Even Florida decided to participate in the winter season this year, but the iguanas have stopped falling out of trees, and we’re grateful to transition into spring. Whether you’re in construction, landscaping and lawn care, or agriculture, the best workwear for the spring season is as diverse as the weather.
Some areas will be pleasantly warm, others shift into tornado season with its violent fronts, and still others battle late-season snow. An eye on the weather forecast, a broad clothing selection, and being able to shift with changing conditions are key.
In this guide, I’ll share the workwear products that caught my attention for this volatile season and what sets them apart.
Do you have any spring workwear finds to share? Tell us about them in the comments below!
Jump to These Top Workwear Sections
- New Workwear Lines
- Work Boots and Footwear
- Work Shirts
- Work Pants, Shorts, and Belts
- Work Outwear
- Safety Glasses and PPE
New Workwear Lines
ForgeLine Performance Fieldwear
For more than 20 years, ForgeLine has quietly operated as Patagonia’s government business, engineering and designing mission-critical fieldwear for U.S. Special Operations Forces.
They’ve taken everything they learned in the Lost Arrow Project, and in April 2026, ForgeLine is launching a new line of Performance Fieldwear specifically designed for people who work and play in demanding outdoor environments.
Here’s a quick taste of what’s on the horizon:
- Oaks Camp Jacket: Heavy-duty ultra dry-waxed cotton jacket
- Oaks Camp Pant: Heavy-duty pant to pair with the Oaks Camp Jacket
- Grass Valley Jacket: Lighter-duty ultra dry-waxed cotton jacket
- Grass Valley Pant: Heavy-duty pant to pair with the Grass Valley Jacket
Why ultra dry-waxed cotton instead of synthetic materials? Because today’s material and treatment provide easy care, reliable, PFAS-free weather resistance, yet feels natural, wears tough, and adapts to real-world conditions.
ForgeLine is launching both series with men’s and women’s fits.
Kifaru Outdoor Wear
We’ve featured Kifaru’s outstanding backpacks in our gear guides for several years, but new for 2026, they’re launching a new line of outdoor wear. While the line is geared towards hunters, its comfort, movement, and durability are a great fit for landscaping and agriculture Pros, as well as some trades.
Here’s what’s included in the initial offering:
- Spike 150 Merino Base Layers ($85 – $120): Short-sleeve tee or hooded long-sleeve perfect for regulating body temperature with odor resistance, or as sun protection and comfort on warmer days
- Roam Crosslayer ($180): Mid-layer fleece that can stand alone as a work hoodie on mild days
- Pointe Puffy Jacket ($310): Easily packable design featuring a 20D ripstop nylon shell and PrimaLoft Gold insulation to keep you comfortable in temps down to 20° F.
- Passbreaker Pant ($170): Solid on cool to mild days, and made from 100% recycled polyester and features a knee pad compartment
- Torlander Pan ($300): Kifaru’s go-to pant for unseasonably colder days, also made from 100% recycled polyester and features a knee pad compartment
We’ll be looking more closely at some of these pieces in the near future, so keep your eyes open for updates!
Work Boots and Footwear for Spring
Meindl USA MT3 Lightweight Merino Wool Socks
If you haven’t tried Merino wool socks yet, you’re missing out. They’re super-soft, naturally odor-resistant, and moisture-wicking—all the benefits of polyester, but without the stink.
The MT3 is a lightweight sock, perfect for mild spring days, and also features left and right specific fits, which improve the overall comfort on an already outrageously comfortable material.
To achieve that comfort, Meindl USA uses a blend that’s 49% polyamide, 28% Merino wool, 20% polypropylene, and 3% elastane, which helps keep the price in check while maintaining Merino wool’s key benefits.
If your spring tends to be on the chilly side, the MT6 or MT7 mid-weight Merino wool socks offer more insulation to keep your feet warm.
