The automotive industry is changing fast. With electric and hybrid vehicles becoming increasingly common, workshops and garages are under pressure to keep up with their tools, training and uniforms.
Mechanic workwear is no longer just about grease resistance and comfort on the job. In today’s climate, it must also provide protection from new risks, align with sustainability goals and offer durability in the face of evolving working conditions.
This blog explores how to future-proof your mechanic workwear to support safety, comfort and environmental responsibility, ensuring your business is equipped for what’s ahead.
Why mechanic workwear needs to evolve
Mechanics are now working in more complex environments than ever before.
The shift toward EVs and hybrids has introduced a new set of risks, such as electric arc hazards, while continued pressure to meet sustainability targets means the clothing worn in workshops must be more environmentally conscious, too.
With technicians operating in varied roles from diagnostics to battery servicing and EV maintenance, garments need to be fit for purpose, eco-conscious, compliant, protective and ergonomically designed for long shifts and high-mobility tasks.
Workwear is a critical line of defence, and choosing the right gear can improve safety, morale and brand reputation, while helping businesses demonstrate progress on ESG and environmental reporting goals.
1. Safety: Preparing for EV-specific risks
Traditional mechanic workwear typically protects against oil, dirt, abrasion and mild chemical exposure. However, modern technicians (especially those working on EV systems) need clothing that considers a wider spectrum of risks.
These include:
Electric arc hazards
With high-voltage systems common in EVs and plug-in hybrids, the risk of arc flash is a growing concern. This requires garments that comply with standards such as:
- EN 61482: Protection against thermal hazards of electric arcs.
- EN 11612: Protection from heat and flame.
- EN 1149: Electrostatic discharge protection.
Chemical splash and welding safety
In many mechanical environments, multi-protective workwear is also needed to guard against chemical splashes, sparks and thermal exposure. Consider garments certified under:
Choosing garments with layered protection options or modular systems (such as FR base layers with outer shields) ensures technicians are prepared for high-risk tasks.
2. Comfort & ergonomics: Long shifts, better fit
Mechanics are often on their feet for 8+ hours a day, bending, stretching and manoeuvring in tight spaces. If workwear is restrictive, poorly fitted or traps heat and moisture, it can directly impact productivity and wellbeing.
Modern mechanic workwear should offer:
- Breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics to regulate body temperature.
- Stretch panels for freedom of movement.
- Adjustable features (cuffs, waistbands, leg lengths) for personal comfort.
- Functional pockets placed where tools are easily accessible.
- Lightweight but durable materials to minimise fatigue
At Johnsons Workwear, we provide garments with ergonomic tailoring and inclusive size ranges, ensuring every worker can perform their job with ease and confidence.
For example, our Flex-Collection Colour Block range offers comfort-focused, performance-based design.
3. Sustainability: Garments that work hard and waste less
As the industry works toward net-zero emissions, every aspect of operations, including workwear, is scrutinised.
Businesses are expected to consider the lifecycle impact of what their teams wear — from material sourcing and manufacturing to laundering, repair and end-of-life disposal.
What makes workwear sustainable?
- Recycled materials, such as polyester from post-consumer plastic.
- Bio-based fibres, which reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
- Energy-efficient laundering with reduced water and detergent use.
- Repair and reissue services to extend garment lifespan.
- Durability certifications, minimising early disposal.
Sustainable workwear helps reduce carbon emissions and landfill waste and contributes to Scope 3 emissions reporting, a growing area of concern for supply chain sustainability.
4. Branding and professional image
Mechanic workwear isn’t just functional, it reflects your brand. Whether you operate a dealership, an independent garage or a large repair network, consistent, high-quality uniforms create a professional impression and build customer trust.
Sustainably branded workwear can also reinforce your values and appeal to eco-conscious customers. Johnsons Workwear also offers custom embroidery and badging, helping your team look professional while staying protected and aligned with your brand ethos.
5. The role of managed services in future-proofing workwear
The most efficient and sustainable way to manage mechanic workwear is through a fully managed rental and laundry service.
Rather than purchasing and replacing garments ad hoc, a managed service ensures your team always has clean, compliant and comfortable workwear without the administrative burden.
With Johnsons Workwear, you gain:
- Scheduled collections and deliveries to suit your daily work requirements.
- Energy-efficient industrial laundering that preserves garment quality.
- Automated repairs and replacements for worn or damaged items.
- Compliance tracking and safety assurance.
- End-of-life recycling, reducing textile waste
This workwear rental model is especially valuable in an industry undergoing rapid change, where regulations, risks and expectations are evolving year-on-year.
Why investing in the right workwear pays off
Future-proofing your mechanic workwear isn’t just about compliance. It’s about supporting your workforce, protecting your reputation and embracing sustainability as part of your operational DNA.
Businesses can show leadership in a competitive, fast-changing industry by choosing high-performance garments that deliver on safety, comfort and environmental impact.
Whether your team services EVs, performs diagnostics or handles high-risk repairs, the workwear they wear each day plays a crucial role in their safety, your brand and your sustainability commitments.
Ready to upgrade your mechanic workwear?
Johnsons Workwear offers future-ready solutions for garages, dealerships and manufacturing sites across the UK.
Our specialist workwear collections combine cutting-edge safety features with eco-conscious fabrics and managed services that take the stress out of uniform management.
Explore our automotive workwear solutions →
