Useful information about clothing

Which clothing is suitable for professional work at height and rope access?

Professional clothing for work at height must combine freedom of movement, comfort and durability. When working on ropes, ladders, scaffolding, masts or technical installations, the clothing must not restrict the user while climbing or when operating a fall arrest harness, carabiners and rope devices.

The SKYLOTEC clothing range includes functional work trousers, fleece jackets, hybrid pullovers, softshell vests, windbreakers and gloves for professional applications. Depending on the product, the focus is on wind protection, water-repellent properties, thermal performance, dexterity or robust combinations of materials.

What requirements must workwear meet when worn with a fall arrest harness?

Workwear should fit beneath a fall arrest harness with as few creases as possible and provide sufficient freedom of movement around the shoulders, hips and legs. Thick seams, large objects in poorly positioned pockets or bulky clothing can affect the fit of the harness and cause pressure points.

Trousers and upper-body garments in particular should be selected so that the leg loops, waist belt and chest straps can be adjusted correctly. Functional cuts and elastic sections support movement when climbing, kneeling and working in changing positions. However, clothing must never be routed between the fall arrest attachment point and the connecting element.

What advantages do functional work trousers offer for workers at height?

Work trousers for work at height must support both extensive movements while climbing and stable working positions. Elastic sections make wide steps, knee movements and working in bent or suspended positions easier. At the same time, frequently stressed areas should be sufficiently robust for contact with ladders, structures and equipment.

The SKYLOTEC AMBITIOUS PANTS MEN and AMBITIOUS PANTS WOMEN combine windproof and water-repellent fabrics with functional pockets. The women’s version is designed with an adapted fit and is made from a robust blend of cotton, polyamide and elastane.

Why is the correct fit crucial for workwear?

Clothing that is too tight can restrict movement and create uncomfortable tension when climbing or working in constrained positions. Clothing that is too loose, by contrast, can become caught on structural elements, ladders or equipment and make it more difficult to achieve the correct fit of a fall arrest harness.

SKYLOTEC offers clothing in different men’s, women’s and unisex versions and in a variety of garment sizes. Trousers are also available with different waist sizes and leg lengths. The correct size should be checked together with the intended work equipment and, where applicable, additional clothing for cold weather.

What advantages do windbreakers offer when working outdoors?

Wind can cool the body quickly during exposed work, even when the outside temperature initially appears moderate. A windbreaker reduces direct air exchange and therefore helps retain body heat. Water-repellent materials also offer protection in light rain and changing weather conditions.

The SKYLOTEC WINDBREAKER MEN and WINDBREAKER WOMEN are windproof, water-repellent and durable. Functional pockets support the storage of small items. In prolonged or heavy rain, however, it must still be assessed whether additional waterproof protective clothing is required.

When are fleece jackets and hybrid pullovers useful?

Fleece jackets provide warmth at a comparatively low weight and are suitable as an insulating layer in cool weather. They can be worn on their own or combined with a wind- or weather-resistant outer layer. This allows the clothing to be adapted flexibly to changing temperatures and levels of physical exertion.

SKYLOTEC FLEECEJACKETS combine windproof and water-repellent fabrics with functional pockets. The HYBRID PULLOVER for men and women combine weather protection with a high level of comfort. These upper-body garments are particularly suitable for tasks involving alternating phases of active movement and more static working positions.

What advantages does a softshell vest offer during physically active work?

A softshell vest protects the upper body from wind and light rain while leaving the arms free to move. During physically demanding activities, it can therefore offer a balanced combination of weather protection, warmth and ventilation.

The SKYLOTEC SOFTSHELL VEST MEN is windproof, water-repellent and equipped with functional pockets. It is suitable for work and leisure and as an additional layer over a long-sleeved shirt or pullover. When worn beneath a fall arrest harness, it must be checked that pocket contents and zips do not cause pressure points.

When is a wool long-sleeved shirt the appropriate base layer?

A long-sleeved shirt forms the close-fitting base layer and should absorb or transport moisture away from the body as reliably as possible. Wool content can support a comfortable body climate and is particularly suitable during changing levels of activity and cooler temperatures.

The SKYLOTEC COZY LS MEN contains 46 per cent wool and is designed for a high level of comfort. As a close-fitting layer, it can be combined with fleece, hybrid or weather-protective clothing. The choice of additional layers should be adapted to the temperature, wind, precipitation and physical exertion.

