28 April 2025
Are comfort and safety mutually exclusive?
Protective clothing saves lives — but only if it’s worn.
Despite strict safety regulations, our latest research uncovers a worrying gap between the PPE provided and what’s actually being worn on site.
This report explores why — and how we can change it.
Based on insights from 250+ workers and uniform decision-makers in the utilities sector, the data highlights the role of comfort, fit, and design in helping keep workers safe and compliant.
why we carried out this research
At alsico, we’ve spent decades designing protective garments — but understanding how they’re used is just as important as how they’re made.
Through the alsico academy, we continuously test, listen, and learn — because protection doesn’t stop at compliance. It starts with insight.
This report is part of that mission: to understand the barriers, raise the standard, and help drive better protection through wearability.
We believe protection only works if it’s worn — and the first step is understanding why it isn’t.
what’s inside the report
- Exclusive insights from 251 workers and PPE decision-makers
- The key reasons PPE isn’t being worn properly — and what to do about it
- What workers really want from their uniforms (hint: it’s not just protection)
- The disconnect between buyers and wearers — and how to bridge it
- How comfort, stretch and style are shaping safety outcomes
- Practical insights to improve procurement, protection, and compliance
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"Comfort is a “historical” issue that requires addressing by the industry. The materials used to give the garments their protective quality have typically been quite heavy and therefore uncomfortable for wearers, particularly when working in warm environments."
Charlotte Clarke - Managing Director, alsico UK
who this report is for?
This report is a must-read for anyone responsible for PPE in high-risk sectors:
- Health & Safety professionals
- Procurement leaders and buyers
- Operational teams managing uniform compliance
- Uniform specialists and technical consultants
If your role involves selecting, supplying, or influencing what your teams wear — this is for you.
request a copy today
learn more about the environments we supply into
Environments
wearer protection
Protection is weaved into every part of alsico, we build it into everything we do and it drives our every decision. Our protective workwear range covers all high-safety sectors.
Environments
healthcare
We are one of the largest healthcare uniform suppliers in the UK, and are the majority supplier for the new NHS National Healthcare Uniform project.
Environments
workwear
At alsico, we have shown excellence in a wide range of work uniforms, ranging from warehousing to global travel companies and from transportation to construction.
Environments
electrification
Our passion for creating innovative fabrics has positioned us as a key supplier in the exciting new sector of electrical safety clothing, from battery companies to aerospace, to all anti-static environments.
Environments
contamination control
We have developed a specialism in cleanroom clothing and uniforms, delivering exceptional performance in highly controlled environments.
Environments
emergency response
We are always honored to be asked to provide workwear for our emergency services teams. We put our trust in them to help to look after us, and we do our very best in return, delivering performance when it matters.
