werkjassen

Werkjassen are a type of protective outer garment worn by workers to protect clothing and provide convenient storage for tools. They are typically made from durable fabrics such as cotton canvas (duck), denim, or twill, and may be blended with synthetics for added water resistance or durability. Some jackets are flame resistant or have high-visibility panels for specific trades.

Designs vary in length from waist-length to hip- or knee-length, with long sleeves, and closures including buttons, zippers, or snaps. Common features are multiple pockets (breast pockets, tool pockets, pen slots), reinforced elbows, and sometimes tool loops or adjustable cuffs.

They are used across industries such as construction, metalworking, carpentry, agriculture, and maintenance. They are designed to protect clothing from dirt and minor hazards and provide ready access to tools. They differ from lab coats, which are typically worn for cleanliness in laboratories, and from coveralls, which are one-piece garments offering full-body protection.

Care: follow fabric instructions; most werkjassen are machine washable; avoid high heat to prevent shrinkage and to preserve coatings; repair or reinforce pockets and elbows as needed. Some jackets with waterproof coatings should be reproofed periodically.

History: durable jackets have been part of workwear since the 19th and 20th centuries, with blue denim and canvas becoming common among manual workers. Today, werkjassen are produced in a range of styles and serve industry-specific needs, from flame resistance to hi-visibility.