What is a factory worker uniform called?

Author：HAIYUAN TIME：2025-09-15Read：

The clothing worn by factory workers has specific names that emphasize safety, durability, and functionality. While you could simply call it a "factory uniform" or "work uniform," the most accurate and common term is:

Workwear

This is the broad category for durable clothing designed for manual labor and industrial jobs. It's made from tough materials like heavy-duty cotton, polyester blends, or canvas to withstand harsh environments. However, the specific items a factory worker wears have more precise names:

1. The Most Common Garments:

Coveralls (or Overalls): A one-piece garment that covers the whole body, offering maximum protection from dirt, grime, and certain workplace hazards. They are very common in factories.
Shop Coat / Lab Coat: A long, lightweight coat, usually knee-length, worn over clothes for basic protection.
Work Shirt and Work Pants: A two-piece ensemble. The shirts are often sturdy, long-sleeved, and may have company logos. The pants are reinforced, often with multiple pockets for tools.

2. The Critical Safety Component: PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)

This isn't the uniform itself, but the specialized gear worn with the workwear for safety. In a factory, this is often mandatory and includes:

High-Visibility Clothing ("Hi-Vis"): Vests or jackets with fluorescent colors (orange, yellow) and reflective stripes to ensure the worker is seen.
Steel-Toe Boots (or Safety Shoes): Boots with a reinforced toe cap to protect feet from heavy falling objects.
Hard Hat: A helmet to protect the head from impacts.
Safety Glasses/Goggles: Eye protection from flying debris or chemicals.
Hearing Protection: Earplugs or earmuffs in loud environments.
Gloves: Specific to the task (e.g., cut-resistant, chemical-resistant).

Summary of What to Call It:

Term	Description	When to Use
Workwear	The best overall term. Refers to the durable clothing itself.	"The company provides new workwear to all assembly line employees."
Uniform	A perfectly correct general term.	"Everyone must wear their uniform on the production floor."
Coveralls	The specific name for a one-piece protective suit.	"The mechanics in the grease bay wear blue coveralls."
PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)	Refers to the safety gear, not the base clothing.	"All workers must don their PPE—including hi-vis vests and hard hats—before entering the plant."

So, in short: you'd most accurately call it workwear, often consisting of items like coveralls or a work shirt and pants, and is almost always accompanied by PPE.

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