As the calendar turns to summer, it’s a season of long days and high temperatures for professional tradesmen and tradeswomen. In parts of the country, the constant threat of summer thunderstorms and even hurricanes also loom. To help you find the gear no matter what the weather’s has planned for the day, we’ve collected some of the best new workwear for contractors that caught our attention. Whether you’re after new work pants, shirts, outerwear, eyewear, footwear, or something else, this guide has something for every man or woman who works the trades for a living.
Jump to These Top Workwear Sections
- New Lines and Kits
- Work Shirts
- Work Pants, Shorts, and Belts
- Work Outwear
- Safety Glasses and PPE
- Work Boots and Footwear
Best New Workwear Lines and Kits
HexArmor Work Boots for Men and Women
What happens when a safety gear company sets its sights on work boots? Great things!
HexArmor has launched three boot lines to meet a variety of needs with brand-new innovations and one style that’s never been made in North America before.
I’ll detail the Xbase, Xtend, and Asphalt work boots below, but if you’re ready to check them out now, click the button to learn more.
Best Summer Work Shirts
Milwaukee Hooded Sun Shirts for Men: $44.99
Milwaukee’s Hooded Sun Shirt is perfect for days when you need the highest sun protection without getting overheated.
It starts with a custom polyester base material that wicks away moisture quickly to actively cool your skin and is treated to avoid that nasty odor buildup other polyester shirts get. The material offers UPF 50+ sun protection and has a lightweight construction.
This isn’t the best bet if you’re constantly snagging your shirts on nails or other sharp objects, but it’s awfully tough to beat the comfort level on brutally hot days.
1620 NYCO Work T-Shirt for Men: $36
1620 Workwear’s NYCO material is a blend that offers cotton’s comfort, Cordura’s 6,6 nylon durability, and a moisture-wicking finish to create an outstanding work tee for tradesmen that meets NFPA 1975 No Melt/No Drip Thermal Stability Standards. Plus, it’s Made in the USA.
The fit is comfortable, with more room in the chest and shoulders, and a longer length than normal work shirts. Double-check the size chart to see if you need to adjust from your normal sizing.
Available in 6 colors with sizes ranging from small to XXXL, you’re sure to find one that fits your personal style. At just $36 each, be sure to grab a few to get you through the summer.
KUIU Gila LS Hoodie for Men and Women: $79
KUIU made its name in outdoor wear, but the Gila LS Hoodie has been enjoying crossover into the trades for good reason. The durability and comfort that make it a go-to deep in the backcountry are just as valid on the job.
The 92% polyester/8% spandex material moves great and wicks moisture away quickly. Plus, it has an anti-odor treatment to keep polyester’s ability to trap body odor under control.
It offers a loose fit that helps promote airflow and a UPF 50+ sun protection rating. Unlike most of the lightweight shirts and hoodies we see for summer, KUIU added thumbholes which are great if you hate when your sleeves creep up.
As a bonus, it’s a darn good-looking shirt with some unique color options that set it apart from other trade-focused offerings.
Ariat Rebar Made Tough 360 Airflow Work Shirt for Men and Women: $64.95
Ariat’s Rebar Made Tough 360 Airflow Work Shirts use a perforated 3-ounce 100% polyester material that wicks moisture, dries fast, and has outstanding breathability. They’re stylish, but make no mistake, they’re made to work with Greater Arm Mobility to easily work overhead, long tails that stay tucked in, FreshTEK treatment that keeps odors from building up.
The men’s version features short sleeves, two chest pockets, and metal buttons. A microfiber lens cloth on the hem and front pocket cord loop are nice bonuses.
The women’s fit has the same style elements but goes for a long sleeve design with roll tabs to secure them.
Either way, you’ll look great and feel great no matter what the day throws at you.
Brunt Workwear Stretch Polo for Men: $45.99
If a polo shirt is more your style or is required on the job, check out Brunt’s new Stretch Polo for an excellent hot-weather option.
It’s made from a 4.87-ounce 88% polyester, 12% spandex blend that wears light and has a 4-way stretch to easily move with you. The soft jersey material style wicks away moisture and carries a UPF 50+ rating.
A couple of bonus features include drop shoulder seams that reduce pressure points if you’re wearing a harness or backpack, and a glasses loop below the buttons.
King’s Camo XKG Sonora Air Shirt for Men: $89.99
Whether you’re working the ranch, running a landscaping crew, or paying the bills on construction jobs, looking to the outdoor industry opens some interesting work shirt possibilities. For example, our friends over at King’s Camo have an XKG Sonora Air Shirt that takes summer comfort design to a new level.
While there’s no surprise in the 95% polyester/5% spandex material blend, it’s how they put it together that makes all the difference. Built light yet durable, small perforations through the shirt redefine breathability with faster sweat wicking and drying than most shirts using a similar material.
