FAQs
Common questions about our Portwest workwear, safety footwear and PPE. For the full details of any item, see the tabs on its product page.
Sizing | Hi-vis | Waterproof and cold weather | Knee pads | Safety footwear | Gloves | Head and hearing | Care
Sizing
How do I find my size?
Our sizing page has the charts for every type of garment. Jackets, fleeces, polos and T-shirts go by chest size. Most work trousers and shorts are sold by waist size in inches.
What leg lengths do the trousers come in?
Short is 74 cm (29 in) inside leg, Regular is 79 cm (31 in) and Tall is 84 cm (33 in). Not every style comes in every length, so check the options on the product page.
Do any jackets come in a longer length?
Yes. EV460 Waterproof Shell Jacket, EV461 Waterproof Winter Parka, EV464 Softshell Bomber Jacket, EV470 Insulated Hybrid Padded Jacket and EV475 Stretch Work Jacket come in Regular and Tall.
Hi-vis
What do the hi-vis classes mean?
Hi-vis workwear is tested to EN ISO 20471. The standard has three classes, set by how much fluorescent and reflective material the garment has. Class 3 has the most and Class 1 the least.
The class can change with size. For example, the EV401 parka is Class 2 in size S and Class 3 from size M up.
Which EV4 items are hi-vis?
EV401 Hi-Vis Waterproof Expedition Parka: Class 2 in S, Class 3 from M
EV467 Hi-Vis Class 3 Waterproof Winter Jacket: Class 3
EV402 Hi-Vis Class 2 Waterproof Expedition Trousers: Class 2
EV448 Hi-Vis Class 2 Stretch Holster Work Trousers: Class 2
EV465 Hi-Vis Class 2 Waterproof Shell Jacket: Class 2
EV468 Hi-Vis Class 2 Softshell Bomber Jacket: Class 2
EV442 Hi-Vis Class 1 Stretch Holster Work Trousers: Class 1
Waterproof and cold weather
What is the difference between waterproof and water repellent?
We only call an item waterproof when it is certified to EN 343, the European standard for protection against rain. A water repellent finish makes rain bead and run off the fabric, but on its own it does not make a garment waterproof.
What does an EN 343 rating like 4:4 X mean?
The first number is water resistance and the second is breathability. Both run from 1 to 4, and 4 is the highest. X means the garment was not tested in the rain tower.
Which EV4 items are waterproof?
EV443 Waterproof Stretch Shell Trousers: EN 343 4:4 X
EV460 Waterproof Shell Jacket: EN 343 4:4 X
EV465 Hi-Vis Class 2 Waterproof Shell Jacket: EN 343 4:4 X
EV466 Packable Waterproof Jacket: EN 343 4:4 X
EV401 Hi-Vis Waterproof Expedition Parka: EN 343 4:1 X
EV402 Hi-Vis Class 2 Waterproof Expedition Trousers: EN 343 4:1 X
EV461 Waterproof Winter Parka: EN 343 4:1 X
EV467 Hi-Vis Class 3 Waterproof Winter Jacket: EN 343 4:1 X
Are the softshell jackets waterproof?
The EV464 Softshell Bomber Jacket and EV468 Hi-Vis Class 2 Softshell Bomber Jacket have a fabric rated to 8,000 mm, but they are not certified to EN 343, so we describe them as water resistant.
Which items are made for very cold weather?
EN 342 is the European standard for clothing that protects against cold. The EV401 Hi-Vis Waterproof Expedition Parka and EV402 Hi-Vis Class 2 Waterproof Expedition Trousers are certified for use down to -50°C, and the EV467 Hi-Vis Class 3 Waterproof Winter Jacket down to -36°C. The EV461 Waterproof Winter Parka is also certified to EN 342.
Knee pads
Are knee pads included?
No. Trousers with knee pad pockets take Portwest S156 knee pad inserts, sold as a pair.
What does EN 14404 Type 2 Level 0 mean?
EN 14404 is the European standard for knee protection. Type 2 means knee pads that fit into pockets in your trousers. Level 0 means they are for flat or uneven floors and give no protection against sharp objects pushing through.
With S156 knee pads fitted, these trousers meet EN 14404 Type 2 Level 0: EV440 Stretch Detachable Holster Work Trousers, EV441 4-Way Stretch Work Trousers, EV442 Hi-Vis Class 1 Stretch Holster Work Trousers, EV443 Waterproof Stretch Shell Trousers, EV446 Lightweight Detachable Holster Work Trousers, EV447 Water Repellent Stretch Holster Work Trousers and EV448 Hi-Vis Class 2 Stretch Holster Work Trousers.
Safety footwear
What does S3 mean in safety boots?
Under EN ISO 20345:2022, S3 footwear has a closed heel, energy absorption in the seat region, anti-static properties, resistance to water penetration and absorption, perforation resistance and a cleated outsole.
S7 meets the S3 requirements plus water penetration and water absorption. See our safety boots and shoes.
What do the L and S after S3 or S7 mean?
They mean the footwear uses a non-metal perforation resistant insert, type PL or PS. For example, the FV06 is S7L and the FC38 is S3S.
How do I find my boot size?
Our safety footwear is made in EU sizes. The footwear size chart shows the UK size for each. Portwest recommends having your foot measured, as there is no exact standard for converting shoe sizes.
Are the boots anti-static?
Yes. Anti-static footwear reduces static build-up, but it cannot guarantee protection against electric shock.
Gloves
How do I find my glove size?
Measure the circumference of your hand around the palm and match it to our glove size chart. Our work gloves come in XS to XXL.
What does an EN 388 marking like 3X42D mean?
The numbers are abrasion, coupe blade cut, tear and puncture, and the letter is straight blade cut on a scale of A to F. An X means there is no rating for that test.
Our cut resistant gloves are the A648 and CT46 at level D, and the A673 and AP54 at level F.
Head and hearing protection
Can you wear a bump cap instead of a hard hat?
No. The PS79 bump cap protects your head when you knock it against fixed objects. It gives no protection against falling or thrown objects or moving loads, and must not be worn in place of an industrial safety helmet to EN 397, such as the PS77 or PS87.
Are the ear plugs reusable?
The EP22 corded ear plugs are reusable. The EP14 foam ear plugs are disposable. The EP11 banded ear plugs come with a spare pair of pods.
Care
How should I wash my EV4 workwear?
Every product page has a Care tab with the washing instructions for that item.