Warm weather can be hard enough to manage on its own, but when we’re in flame resistant workwear, the heat can creep in quicker than expected. February often brings some of the hottest conditions of the year for crews working across Australia, especially in places like Sydney and its surrounds. On high-temperature days, staying safe means more than protection from sparks and flames. It also means protecting ourselves from overheating, dehydration, and fatigue, which can all build up fast in thick gear.
We know flame-resistant clothing matters for safety, but that doesn’t mean we can’t be smart about comfort too. With the right choices and small changes to how we dress and move, it’s possible to handle long shifts in hot weather without struggling. Let’s run through a few ways we can make our gear work better during peak summer heat.
Choose Lightweight Flame Resistant Fabrics
Thick, heavy fabrics might feel reliable, but on incredibly hot days, they can be the difference between a manageable shift and one that quickly wears us down. Not all flame resistant workwear is bulky anymore. These days, there are lighter fabric options that still meet safety requirements but feel better in the sun. Within the Ace Workwear range, some lightweight ShieldTec FR shirts use 165gsm inherent flame resistant fabric with built-in moisture management, providing PPE 2 protection while helping reduce heat stress on the job.
Many newer materials offer breathability and sweat-wicking without giving up protection. That means they pull moisture away from the skin and let airflow do its job. These options help cut down that sticky, uncomfortable feeling that hits mid-afternoon when everything around us is radiating heat. When we’re choosing new shirts or trousers for summer jobs, it’s worth looking at the tags or product descriptions for anything that mentions breathability, mesh panels, or lighter construction. Engineered FR cargo pants made with TenCate Tecasafe Plus fabric can also include back yoke ventilation and gusseted designs to boost movement and airflow around key heat zones.
Some clothing options even show fabric weight in grams per square metre, which can help compare how thick or light a piece really is. A small difference here can lead to a big improvement in how we feel by mid-shift.
Layer With Purpose, Not Out of Habit
When it comes to safety, we’ve all developed routines. Sometimes that includes adding layers, just in case. But once the temperatures climb, every extra piece adds weight and limits how well we cool down. It’s worth rethinking if all those layers are really needed.
In summer, base layers should work as hard as outer ones. We aim for under-shirts and base pieces that are both flame resistant and breathable. These help regulate temperature, soak up sweat, and cut down the need for thicker layers over the top.
Where rules allow flexibility, we try to cut back on unnecessary gear. If one jacket does the job of two, it’s a better option in the heat. What matters most is balance. The gear still needs to meet worksite safety requirements, but we want to avoid piling on more than we have to. A well-fitted single layer often works better than a stacked collection that doesn’t breathe.
Stick With Lighter Colours and Looser Fits
Most of us know dark colours attract heat, and over a full workday, that extra soak of sunshine adds up. Lighter shades like khaki, light grey, or soft blue reflect some of the sun’s energy instead of pulling it in. That small change can help manage the heat on our skin under direct light.
The way clothing fits also plays a big part. A tight shirt sticks when we start sweating. It clings to the body, cuts down airflow, and holds heat in. A slightly looser fit lets air move where it needs to go and avoids friction or rubbing during physical jobs.
That said, baggy clothing has safety risks near open flames or machinery. So we look for things that are roomy enough to give breathing space without flapping around too much. Adjustable cuffs, elastic features, and shaped cuts help find that line between loose and safe.
Take Breaks in the Shade and Stay Dry
Sometimes it’s not the gear, but how we break up the day, that keeps us going. Even top-quality flame resistant workwear won’t fix a day with no rest. At outdoor or high-heat indoor sites, it helps to step into cooler areas when jobs allow.
This means using lunch breaks wisely and stepping aside when possible between long tasks. If we know we have harsh sun all afternoon, quick shade breaks give the body a chance to settle, and help avoid early burn-out.
It’s also useful to keep a spare quick-dry towel or shirt nearby. Swapping out a soaked top during lunch or wiping down when work allows can make us feel lighter and more comfortable through the second half of a shift. Towels that pull moisture off the skin keep things from sticking and help reduce heat holding around the chest and back.
Smart Habits Make the Day Easier
Even the best gear only gets us halfway there. What matters just as much is how we act during the shift. Keeping cool has more to do with our choices throughout the day than many expect.
• We try to stay ahead of heat stress by drinking water regularly, not just during designated breaks.
• Whenever we can, we start heavier tasks early or later in the day when the sun’s lower, and avoid overexertion during peak hours.
• It’s helpful to carry things like extra hats, light neck wraps, or sun-blocking sleeves as long as they’re flame resistant. These small pieces can help tone down the effect of direct sun while giving flexible options between indoor and outdoor work.
• We also keep an eye on each other. Signs like confusion, dizziness, or dry skin might seem small in the moment, but noticing them early keeps everyone safer.
Stay Safe and Comfortable All Summer Long
Working in flame resistant workwear through a hot Australian summer doesn’t have to be a struggle. With the right fabric choices, smart layering, and a few workplace adjustments, we can stay protected without sacrificing comfort.
Sydney’s February heat can be intense, especially for outdoor crews and enclosed job sites. But when we dress with conditions in mind and build recovery into our routines, the workday feels a lot more manageable. Bad heat won’t wait, so making gear and habit changes ahead of time helps the season move smoother for everyone. Most online orders for specialist FR workwear are typically processed and dispatched within 1 to 9 business days, which makes it easier to plan ahead before peak heat arrives.
Hotter weather calls for lighter, more breathable gear that doesn’t skimp on safety, and our high-visibility range is built to keep you cool and protected. Whether your team is onsite in Sydney or working outdoors across Australia, the right flame resistant workwear makes all the difference during those long summer shifts. At Ace Workwear, we’re here to help you find the best fit so your crew stays safe and comfortable when the heat is on. Call or message us anytime for expert advice.