You don’t have to worry about odor buildup, either. A Polygiene treatment keeps the material odor-free. With UPF 30 sun protection and a hidden microfiber lens cleaning cloth to keep your sunglasses clear (or in my case, reading glasses, too), it’s an outstanding shirt for both work and your outdoor adventures this summer.
Best Summer Work Pants, Shorts, and Belts
Arcade Hardware Alu Belt for Men and Women: $44.95
Available in four colors, Arcade’s Hardware Alu Belt features a 1.5-inch-thick webbing design that’s an outstanding choice for contractors or folks who want a tactical belt.
The abrasion-resistant webbing is intentionally stiff to help support the weight of your tools while allowing enough stretch to bend and move freely.
Its buckle is made from aircraft-grade aluminum to keep the weight down without sacrificing strength and allowing for micro-adjustments to create the perfect fit.
Plus, silicone stays on the inside of the belt keep it from sliding around on you and there’s a belt keeper to manage any excess material.
Ariat Rebar WorkFlow Ultralight Short for Men: $59.95 – $64.95
Summer is no time to wear material that soaks up sweat and holds it against you, which is why I love Ariat’s Rebar WorkFlow Ultralight Shorts.
Made from 3-ounce polyester ripstop for the shell and an interior mesh, these shorts are super-light to wear, wick moisture efficiently, and dry quickly. There’s also an elastic waistband to ensure the entire short is comfortable no matter how you’re bending and stretching to get the job done.
Last but not least, cargo pockets complement the standard front and rear pockets. The left side features a hook-and-loop closure, and the right side has a zipper.
Best of all, these shorts have a style that’s great on the job and as everyday casual wear.
KUIU Brawley Pants for Men: $149
KUIU is building out a solid workwear line, and their Brawley pant has our attention.
It’s made with a durable, yet comfortable blend of Toray 4-way stretch canvas that’s 54% polyester, 33% Cotton, and 13% Spandex.
From there, it goes into full workwear mode with reinforced knees with a double panel overlay, action gussets, and articulating knees.
It looks great off the clock, too. With a functional 5-pocket design and relaxed fit, most people wouldn’t even know you’re wearing work pants unless you tell them.
Grab a pair or two and see why KUIU is a name that’s going to be showing up on jobsites as more tradesmen experience their quality and comfort.
Helly Hansen Oxford 4X Construction Pants for Men: $165
Helly Hansen’s Oxford 4X Construction Pant starts with a foundational blend of 94% Polyamide and 6% Elastane at a 260 g/m² weight that avoids being too heavy for the summer months. Its 4-way stretch material, crotch gusset, and articulated knees ensure you’re able to move and bend easily.
Some of the Pro-targeted features include reinforced hanging pockets, kneepad pockets with 5cm of adjustment, thigh and ruler pockets, an ID card loop, reinforced knees and bottom hems, and reflective decals.
It’s a work pant that’s built for comfort and loaded with features dialed in for tradesmen.
Truewerk Cloud Pants and Shorts for Men: $59 – $69
When the temperature begins to skyrocket, Truewerk’s Cloud Pants and Shorts offer lightweight comfort to get through the day. And when I say lightweight, I mean incredibly lightweight. No other workwear I put on competes with how effortlessly they wear.
Between that, their high breathability, and easy movement, they’re my go-to by the time our days are hitting 70° F (which is most of the year for us). Plus, they dry super-fast if you get caught in a summer rainstorm.
While they’re not brand-new, I wear Truewerk Cloud shirts, pants, and shorts so often that it seemed a shame not to include them.
Dickies Super Flex Straight Leg Work Pants for Women: $39.99
Dickies’ latest women’s work pants are made from Super Flex fabric, an 8.2 oz. Sanded Twill blend of 60% cotton, 37% polyester, and 3% elastane.
They’re designed to help the pants maintain their form without sagging and resist the feeling that your restricted as you bend, stretch, and move throughout the day.
The fit includes a mid-rise, a contoured waistband that reduces gapping, and a straight leg style that fits easily over work boots.
For just under $40, it’s a high-value work pant designed to fit a woman’s shape while providing the comfort and mobility you need.
Best Summer Work Outerwear
Carhartt Storm Defender Lightweight Packable Jacket for Men and Women: $99.99
When summer rains roll in and you don’t have time to stop, you need a rain jacket that’s lightweight and breathable while keeping the rain out. For those conditions, Carhartt’s has just what the doctor ordered.
Available in versions for men and women, the Storm Defender Lighweight Packable Jackets are made from 4.2-ounce 100% nylon with a DWR treatment to keep the rain at bay while allowing sweat to escape along with Wind Fighter technology to keep the wind out. Plus, the zippers and seams have additional attention to ensure they don’t leak.
If you’re like us in Florida and have unpredictable weather each day, these jackets pack into a zippered pocket, making them easy to keep close at hand.
Best New Safety Glasses and PPE
Wiley X JAKL Sunglasses for Men and Women: $140 – $210
New for 2025, I couldn’t have designed a more perfect pair of sunglasses for my active lifestyle.
