Since 1948, Strauss has been synonymous with high-quality features for the trades – and knows exactly what painters, varnishers and plasterers really need for their work:
- Painter’s clothing combines easy-care, freedom to move and durability – for long working days indoors and outdoors.
- White painter’s trousers and jackets are the hallmark of the profession – they symbolise cleanliness and precision, and ideally also hide dust and plaster.
- Strauss’ modular system adapts to a variety of needs: a huge range of sizes (from XS to 8XL, depending on the colourway), men’s and ladies’ cuts, well-designed pockets for tools, mobile phones and folding rulers – including logo branding and volume discounts.
- All items can be mixed and matched – a consistent look for the team, a personalised style for every employee.
What workwear do painters and varnishers need?
Professional painting workwear fulfils three key functions: it provides protection against paint and solvent splashes, allows full freedom to move even when working overhead, and conveys a professional image to the customer.
The complete basic kit for painters and varnishers includes:
- Painter's trousers (work trousers or bib & brace) with reinforced knee pad pockets
- Painter's jacket or work shirt for indoor and outdoor work
- Safety shoes (minimum S1, S3/S7 for construction sites) with anti-slip soles
- Respiratory protection for painting and spraying work (half-mask with replaceable filters)
- Safety glasses and disposable gloves for work involving chemicals
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Disposable overalls for heavy-duty spraying work
Depending on the nature of the work, weatherproof outdoor clothing may also be required.
Painters' trousers, jackets and more: an overview of the essential items of clothing
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Garment
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Key features
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Advantages
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Painter's trousers (work trousers or bib and brace)
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Stretch inserts, reinforced seams, pockets, knee pad pockets, optional: adjustable straps, breast pocket, tool loops
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Hard-wearing, clever pocket design, comfortable to wear, maximum freedom to move; bib & brace: additional upper body protection and more storage space
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Painter's jacket (e.g. softshell)
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Cuffs, zip pockets, lightweight fabric, windproof and water-repellent
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Perfect for building façade work, breathable, flexible, suitable for layering
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Painting overalls
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Overall with a zip, ergonomic cut
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Good protection during spray painting, quick to put on and take off
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Work shirt
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Breathable, durable fabric
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Very comfortable to wear on warm days, easy-care
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Safety shoes
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Slip resistance SR/SRC, toe protection, S1/S3/S7 standard
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Lightweight design offering good protection, comfortable footbed, and a secure footing on scaffolding and ladders
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Strauss’ painter’s trousers and jackets are available as standard in white or white with a contrasting colour – and are also available in other colours for companies with their own corporate identity. For those who prefer a distinctive look: the
e.s. Stretch cargo trousers Painter and the
e.s. Shorts Painter impress with their modern design, summery lightness and optimal flexibility.
Painter's trousers: bib & brace or work trousers?
A painter’s basic kit includes a pair of sturdy, usually
white work trousers. Painter's trousers are often made from a cotton blend, which makes them flexible and durable. Thanks to their high-quality fabric, painter's trousers are suitable for both outdoor and indoor use. Cotton absorbs moisture well, whilst polyester or polyamide ensure quick-drying properties – the use of modern stretch fabrics such as elastomultiester or elastane provides even greater freedom to move.
The
bib & brace is a classic in the painting trade. It provides protection for the upper body from splashes, offers additional storage space on the bib, and stays securely in place even during long periods of work in a crouched position. The braces provide additional support and prevent the trousers from slipping down – a feature that many painters particularly appreciate when carrying out physically demanding tasks.
Work trousers are the All-rounder: also available in various cuts, from loose to close-fitting, and just as common in the painting trade as bib & brace trousers. Which trousers are best suited depends on your personal working style, the type of work you do and your individual preferences – because whilst one painter might want extra support, another needs more freedom to move.
