Workwear for forestry and agriculture: durable & safe

Farmers and foresters work every day under challenging conditions: changeable weather, physically demanding work, and contact with machinery and animals. Ordinary everyday clothing cannot withstand these stresses.

Professional clothing for farmers serves three key purposes:

1. Protection – against injuries, the weather, and dirt

2. Function – freedom to move, practical pockets, comfort

3. Durability – robust materials for continuous use

Investing in high-quality clothing pays off for foresters and farmers: less wear and tear, fewer absences due to injuries, and greater comfort during long working days.

Where hard work is done every day, functional workwear is essential. A well-thought-out basic kit consists of several key items: sturdy work trousers, weatherproof jackets, safety shoes and work gloves. If you prioritise quality, you’ll save money in the long run and be more comfortable at work. Furthermore, the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) is a legal requirement for foresters – this includes cut-resistant clothing and a forestry helmet with face and ear protection.

Work trousers used in forestry and agriculture have to withstand dirt, liquids, sharp branches or thorns, and sharp edges on a daily basis. But which type of trousers is best suited to which job?

Key material characteristics of work trousers for agricultural use:

• Hard-wearing fabrics and blended fabrics (e.g. 65% cotton and 35% polyester) for durability and comfort
• Reinforced at the knees and seat
• Knee pad pockets for ergonomic work
• Triple stitching at stress points

In the woods and in the fields, the temperature and weather can change quickly. Anyone who underestimates this risks getting too cold or overheating.

The three-layer principle is the tried-and-tested solution for foresters and farmers:

1. The base layer – a breathable functional shirt – transports sweat away from the body and keeps the skin dry.

2. In addition, a fleece jacket or a knitted fleece provides thermal insulation without feeling restrictive or causing heat to build up.

3. Finally, the outer layer, made of softshell or a sturdy weatherproof jacket, provides protection against wind and moisture – and can be quickly taken off.

For winter lined thermal jackets with a detachable hood make a good choice as workwear in forestry and agriculture. The key factors here are water-repellent waterproofing and breathable membranes: these prevent sweat from turning into a risk of hypothermia as it cools – an often underestimated risk, particularly when outdoors in sub-zero temperatures.

In the agricultural sector, S3/S7 safety shoes are standard:

• Toe cap (200 joules impact resistance)
• Puncture resistant, anti-slip sole with tread
• Water-repellent upper

Stable work is best carried out in S5 Wellington boots with steel toe caps – they are washable, can be disinfected and are completely waterproof.

Farming involves physical labour – and workwear needs to reflect that. For men, this means: broad shoulders, reinforced knee pad pockets and deep side pockets for tools, knives or gloves. A waistband with a stretch insert makes all the difference when you're bending down a hundred times a day. Sizes from S to 5XL and long lengths ensure that even those with a larger build can find a suitable cut.

Ladies has long been working the same jobs on farms and in the forestry sector, but “men’s styles in a smaller size” just don’t work. Ladies' work trousers with a slimmer waist, an adapted inside leg ratio and a narrower leg width fit better, don't chafe and don't slip. Jackets with a fitted cut and shorter sleeves allow for precise work without any excess fabric getting in the way. Anyone who works in men’s garments wastes time turning them up – or even risks accidents caused by sleeves that are too long or trouser legs that are too long.

And why is workwear in the agricultural sector so often green or brown? Natural colours have both tradition and a practical purpose: foresters, hunters and forestry workers wear shades of green as a distinguishing mark of their profession. In practical terms, green hides grass and moss stains better than any other colour – and olive shades remain visually appealing even after dozens of washes, whereas light colours quickly start to look grey. Earth tones complement the farmyard and stables visually; dirt and dust are less noticeable, and they evoke a strong sense of nature, just like shades of green. However, for work on roads or involving machinery, high-vis clothing in orange or yellow that conforms to EN ISO 20471 is mandatory – visibility is the top priority here.

Anyone who works with a chainsaw requires certified forest and forestry clothing that conforms to EN ISO 11393 (formerly EN 381). This standard sets out requirements for protection against injuries caused by chainsaws.

Most foresters work with Class 1 or 2. The KWF mark (German Forestry and Forest Technology Board) confirms compliance with the standards.

The basic clothing kit for foresters and forestry workers includes:

• Cut protection trousers (work trousers or bib & brace)
• Cut-resistant boots with steel toe caps
• Forestry helmet with ear protection and visor
• Cut-resistant gloves

The durability of workwear for forestry and agricultural workers depends largely on the material: anyone who spends their days moving between stables, fields and workshops needs fabrics that can withstand dirt, moisture and mechanical stress over the long term.

is the classic choice for work trousers and shirts. The cotton ensures comfort and breathability, whilst the polyester content makes the fabric dimensionally stable and fast-drying. For fabric weights of 260 g/m² or more, this blend can easily withstand frequent washing at 60 °C.

are used in areas where standard fabrics fail: on the knees, the seat and the pocket openings. CORDURA® is up to three times more abrasion-resistant than conventional cotton and withstands thorns, splinters and sharp metal edges. CORDURA® reinforcements increase the durability of workwear for forestry and agricultural workers.

combines three properties that are essential for outdoor use: windproofing, water-repellent properties and elasticity. During the transitional period between autumn and spring, a good softshell jacket offers significantly more freedom to move than traditional rain wear – although softshell is only water-repellent, not waterproof.

is the heaviest candidate in the selection – with grammages ranging from 350 to 450 g/m². These densely woven cotton fabrics are ideal for bib & braces and overalls that require maximum durability.

is a lighter material featuring a weather-resistant wax coating that provides protection against wind and moisture – ideal for changeable weather conditions.

• Choose hot wash clothing: fabrics that can withstand washing at 60 °C can be cleaned hygienically – important for stable work and contact with animals.
• Reapply the water-repellent treatment regularly: after around five to ten washes, the water-repellent effect begins to wear off. Wash-in waterproofing treatments or sprays restore the protection.
• Close zips before washing: exposed metal teeth can damage other textiles and the zip itself.
• Close the Velcro fasteners: open Velcro attracts fibres and causes it to lose its adhesive strength over time.
• Do not overheat in the tumble dryer: high temperatures damage elastane and membrane materials. A low setting or air-drying is gentler. It is essential to follow the care instructions for the specific product. Not all workwear is suitable for tumble drying.

Anyone who buys supplies for a farm will be familiar with the problem: trousers from one supplier, shoes from another, cut protection gear from somewhere else – and in the end, the sizes, colours and quality don’t match up.

Strauss offers everything from a single selection:

• Workwear: trousers, jackets, shirts, overalls
• Safety shoes: S1 to S7, forestry boots, Wellington boots
• Cut protection: certified trousers, gloves, boots
• Occupational safety & accessories by Strauss: gloves, safety helmets, safety glasses, knee pads, braces
• Weather protection: rain wear, winter jackets, functional underwear

Benefits for businesses: a consistent look for the whole team, the ability to reorder for years to come, a logo service for customised corporate clothing, free returns and delivery on invoice.

With the CI Configurator MYDESIGN you can design your team kit directly online – from just 1 piece for small teams, but also for large companies. Custom designs are added to workwear using high-quality direct embroidery or EasyTransfer printing. Anyone looking for advice will find comprehensive support from the logo service – a full service for the perfect corporate identity, with a wide range of finishing options.

Professional workwear for forestry and agriculture is an investment in safety, health and efficiency. Durable materials, well-designed features and the right fit ensure you can focus on your work – whatever the weather and whatever the season.