It starts with an athletic style that’s great for nearly any outdoor activity or sport you’re into. Thanks to ANSI Z78.1+ certification, it’s good to go as your safety glasses, too.
The open-bottom Triloid nylon frame makes lens replacements a breeze. Combined with Wiley X’s high-performance Captivate polarized lenses, you can swap to match the conditions and enjoy outstanding clarity and contrast throughout the day.
If you’re looking to combine an athletic style with higher-performance safety lenses, the Wiley X JAKL is the perfect fit.
Milwaukee BOLT Type 2 Full Brim Safety Helmets for Men and Women: $109.97
Milwaukee is expanding its head protection lineup with a new Type 2 Full Brim Safety Helmet available in Class C or Class E configurations. If you prefer the full brim design and want more protection than a Type 1 hard hat offers, this is for you.
In addition to its front, rear, and side protection, these safety helmets feature four slots for BOLT accessories and two universal accessory slots. They also come with a BOLT Headlamp Mount and BOLT Marker Clip.
Better still, it’s designed to give you a far more comfortable wearing experience. A 5-point chin strap, enhanced airflow, padding, and suspension all work together for your comfort. Plus, the design is the lightest in its class and can keep your head up to 15° F cooler than competing models.
These safety helmets are available for pre-order now and will start shipping on July 7, 2025.
Best New Work Boots and Footwear
HexArmor Xbase BOA Work Boots for Men: $189.99
The HexAmor Xbase work boot is a 6-inch hiker-style design with a water-resistant full grain leather upper. The heel and aggressive tread pattern on the MACSOLE outsole make it an excellent choice for working on bare ground.
This model features the BOA fit system in place of traditional laces. The extra material that wraps around the ankle area is called AAG (Agile Ankle Guard), and it adds a layer of reinforcement to improve stability.
Inside, there’s a composite safety toe for protection and a moisture-wicking insole that adds comfort and aids in moisture transfer. The build is fully non-metallic, plus, it’s made from 8% recycled content.
HexArmor Xtend Work Boots for Men and Women: $189.99 – $209.99
HexArmor’s Xtend work boot features a flat wedge sole and aggressive tread and is the most feature-rich boot of the group. It wraps in a MACSOLE outsole, i-PUREnrj, climazone, and bionomx. A side zipper makes entry and exit easier and a TPR counter provides heel stability.
In addition to 6 and 8-inch heights for men, the Xtend has a women’s fit as well. It wraps around the unique structure and shape of a woman’s foot and has broad size range all the way to size 14, plus wide widths.
Like the Xbase, Xtend boots are made from 8% recycled content, and they’re a non-metallic build with a composite safety toe for those of you working around electrical hazards.
HexArmor Asphalt Work Boots for Men: $199.99
The HexArmor Asphalt work boot is the first North American purpose-built for working on asphalt. From the seam-free front section to minimal stitching around the rest of the upper, it improves your foot’s flexibility and comfort, and the overall durability of high-wear sections.
To properly serve its niche, the Asphalt work boot features an impressive 5-layer system. Working from top to bottom, there’s a hygienic replaceable insole, a heat-insulating layer, a heat-protection layer, a polyurethane shock-absorbing anti-fatigue layer, and a MACSOLE non-marking outsole. Plus, the design is able to keep the inside of your boot 29° cooler than the EN ISO standard requires.
Like HexArmor’s other work boots, the Asphalt features a composite safety toe that’s lighter than steel and won’t conduct heat the way steel does.
Keen Utility Speedworks Work Sneaker for Men and Women: $145 – $150
When you need the protection of a safety toe without the weight of a work boot, work sneakers are where it’s at. Among Keen Utility’s lineup, none are lighter than the carbon toe Speedworks.
Specifically designed to deal with the literal pain of working on hard floors, these shoes offer an aggressive lug pattern for better traction along with the KEEN.ReGEN+ midsole than cushions each step and returns energy as it springs back into place. Additionally, the mesh upper promotes high breathability to keep your feet dry throughout the day.
Available in men’s and women’s fits with ESD versions of both, they’ll put some spring back in your step.
Meindl Comfort Fit Salo Trail Mid Boots for Men and Women: $240
I absolutely LOVE crossover gear. You know, the kind of products you can use for both work and play. If you’re in the lawn care and landscaping industry or otherwise don’t need the safety toe and stability shank of a full-on work boot, you’ll love the comfort and flexibility of Meindl’s Comfort Fit Salo Trail Mid.
Offering the foot and ankle protection of a mid-height boot, it starts with a suede leather upper and adds a Gore-Tex lining to help keep your feet dry. Inside, the Comfort Fit insole and Comfort Fit cork bed mold your feet as you wear them to offer a more custom feel than other boots while an EVA midsole cushions each step. Plus, at 22 ounces per boot, they’re much lighter than most traditional work boots.
So, think outside the work boot box and give Meindl the chance to show your feet the comfort they deserve.
Pro Tip: Order a 1/2 size down on these boots for the best fit.
