Your Guide to the DBL Workwear Rental Service – Key Questions at a Glance

Workwear from the DBL rental service is a practical and economical solution for many companies – but questions often arise.

How exactly does the rental service work? What advantages does rental workwear offer compared to buying? What happens in the event of damage or changes in size? In our FAQs, you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions about renting workwear from DBL – from the procedures to individual customization options.

As an association of regional companies, we offer you not only high-quality workwear, but also a reliable, all-round service – including collection, care, repair, and delivery of the workwear to your premises. This allows you and your employees to focus entirely on your daily work.

What do the colors of workwear indicate about a profession?

In the past, colors were clearly associated with specific professions: white for painters, green for gardening, and blue for tradespeople. These color codes are used to provide orientation and demonstrate affiliation with a certain occupation. Today, many companies choose workwear based on their unique corporate identity or their desire for more individuality. Colors such as moss green, olive, or sand are replacing traditional colorways- often inspired by casual fashion. Modern and bright variations are highly requested in the healthcare and hospitality fields. Traditional trade attire, like the black uniform worn in roofing, remains protected by its strong symbolic significance. Clear color codes for workwear therefore hardly exist anymore.

When is an employer required to provide workwear?

Whether an employer is required to provide workwear is dependent on its purpose. If the protective clothing is mandatory and classified as personal protective equipment (PPE), the employer is legally required to provide, maintain, process, and hygienically clean it, as well as cover all its associated costs. If said workwear is required but not classified as PPE, it might be provided by the employer or claimed as a tax-deductible work-related expense. The deciding factor is whether there is a predominant business interest for the employer. Rental models are a practical solution for both the employer and employees.

Which work pants are best for work?

The best work pants are the ones that fit the best, as well as meet the demands of the job. Those who tend to spend a lot of time kneeling often choose models with knee pads or reinforced knee areas. For more support for the lower back, one may prefer overalls; alternatively, there are lightweight work pants with a waistband. Material, cut, and pocket arrangement are crucial to consider. Ultimately, the key factor is the individual comfort combined with functionality. Modern collections offer a wide range of options, often available in modular systems. This allows everyone to find the right work pants for their area of work. Professional advice or trying on different models can help you make the right choice.

How can I protect my employees in hot weather conditions and strong sunlight?

Workwear can serve as a double protection in hot weather, as it covers skin, and depending on the design, can also protect from UV rays. Specialized UV-protective clothing that is certified according to Standard 801 can provide Ultraviolet Protection Factors (UPF) in ranges 20+ to 80+. Material, fabric density, color, and fiber types all influence the level of protection. Modern performance textiles combine protection with breathability, ideal for hot days. Lightweight shirts, shorts, and short-sleeved shirts can often be worn while staying consistent with a company's corporate identity. UV-protective clothing should be inspected regularly to ensure it continues to serve its full protective effect.

What's considered workwear in a legal and pratical sense?

Workwear refers to clothing that's worn in the employer's interest, for example, because it's required or standardized with the company logo. This may include T-shirts, polo shirts, trousers, vests, jackets, or even complete suits, given they are clearly intended for professional use. High-visibility clothing is also considered workwear. The deciding factor is that the clothing is not intended for private use but rather serves a functional, protective, or representative purpose at your place of work. Visible branding, like embroidery or patches, supports this classification.

Why is occupational clothing important for a company?

Occupational clothing strengthens the team spirit, ensures a consistent and professional appearance, and supports the company's corporate identity externally. It creates recognition, builds trust, and highlights the competence of the employees. Simultaneously, it serves a functional purpose: healthcare workers need lightweight and flexible clothing, while craftsmen need durable pants that can withstand their demanding work conditions. In many industries, occupational clothing also includes personal protective equipment (PPE), such as high-visibility garments or HACCP-compliant clothing. Well-maintained clothing with the company logo and name badge sends a clear signal to customers: a professional works here.

What are the benefits of occupational clothing for daily work operations?

Occupational clothing protects, supports, and is tailored to the specific requirements of the job. It offers functional benefits such as freedom of movement, durability, and if required, a certified protection. Employees performing physically-demanding work, need clothing with reinforced areas and stretch panels as an example. This helps promote both health and efficiency. Simultaneously, occupational clothing creates a consistent and professional appearance, signaling competence, team spirit, and the company's brand image. With a rental service, it also remains well-maintained and ready for use at all times.

When is protective clothing required on top of occupational clothing?

Protective clothing, also referred to as Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), is required whenever specific hazards are present at the workplace. This requirement is governed by occupational accident insurance regulations and occupational health and safety legislation. Employers are obligated to provide functional PPE, for example, in work environments involving chemical, mechanical, or thermal risks. The type of protective clothing required in each case is determined by the relevant standards and regulations. The DBL PPE Checklist provides a comprehensive overview. PPE must be regularly inspected and worn correctly to ensure that it provides its intended level of protection.

What materials are used in modern occupational clothing?

Occupational clothing is typically made from blended fabrics, such as cotton and polyester, tailored to the specific requirements of the respective work environment. Lightweight fabrics, like those made from TENCEL (lyocell), are commonly used in professionals who require a lot of movement, such as those in the healthcare field. More durable options feature reinforcements such as Cordura in the knee area, which is ideal for trades and skilled manual labor. Weather-resistant and protective garments often include specialized features designed to provide protection against the cold, moisture, or chemical exposure. High-performance fibers with moisture-wicking properties, functional stretch, or temperature-regulating capabilities enhance comfort. Due to their polyester content, these garments are also easy to take care of and retain their shape longer.

Is special workwear required for winter maintenance services?

Yes, high-visibility clothing is mandatory for winter maintenance work on the road. Employees must remain clearly visible at all times- whether in the dark, snow, or adverse weather conditions. These requirements are defined by the EN ISO 20471 standard, which also specifies risk levels and visibility classes depending on the work environment and hazard level. Clothing must be fluorescent, reflective, and weather-resistant. In practice, highly visible, weatherproof jackets, pants, and vests are most commonly used, often also combined with cold-weather protection features for extended periods of outdoor work.

Is occupational clothing available specifically for men and women?

Yes, modern occupational clothing is generally available in both women's and men's fits. Alternatively, there are unisex models that can be worn by all genders. The main differences between these options lie in their fit and cut. It is important to note that many unisex garments are based on men's sizing cuts, which often do not provide an optimal fit for women. Therefore, high-quality suppliers deliberately offer gender-specific collections, particularly for work pants, jackets, polo shirts, fleece jackets, and softshell jackets. After all, proper fit, comfort, and functionality should be ensured for all employees.

Are there high-visibility or PPE pants designed specifically for women?

Yes, many PPE collections, including high-visibility pants and welding protection pants, are now available fitted specifically for women. Particularly in areas of multinorm or high-visibility workwear, there are high-quality options tailored specifically to the female anatomy. Numerous items as such are available through the DBL rental service. If no suitable model is available, we are happy to provide advice on appropriate alternatives. After all, protection, comfort, and fit must be ensured for women's PPE as well, regardless of the field of application.