vis jackets to safety shoes – in sizes ranging from 2XS to 8XL, including long and short lengths as well as ladies' styles.

Fleet managers will be familiar with this: The procurement of workwear for lorry drivers is often handled by several suppliers at the same time – and in the end, the colours, quality or sizes don’t match up. This wastes time unnecessarily, particularly in growing teams or where new staff are frequently recruited. Strauss supplies the full selection of driver's gear in a single order:

• High stock availability: Reorders and new stock without waiting times, even for last-minute requirements
• Delivery within 2–4 working days: even for bulk orders for entire teams
• Logo service & CI Configurator MYDESIGN: Customise workwear for drivers with a company name, logo or vehicle number – even for small businesses
• Long-term availability of the collection: The same products can be reordered over a long period of time
• Volume discounts available even for small quantities: Price benefits for smaller fleets too

For businesses of any size, Strauss offers MyShop, a customised B2B online shop that can be integrated into existing ERP systems. The selection can be tailored to your specific needs, orders are printed directly with company logos, and budgets and authorisations can be allocated flexibly – all of which makes it much easier to source workwear for drivers.