Aside from the question of bib & brace or work trousers, there are plenty of other options too. Both styles of trousers are available in various lengths: from the classic long design, through to 3/4 length trousers, right up to the shorts version. Shorter styles are particularly popular in summer – 3/4 bib & braces, for example, combine the comfort of a bib & brace with a summery, cropped length, whilst still featuring practical knee pad pockets.
What makes a good pair of painter's trousers?
The painting trade requires
work trousers that can withstand a lot: kneeling, constant movement – the trousers should provide optimal support whilst working, without tearing or restricting movement. Painters' trousers should have the following characteristics:
- Durable fabric: high-quality cotton blend – hard-wearing and breathable
- Polyamide reinforcements on the knees, seat and pockets – for maximum durability
- Plenty of pockets – ruler pocket, thigh pockets, tool bags
- Flexible waistband – e.g. Flexbelt® waistband for the freedom to move and a perfect fit
- Knee pad pockets – for greater comfort during activities that involve frequent kneeling
Tip: the
e.s.motion 2020 work trousers combine all the key characteristics of a pair of painter’s trousers: an ergonomic cut, a Flexbelt® waistband, a reinforced knee area and back pockets, as well as zip ventilation on both sides. Developed in collaboration with tradespeople – for real-world use.
If you’re unsure which trousers will fit best and are most suitable, the trouser finder in the Strauss online shop will help you with the selection. In three simple steps, you are asked to select various categories such as shape, cut, fabric weight, branch or price range. At the end, you’ll find a list of all the trousers that meet the desired criteria. Quick, intuitive and personalised – that’s the best way to buy.
What qualities should a good painter jacket or vest have?
Work jackets and vests should offer special protection thanks to an integrated thermal layer and a weatherproof layer which makes them
- water-repellent
- windproof
- but always breathable
The hooded climafoam jacket from the
e.s.dynashield collection or the
e.s.motion 2020 jacket made of high-quality softshell meet these requirements. You can use the Strauss
jacket search tool to find the perfect painter’s jacket or vest. Similar to the above-mentioned tool for searching for trousers, you can create a list of products that are ideally tailored to your needs with just a few simple clicks.
Why do painters traditionally wear white clothes?
Painters and varnishers are known for their white workwear – and for a good reason. In the painting trade, a ‘spotless record’ is highly valued: the fewer stains on one’s clothes, the cleaner the work has been done.
Practical reasons for wearing white painting clothing: Aesthetic advantage: limescale and plaster stains, as well as white paint – the most commonly used type – are barely noticeable on white fabric. A professional appearance: in the trades, white is traditionally associated with painters and plasterers – it conveys a sense of cleanliness and attention to detail. Thermal benefits: white reflects solar radiation when working outdoors in summer.
- Aesthetic advantage: limescale and plaster stains, as well as white paint – the most commonly used type – are barely noticeable on white fabric.
- A professional appearance: in the trades, white is traditionally associated with painters and plasterers – it conveys a sense of cleanliness and attention to detail.
- Thermal benefits: white reflects solar radiation when working outdoors in summer.
Painter clothing for women
Women painters will find the garments they need in the women’s range of Strauss workwear, which is just as comprehensive as the men’s range. Well-designed work
trousers,
jackets,
vests and
shirts for women come in a feminine style, but are still matched to the men’s designs to ensure a great overall look.
Materials: cotton or blended fabric for painter's overalls?
Selecting the material has a significant impact on durability, comfort and ease of care. The fabric weight – that is, the weight of the fabric in grams per square metre (g/m²) – gives an idea of how light or heavy a garment feels when worn. However, it does not allow conclusions to be drawn about durability or breathability – this depends on the specific type of fabric.
Blended fabrics combine the advantages of different materials: cotton/polyester blends are comfortable and durable, modern stretch fabrics offer additional freedom to move – ideal for physically demanding work. For those who prefer a more classic look: white work jeans made from 100% cotton are a stylish alternative for jeans fans. Especially for summer, lighter fabrics are particularly suitable, making it comfortable to work even in high temperatures.