Price: $20
Brunt Hawthorne Work Boots
If you’re a fan of hiker-style work boots, Brunt has a compellingly affordable option with the Hawthorne. Inspired by custom home builder Matt Hawthorne from Sebago Lake, Maine, it’s designed to meet the needs of Pro contractors who work long hours.
The upper features waterproof leather sourced from US steer with bonus protection that comes from the integrated Brunt Toe and Heel Guard to reduce wear where it happens most.
Inside, the Brunt Cushion midsole and insole work together to provide long-lasting comfort that’s enhanced by the boot’s lighter weight.
As we expect, the Hawthorne carries EH, oil- and slip-resistance, and heat resistance ratings to go along with its FarmGuard leather that holds up in a variety of environments. It’s available with a soft or composite safety toe.
Price: $154.99 – $164.99
Tecovas Women’s Longhaul Work Boots
We’ve had a fantastic experience with Tecovas’ Longhaul work boots, and the big news is that they have a women’s version now available.
At the basic level, they’re a round toe, waterproof design with a composite safety toe for protection. They feature a long-lasting Goodyear welt and a heeled outsole with an aggressive lug pattern for traction.
What’s not so obvious at first glance is how comfortable these boots are. Almost every boot claims to be all-day comfortable, and Tecovas is no different. With more than a year of near-daily wear by our own Josh McGaffigan, we can vouch that those claims are legit.
The only difference in the new model is that it’s specifically designed for the unique shape of a woman’s foot.
Price: $245
Read
Tecovas Longhaul Work Boot Review
Wolverine Infinity System Rancher Work Boots
Wolverine’s design team was hitting on all cylinders when they developed the Infinity System. If you’re new to it, the system consists of three key components:
- Infinity Frame:Â Cradles the foot, providing you with added stability and comfort
- EnergyBound Foam Pad:Â Delivers more cushioning compared to leading traditional midsoles
- DuraShocks Outsole:Â Absorbs impact in the heel area on rough or hard terrain
The combination has made them the most comfortable work boots we’ve reviewed from Wolverine.
Now, the line is expanding with a Rancher version. Available in four colorways, they feature a classic Western work boot style. And if you keep your eyes peeled, you’ll see them featured in the TV series, Landman.
Price: $214.95
Read
Wolverine Infinity System Work Boot Review
Keen Targhee Blur Work Shoes
When it comes to Keen Utility work boots, each model tends to stay in its lane. That’s not the case with a new release in the Targhee line, though.
Keen took this popular design and evolved it into more of a work shoe design. The result is the lightest, fastest waterproof work hiker they’ve made to date.
Featuring an athletic outsole and super-comfortable KEEN.ReGEN+ energy-returning midsole, it’s a great choice for interior work on hard surfaces or even delivery drivers who want the protection of a carbon fiber safety toe.
The Targhee Blur is available in two colorways as a mid-height option, or in black as a low-cut work shoe.
Additionally, the American Built series Targhee IV is also getting some attention. New for spring 2026, there are new colorways as well as a new low-cut option.
Price: $195 – $210
Ariat Activator Work Boot (Men’s and Women’s Models Available)
When you want all the protection of a work boot in a classic Western style, you’ve got to give Ariat’s Activator boots a try.
They’re surprisingly lightweight, yet feature the stability you need for uneven ground along with ASTM-certified slip and electrical hazard resistance. We’ve had one of our guys in these for close to a year, and the lightweight comfort is what he raves about the most.
Speaking of comfort, it’s the cushioned insole and FLX foam midsole that offers relief on those long days. Plus, you’ll enjoy the traction of the outsole’s aggressive tread and the security of a 90° heel.
For men, there are a few key choices. You can go with a soft or steel toe, waterproof options, and there are also VentTEK versions that promote cooling airflow to keep your feet dry and comfortable.
Women have a couple to choose from as well. All three are waterproof, and you can choose between soft or steel toes. There’s even a CSA-certified model if you need it.
