In brief
- As a rule of thumb, allow three pairs of work trousers per person: one in use, one in the wash, one in reserve.
- With daily changes, for example in kitchens and food businesses, rather five.
- Depending on wear, work trousers last about one to two years.
- Recording items and sizes lets you kit out new staff quickly.
One pair of work trousers per person is rarely enough – but how many should it be? It depends on how dirty the work is, how often clothes are changed and how they are washed. Here are proven rules of thumb for businesses in South Tyrol.
The rule of thumb: three per person
Most businesses use a simple calculation:
- One in usethe pair being worn
- One in the washthe pair from the day or week before
- One in reservefor emergencies, heavy soiling or damage
That way everyone always has a clean pair, even if washing sometimes takes longer.
How many trousers by sector?
- Trades & construction3 pairs, plus shorts or light trousers in summer
- Industry & warehouse3 pairs, 4 with shift work
- Kitchen & hospitality4 to 5 pairs, as clothing is often changed daily
- Food businesses5 pairs or more – depending on the hygiene plan
- Office & customer contact2 to 3 pairs if clothing hardly gets dirty
Rule of thumb
The more often clothes are changed and the longer washing takes, the more garments per person.
How long do work trousers last?
It depends heavily on use and care. In trades and construction, many businesses reckon on about one to two years. Reinforced knees and pockets, tough fabrics such as Cordura and washing as per the label extend their life considerably.
Summer, winter and all year
Anyone working outdoors benefits from two versions: light trousers or shorts in summer, lined or windproof trousers in winter. For indoor work, an all-year model is usually enough.
Plan and reorder
So new staff can be kitted out quickly, we record items, colours, sizes and logo position for you. New garments then look exactly like the existing ones – and you can easily reorder single sizes. Read more about suitable models in our Work trousers buying guide.