Summer and winter – workwear for painters for every season
Painters work in all weathers – whether it’s 35 degrees up on the scaffolding or below freezing on unheated building sites. The right painting clothes should therefore provide optimal support while working in every season.
Breathable workwear for the summer
When working outdoors in the summer, breathable fabrics and sun protection are essential. Breathable painter's shirts quickly transport sweat away from the body. Lightweight painter's trousers made from a blended fabric with a low fabric weight and stretch content keep you cool even in heat and allow plenty of freedom to move.
Ventilation zones and vents in workwear also ensure a comfortable climate on hot working days. The
work trousers e.s.motion 2020, for example, feature a very special ventilation system: there are zips at the back of each thigh that can be opened as required.
Characteristics of good summer painting clothing:
- Lightweight, breathable fabrics
- Moisture management
- Light colours (white reflects sunlight)
- Ventilation openings or mesh inserts
Padded painter's jackets and thermal trousers for winter construction sites
On unheated building sites or when carrying out façade work on cold days, lined painting overalls provide protection against the cold and help you stay fit for work.
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Product
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Use
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Relevant features / standard
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Winter jacket
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Suitable for temperatures down to -10 °C
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Padding / inner lining
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Winter work trousers
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Façade work, winter construction sites
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Inner lining
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Winter bodywarmers
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Outdoor work, winter construction sites
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Padding / inner lining; perfect freedom to move as it is sleeveless
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Softshell jacket
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Transitional season, wind-repellent
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Windproof, water-repellent and breathable
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Rain jacket for façade painters
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Outdoor work in the rain
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EN 343, water column ≥ 5.000 mm
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Tip: whether it’s the cold season or in between seasons: the
layering principle is a simple way to get the perfect outfit for painting – and it’s easy to adjust if the sun does come out. The
3-in-1 jackets also offer optimum flexibility.
Workwear for painters featuring a company logo – how the customisation works
Matching painter clothing featuring a company logo or lettering enhance the professional image of any painting firm. Strauss offers two options for customisation – depending on your requirements, team size and desired level of service: the CI Configurator MYDESIGN and the Strauss logo service.
CI Configurator MYDESIGN – design quickly and easily online
If you want to design your own workwear quickly and easily, use the
CI Configurator MYDESIGN. This service is aimed at businesses and teams that have already clearly defined their corporate identity, or who simply wish to create their own CI using custom designs – quickly and flexibly, even for individual items or small quantities.
Finishing options available in the online designer:
- Easytransfer: printing of large-scale designs, ideal for basics such as T-shirts and hoodies – multi-coloured designs are also possible
- Direct embroidery: the most durable method, ideal for logos and lettering on painter’s jackets, shirts and trousers – washable up to 60 °C and particularly hard-wearing in everyday use
Tip: available to order from just 1 piece – ideal for individual reorders, new staff or gradually adding features to growing businesses.
Strauss logo service – professional advice from start to finish
If you want to kit out a larger team with workwear, have specific requirements, or would like comprehensive advice, the classic logo service is the right choice for you. Here, experienced consultants provide support from the initial idea right through to final delivery:
- Advice on the optimal finishing technique for the specific application
- Support with logo design and placement on various items of clothing
- Product recommendations specifically for painting contractors and their requirements
- Coordinating large orders comprising different sizes and products
The following finishing techniques are available with our logo service:
- Direct embroidery: elegant, long-lasting and extremely durable
- Emblems: flexible and easy to replace
- Screen printing: versatile and cost-effective for large print runs
- Transfer print: vibrant colours and high-impact images; ideal for large-scale designs
- Laser engraving: contemporary, modern and customisable
The delivery time for Strauss workwear featuring a company logo or lettering is, depending on the type of finish and order volume, two to three weeks from the date the order is placed or once all details are clarified.
Stay safe on the building site with the right equipment for safety
As well as suitable workwear, painters and varnishers also need the right protective equipment as part of their daily work. Overshoes and disposable overalls can be useful for certain types of work.