Which gloves are suitable for rope handling and abseiling?

Gloves for rope handling must protect the hands from friction and mechanical stress without unnecessarily restricting dexterity. A secure grip and controlled operation of carabiners and devices are particularly important during belaying, abseiling and general rope manoeuvres.

The SKYLOTEC PROGRIP leather gloves are ergonomically shaped and feature reinforced palms and a breathable back. PROGRIP PLUS has a more robust design and is suitable for applications involving greater mechanical stress. The glove size must be selected so that fasteners, ropes and devices can still be operated safely.

What advantages do fingerless gloves offer over full-finger gloves?

Fingerless gloves protect the palms and particularly stressed areas while leaving the fingertips exposed. This provides greater tactile sensitivity when tying knots, sorting ropes or operating small connecting elements. Compared with full-finger gloves, however, they provide less protection against abrasion, heat and sharp surfaces at the fingertips.

The SKYGRIP HalfFinger is a lightweight fingerless glove with synthetic leather for good grip. It protects against contact with rock and heat, features pull-off tabs and can be attached to the harness using an eyelet. The choice between fingerless and full-finger gloves depends on the required level of protection and dexterity.

What is the significance of windproof and water-repellent materials?

Windproof materials reduce heat loss caused by air movement and are particularly relevant during exposed work on roofs, masts, towers and platforms. Water-repellent surfaces cause light rain and spray to bead off and prevent the material from becoming saturated immediately.

Water-repellent does not, however, automatically mean waterproof. Certified weather-protective clothing may be required for prolonged use in heavy rain. Windproof clothing should also be sufficiently breathable to prevent excessive moisture from accumulating beneath the clothing during physical work.

How does the layering principle work with professional workwear?

The layering principle combines several layers of clothing with different functions. A close-fitting base layer supports moisture management. An insulating mid-layer retains heat, while an outer layer protects against wind and precipitation.

A long-sleeved shirt can, for example, be combined with a fleece jacket and windbreaker. As physical exertion increases, individual layers can be removed without losing the entire protective effect. Beneath a fall arrest harness, however, the layers must not be so thick or smooth that they impair the secure and close-fitting position of the harness.

Is SKYLOTEC clothing automatically personal protective equipment?

Not every item of clothing and not every glove within the category automatically constitutes personal protective equipment in the legal sense. Many products are primarily intended to provide comfort, weather protection, support for rope handling or professional work organisation.

Whether a product is certified as PPE and which risks it protects against is determined exclusively by its marking, declaration of conformity and the manufacturer’s information. Functional workwear does not replace fall arrest harnesses, helmets, lanyards or specially certified protective clothing where these are required by the risk assessment.

For which applications is SKYLOTEC clothing suitable?

SKYLOTEC clothing is suitable for professional activities in rope access, rescue, tree care, scaffolding, on mobile platforms and during work on masts and towers. Depending on the product, the focus is on weather protection, freedom of movement, warmth or controlled rope handling.

The clothing can also be used in everyday work, outdoor activities and technical climbing applications. Before making a selection, the stresses to which the product will be exposed and whether additional protective requirements apply should be checked.

How should functional workwear be cleaned and maintained?

The correct care depends on the material, coating and product-specific washing instructions. Excessively high temperatures, aggressive cleaning agents or unsuitable drying methods can damage water-repellent finishes, elastic fibres and leather.

Leather gloves such as PROGRIP must be treated in accordance with their care instructions and must not be exposed uncontrollably to high levels of heat. For jackets, trousers and pullovers, the information on the care label is binding. Heavily soiled or damaged clothing should be checked for function, seams and material condition before the next use.

How do you choose the appropriate clothing for the respective application?

The selection begins with the place of use, weather conditions and movement profile. For physically active work in mild weather, work trousers, a long-sleeved shirt and a softshell vest may be sufficient. In cooler conditions, a fleece jacket or hybrid pullover provides additional insulation. Windbreakers protect against wind and light rain during exposed operations.

For rope manoeuvres, a glove with the appropriate balance between protection and dexterity must also be selected. SKYLOTEC clothing should be combined so that the fall arrest harness and other PPE continue to fit and function correctly. The decisive factor is not wearing as much clothing as possible, but using functional, well-fitting equipment adapted to the specific working situation.