Price: $189.95 – $219.95
Helly Hansen Olso Hiker Mid Work Boots
We’ve talked plenty over the years about Helly Hansen workwear, but footwear is a relatively new pursuit for the brand.
For fans of a waterproof hiker-style work boot, the Oslo Hiker Mid is a compelling choice. They feature a Hellygrip rubber outsole with an aggressive tread that includes a unique pattern at the front to give you additional grip on toe-off.
As we’ve learned over the years, the midsole can make or break comfort, and Helly Hansen gets it right with their Aero-Stride design. During the foaming process, they infuse their EVA with nitrogen to make it lighter, provide greater cushioning, and enhance energy return.
Considering the entire package, the $175 price point is attractive compared to other work boots with similar characteristics.
You can get this one in black or brown colorways with an aluminum toe. The brown is also available with a soft toe.
Price: $165 – $175
Spring Work Shirts
Truewerk Fire-Resistant Werkshirt
Most Pros only wear fire-resistant workwear if they have to. It’s stiffer and less comfortable than other options, but at least it doesn’t melt when you’re grinding down welds.
Truewerk decided to challenge that narrative, and their Fire-Resistant Werkshirt is the result. Its twill construction is comfortable against your skin, while two-way stretch, articulated sleeves, and underarm gussets work together to help you move and reach.
Here are the technical details:
- Meets NFPA 70E and ASTM F1506 performance requirements
- ARC Rating: CAT 2
- ATPV Rating 9.5 cal/cm2
- UL Classified to NFPA 2112
Pair this shirt with Truewerk’s FR Werkpant for full fire-resistant coverage.
Price: $89
Tecovas Thorn Stopper Pearl Snap
I love Tecovas’ Pearl Snap shirts, partly because I like the fit, comfort, and style, and partly because my wife likes the way they look on me. Either way, I’m always excited when a new version comes out.
For spring, the Thorn Stopper Pearl Snap is a great pick. It’s 100% cotton twill with Tecovas’ classic brass-accented faux horn snaps and signature curved western yoke with a subtle Flying-T on the pocket flaps.
The twill weave is a crucial feature, no matter what industry you’re working in. It’s much more durable than basic cotton material, yet has a soft feel, wears comfortably, and doesn’t trap odor like polyester. That makes it a solid base layer on chilly days or comfortable sun protection when it’s warmer. And if it happens to be a Florida spring, the sleeves roll up easily when you want to exercise your right to bare arms.
There are six colors to choose from. For most jobs, the two solid colors are the way to go. But if you prefer a bit more style and interest, there are four patterned options to match the look you’re going for.
Price: $115
Milwaukee FreeFlex Hybrid Work Tee (Men’s and Women’s Fits Available)
Milwaukee’s FreeFlex Hybrid Work Tee is best for spring days on the warmer side and can even take you through the summer. As part of the FreeFlex line, it’s designed for easy movement, but there’s more to it than that.
It’s made from a 33% cotton, 67% polyester blend. The polyester helps with stretch and movement, while also wicking moisture away from your body. The cotton woven into the blend makes it more durable than 100% polyester shirts, making this suitable for more abusive environments.
It’s also a material blend that layers easily, so you can work with a sweatshirt or jacket during the cool morning and then ditch it as the temperature rises. Thanks to a UPF 50+ rating, you’ll get all the sun protection you need as well.
Grab this one in short or long-sleeve versions. They’re available in a variety of colors and have fits for both men and women.
Price: $24.99 – $29.99
Brunt McKenna Tech Long Sleeve Shirt
The McKenna is inspired by landscaper Chris McKenna and is a fantastic solution for those of you in the lawn care and landscaping industries.
It features a lightweight 88% polyester/12% spandex blend with a 4-way stretch for easy movement and side vents that promote airflow. Plus, the material blend is great at wicking moisture and offers UPF 50+ sun protection.
While all that sounds great for summer, don’t neglect its usefulness in the spring. In southern climates like Florida, it’s all you need by April. Even in milder climates, it works great as a base layer under a sweatshirt while you wait for the day to warm up.