Safety shoes for painters with slip-resistant soles (SR/SRC) ensure a firm footing on varying surfaces – whether tiles, parquet or bare floors. Toe caps that conform to EN ISO 20345 provide protection against falling objects – a constant risk on any construction site.
An indispensable tool in the painting trade: the
craft knife. It is used to cut wallpaper, paintable non-wovens and protective sheeting to size. The Strauss Pro craft knife impresses with its built-in blade magazine – there’s no need to manually replace broken blades. A professional set of
brushes and rollers is also essential.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about workwear for painters
Which pair of painter's trousers is best for intensive work on your knees?
Painter's trousers with separate knee pad pockets for replaceable pads offer the best protection. Important: the pockets should be positioned so that the padding remains in the correct place even when you bend over. Strauss's painter's trousers are perfectly tailored to these needs: we develop the cuts in collaboration with trade professionals. Handy for retrofitting other trousers or shorts: external knee pad pockets such as the e.s. Knee pad pocket Pro-Comfort.
What kind of painting overalls are suitable for tradespeople who work a lot with paints and varnishes?
For intensive painting work, we recommend a cotton/polyester blend (65/35) with a tight weave – it absorbs less paint than pure cotton and is easier to clean. When spray painting, an additional disposable overall (type 5/6) must be worn over regular workwear.
What Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is required when carrying out painting work?
Mandatory PPE requirements in accordance with DGUV Regulation 1 and BG BAU apply to painting and spraying work. The specific protection required depends on the activity: for spray painting with solvents, a half-mask with an A2 filter (EN 140/EN 143) is mandatory; for spray-applied emulsion paints, an FFP2 mask (EN 149) is sufficient. Painting work involving isocyanates requires respiratory protection and a Type 4/5 chemical protective suit (EN 14605). When sanding old paintwork, the following applies: P3 filter, and a full mask where necessary (EN 143).
What type of respiratory mask do painters need when working with solvent vapours?
For organic solvent vapours, a half-mask with an A2 filter (or an A2P3 combination filter) is required. Standard FFP2 masks provide protection only against particles, not against gases and vapours.
What kind of safety shoes do painters need?
The EN ISO 20345 standard defines the protection classes for safety shoes. For construction sites, S3/S7 with SR marking is the safety standard – it combines a puncture-resistant insole and toe protection with water-repellent properties and slip resistance on slippery surfaces. For interior renovations only, S1 with SR/SRC is sufficient.
What is the difference between S1 and S3/S7 safety shoes for painters?
S1 shoes offer toe protection, antistatic properties and energy absorption in the heel area. S3/S7 shoes also feature an additional water-repellent surface and a puncture-resistant insole – essential on construction sites.
What do Type 5 and Type 6 mean in relation to disposable overalls?
The PPE Regulation (EU 2016/425) distinguishes between two protection classes for disposable overalls: Type 5 protects against airborne solid particles and is suitable for grinding and spraying work involving fine dust. Type 6 provides protection against light splashes of liquid and is used for painting work involving water-based systems. Both types of overalls are single-use items and must be disposed of properly after use.
Is there sustainable workwear for painters?
Yes, and the offer is growing. One approach is the
bluesign® system – a certification standard that checks the complete textile supply chain for product safety, environmental protection and occupational safety. Here, components and methods are checked at an early stage to ensure that problematic substances are ruled out from the outset. Strauss manufactures in 27 countries worldwide, with controlled supply chains and in accordance with relevant social standards. An often overlooked
sustainability factor is durability: high-quality painting clothing that lasts a long time is more environmentally friendly than cheap garments with a short lifespan.
How long does delivery take with Strauss?
Strauss keeps 98% of its selection in stock at all times – we process and dispatch standard orders straight away. Delivery usually takes two to four days. If you want to personalise your painting clothes with a logo, name or lettering, you should allow extra time. Depending on the type of finishing and the order volume, delivery times are typically two to three weeks from the date the order is confirmed.