Personally, I prefer the long-sleeve shirt. However, there are also short-sleeve, hoodie, and 1/4-zip long-sleeve versions, so you have a variety of styles to choose from.
Read
Brunt McKenna Sun Hoodie Review
Price: $39.99
Ariat Rebar Made Tough 360 Airflow Work Shirt (Men’s and Women’s Fits Available)
Ariat’s Rebar Made Tough 360 Airflow Work Shirts use a perforated 3-ounce 100% polyester material that wicks moisture, dries fast, and has outstanding breathability. They’re stylish, but make no mistake, they’re made to work with Greater Arm Mobility to easily work overhead, long tails that stay tucked in, FreshTEK treatment that keeps odors from building up.
The men’s version features two chest pockets and metal buttons. A microfiber lens cloth on the hem and front pocket cord loop are nice bonuses. New for 2026, it’s now available in a long-sleeve version as well as a short-sleeve.
The women’s fit has the same style elements, but only in the long-sleeve style.
My wife and I both wear these shirts for the warm Florida spring and summer, and the higher airflow definitely helps as the humidity shifts from 0% to 1,000,000% seemingly overnight. It might be a bit too cool for early to mid-spring further north, but keep it on your radar once the temps stay consistently warm.
Price: $64.95 – $84.95
Spring Work Pants, Underwear, and Accessories
Minus33 Merino Wool Lightweight 170 Boxer Briefs
Alright, gentlemen, let’s have a quick chat about your skivvies. Cotton briefs and boxers have kept things in check for decades, but today, there’s a better option.
I’m not talking about polyester. While it’s comfortable, it traps odor that’s… We’ll just call it unpleasant for now.
Merino wool is where it’s at, and Minus33’s Lightweight 170 Boxer Briefs offer incredible relief where the sun doesn’t shine. Their Australian-sourced 100% Merino wool design is super-comfortable, naturally odor-resistant, and breathable.
Built into an 8-inch boxer brief, you can kiss chaffing goodbye and enjoy a secure, next-to-skin feel that’s unmatched by cotton. They’re more expensive than what you might pick up from Walmart or Target, but trust me, when you try them on for the first time, you’ll want a pair for every day of the week.
For those of you in the know, they’re also OEKO-TEX Standard 100, Woolmark, and Responsible Wool Standard (RWS) certified.
Price: $44.99
Truewerk T2 Werkpants (Men’s and Women’s Fits Available)
I got my first taste of Truewerk workwear back in 2016 as they were getting the brand off the ground with the revolutionary concept of bringing backcountry gear’s high-stretch mobility and durability to the trades.
The T2 Werkpant was one of the first items I reviewed, and it’s still one of the best work pants you can hope for during the spring season.
The T2 has evolved over the past decade, though. There are now more colors available, and there are women-specific fits as well.
However, that original design is still largely the same. With more than 14,000 customer reviews and a 4.8-star average, it’s clear that the materials, build, and pocket layout resonate with tradesmen just as much today as they did with me when I first pulled them on.
Read
Truewerk T2 Werkpant Review
Price: $99
EMS Fencemender Rebar Work Pants
For those of you who prefer the durability of cotton-forward work pants, the Fencemender Rebar from Eastern Mountain Sports is a classic.
They feature a 98% cotton, 2% elastane blend that offers the durability and comfort you like with just enough stretch to make movement easier.
As the Rebar version of the Fencemender, they’re built even tougher. Triple-stitching, rivets, and reinforcement in high-wear areas all work together to ensure they’re up to the task no matter where the job takes you.
Price: $99
King’s Camo XKG Arco Pants
Designed as a rugged backcountry hunting pant, King’s Camo XKG Arco pants crossover extremely well into trade, landscaping, and agriculture applications.
The XKG Arco is very similar to the XKG Pivot I recommended in the fall. It has an excellent pocket layout, including several zippered ones, plus the zippered side vents to allow better airflow when the temperatures warm up.
The material is slightly different, with a 93% nylon/7% spandex blend, but the 4-way stretch and outstanding movement are the same. The biggest difference is that it’s a lighter-weight pant, making it a great choice when your spring starts to warm up.
Price: $149.99
5.11 Women’s Apex Pant
5.11’s Women’s Apex pant was designed with input from female first responders, and the results cross over beautifully into active work environments.
It starts with a 67% polyester/33% cotton Flex-Tac canvas material. This design offers mechanical stretch that won’t impede your mobility. Combined with a stretch waistband, you’ll be able to move comfortably whether you’re climbing a ladder, in a crawlspace, or anywhere in between.
There’s also a DWR treatment to help shed light precipitation.
As you’d expect from 5.11, there are plenty of functional pockets, including zippered cargo and bonus rear pockets on both sides.
It’s all built into a regular fit specifically designed for a woman’s figure, comes in eight color options with sizes from 0 to 20, and short, regular, or long lengths.
Price: $100
Arcade Hardware Slim Belt
We’ve been wearing Arcade belts for a couple of years now. Their tough abrasion-resistant build, adjustable precision fit, and the right amount of stretch to move with you make them a natural fit on jobsites. Plus, their models with metal-free construction make TSA checkpoints that much easier.
With the launch of the Hardware Slim, you now get all the same benefits with a little less bulk. The webbing is 1 1/4 inches thick, giving it a better fit for work pants with smaller loops.
The standard Hardware belts are 1 1/2 inches thick, and while shaving that down by just a 1/4-inch doesn’t sound like much, it actually makes a difference in feel and appearance. More importantly, they’re still extremely strong and won’t flop on you when you have tools or pouches attached.
If you’re looking for something a little more low-profile but still jobsite-functional, the Hardware Slim is a quality choice.
Price: $44.95
Spring Work Outerwear
Truewerk M3 Woobie Hoodie
Traditional puffy jackets are lightweight, comfortable, and easily packable. That might be great for your post-dinner walk around the neighborhood, but they’re not really built for jobsites.
Enter Truewerk.
Taking its inspiration from military-issue woobie poncho liners, it’s built with the same comfort and packability while focusing on outstanding movement. Better still, the hood is intentionally designed to fit under your hard hat to keep your head warm, a DWR treatment sheds light precipitation, and there are reflective elements to ensure your presence is noticed.
It’s useful as an outer layer you can easily shed on mild days, a mid-layer for cooler days, or a light jacket to keep on hand in case the weather shifts, making it an excellent fit for spring.
Price: $149
5.11 PT-R Arrive 1/4-Zip Fleece
When you dive into 5.11’s performance clothing, you can find some workwear gems. One of my favorites for spring is the PT-R Arrive 1/4-Zip Fleece.
It’s not just that it has a great name, even if they weren’t thinking of Pro Tool Reviews with the PT-R designation. It’s that they built it for training performance, and that translates perfectly to a high-performance mid-layer.
The material is a 60% cotton, 40% polyester blend constructed in a way that promotes naturally easy movement. It has kangaroo pockets for storage, a comfortable fleece-lined inner collar, and reflective branding to make you a little more visible in low-light conditions.
What excited me the most is how versatile this is, though. It’s great under a windproof jacket on cooler days, can stand alone on mild days, and the zipper offers some additional temperature control if you need more airflow. Thanks to its good looks, it makes for comfortable everyday wear, too.
Price: $75
Helly Hansen Classic 2.0 Hoodie (Men’s and Women’s Fits Available)
On the surface, Helly Hansen’s Classic 2.0 Hoodie looks like everything you want in a sweatshirt and nothing you don’t. In this case, looks aren’t deceiving.
Functionally, it has the warmth boost, airflow, and easy movement you’re looking for. Since it avoids being too bulky, it’s excellent as a midlayer or your primary outer when a long-sleeve tee isn’t quite enough.
Digging into the details, the material is a 56% organic cotton/44% polyester blend that combines moisture-wicking characteristics with high durability. Plus, it’s constructed with AMANN threads—a premium upgrade that enhances the durability even more.
Helly Hansen has you covered with pullover and full-zip versions. If you don’t need the hood, there are also pullover and 1/2-zip Classic 2.0 sweatshirts. Plus, you can complete the look with new Classic 2.0 tee shirts and polos, which are also available in men’s and women’s fits.
Price: $55 – 85
Safety Glasses and PPE
Wiley X Alpine Sunglasses/Safety Glasses
New for spring 2026, Wiley X is launching the Alpine, and it’s one of the best all-around designs we’ve seen to cover you 365 days a year, no matter what work or activity you’re pursuing.
From a design perspective, it’s a full wrap-around that’s a good fit for medium and large faces, and features Venturi Suction technology that enhances airflow to keep them from getting fogged up.
The lens options cover nearly every outdoor activity, including work, driving, fishing, hunting/shooting, hiking, and more. What sets these apart from some of the other Wiley X models we recommend is that the lenses are a full 2.5mm thick. Their shatterproof design earns the ANSI Z87.1+ rating we’re used to, plus MIL-PRF-32432A Ballistic Impact Standards.
And if that’s not enough, they offer a look that commands respect without having to say a word.
Price: $150 – $220
Cross Point Gear Pro Wool Waterproof Knit Gloves
Knit gloves aren’t something I’d normally gravitate toward during the spring season. However, Cross Point Gear’s Pro Wool Waterproof Knit Gloves are designed in a way that makes them relevant.
The 3-layer construction starts with Merino wool for the inside, offering warmth and natural odor-resistance.
The middle layer is a waterproof, breathable membrane. Similar to what you find in waterproof work boots, this layer allows moisture from your hands to escape while preventing rain, snow, or even wind from penetrating in.
The outer is a wear-resistant knit that allows for high-dexterity movement. Plus, it has silicon dots that offer a secure grip and touchscreen-friendly fingertips.
While these aren’t your first choice for cut or impact protection, they’re an excellent option if you’re looking for grip assistance with waterproof warmth that won’t trap sweat against your hands.
Price: $59
Milwaukee Bolt RedLithium USB Cooling Fan
If you experience a warm spring like we do in the south (it’s forecast to be in the high 80’s as I’m writing this), you’re already thinking about how to stay cool.
Milwaukee has a new solution with their Bolt RedLithium USB Cooling Fan. As the name indicates, it connects to their Bolt hard hats and safety helmets, and relies on a RedLithium USB battery for power.
The airflow is impressive, with speeds up to 15 MPH. That’s not exactly hurricane force, but it’s delivered directly from your hard hat, so the short distance makes it highly effective. Plus, there are three different ducts that come with the fan to help you direct the flow exactly where you want it.
With the battery on one side and the fan on the other, it doesn’t throw off the balance and strain your neck.
You can run up to 6 hours on low or 4 hours on high, and you can recharge the battery onboard or simply swap it out for another one.
Price: $134.99
Ergodyne Glove Clips
If you’re like me, out of sight is out of mind, and that’s a dangerous game to play with PPE. When it comes to keeping your gloves close by, Ergodyne has a couple of new options that are highly effective and affordable.
The first is the Swiveling Glove Clip Holder, which tells you most of what you need to know. The design easily slides onto your belt, and the clip holds your gloves (or other fabric gear) securely. A swivel helps prevent tangling, and a breakaway feature keeps you from stopping in your tracks if your gloves get snagged.
The Recycled Glove Clip Holder uses a dual clip design. Essentially, it’s two identical clips that connect, so it attaches to your belt the same way it clips your gloves.
The big deal with this one is the use of recycled materials. Each set uses roughly 1.5 water bottles’ worth of recycled plastic.
Better still, both designs are Made in the USA products.
Price: $4.15 – $4.95
