There’s nothing quite like the feeling of a cotton work shirt, especially one that you just purchased. The overall comfort—particularly due to its softness—is practically unmatched, when compared to other clothing items.
As a construction worker, you know just how crucial comfort is. When you’re comfortable, you’re able to work more efficiently for a longer period of time, even if your work conditions are less than ideal. And when you’re working your best, the sky is the limit, as you’ll be able to achieve more than you ever imagined.
Aside from comfort, cotton work shirts offer a variety of other benefits too, each of which will help you consistently achieve, and potentially even exceed, your on-the-job goals.
Why Buy Cotton Work Shirts?
Regardless of whether you purchase a long-sleeved or a short-sleeved cotton work shirt, it will be highly breathable, ensuring that moisture is wicked away on hot, humid days. By minimizing moisture, you’ll remain dry for hours at a time and, in turn, avoid chafing and other uncomfortable issues, which are generally associated with sweating.
Breathable cotton work shirts should be highly durable too, as their cotton components are designed to last long term. Cotton is easy to take care of, as it simply needs to be machine washed. Therefore, you can quickly place your shirt in your washer after a long day of work and wear it again the next day if you’d like, as minimal care is required on your part.
In addition, cotton work shirts are very flexible, which is critical for construction workers. You know all too well just how often you have to bend down, stretch your arms and legs, and quickly move from one area to another during a typical 8-hour shift, let alone a 12-plus-hour workday. Since cotton shirts are so stretchy, you’ll hardly even notice you’re wearing them, no matter how much you have to bend and move.
Finally, cotton work shirts will protect you from various elements, whether you need protection from the sun, bugs or high heat. In other words, no matter what Mother Nature sends your way, you’ll be ready. And, in some cases, you may even be protected from potential accidents, involving equipment and vehicles, as high-visibility options are available, too.
To enjoy each of these benefits firsthand, IronPros recommends the following five cotton work shirts.
Carhartt Loose Fit, Midweight Chambray Long-sleeved Shirt
Carhartt Loose Fit, Midweight Chambray Long-sleeved Shirt.
Providing ample storage opportunities, as it has two chest pockets, this work shirt also features triple-stitched main seams, along with shoulder pleats. As a result, it’s not only highly durable, but flexible too, as it enables you to easily move in it and conduct various job tasks. Comprised of 4.5-ounce, 100% cotton ringspun chambray, the shirt is breathable and lightweight too, allowing you to wear it on cool spring mornings, as well as hot summer afternoons. Upon wearing the work shirt, you should machine wash it, via the cold gentle cycle and a mild detergent. To maintain its appearance long term, you must also avoid bleaching, dry cleaning or ironing it.
Best Features: Shoulder pleats; triple-stitched main seams
Price: $39.99 - $44.99 – Buy on Amazon.com
Gildan G2300 Ultra Cotton T-shirt
Gildan G2300 Ultra Cotton T-shirt.
Offered in several types of colors (solids, which are comprised of 100% cotton; sport grey, which is comprised of 90% cotton; and safety/high visibility, which is comprised of 50% cotton), these machine washable shirts are highly comfortable and durable. Their comfortability is particularly associated with their taped necks and shoulders, along with their classic fits, which ensure that they fit loosely. Featuring a left chest pocket, each shirt provides enough storage for items like pens, pencils and small tools. Heavyweight enough to be worn alone, yet also lightweight enough to be worn as a layer, the shirt can be used for various seasons and temperatures, too.
Best Features: Numerous color options; taped necks and shoulders
Price: $14.49 - $15.49 – Buy on Amazon.com
Red Kap Short-sleeved, Wrinkle-resistant, Cotton Work Shirt
Red Kap Short-sleeved, Wrinkle-resistant, Cotton Work Shirt.
Due to its wrinkle-free technology, as it’s comprised of pre-cured, durable press fabric, you’ll never have to worry about ironing this work shirt. Therefore, you’ll be able to maintain a consistently professional appearance on your jobsite. Utilizing Touchtex Technology as well, the shirt is also highly breathable and stain resistant. Consequently, it can be worn on hot days, while retaining a fresh look long term too, regardless of the tasks you conduct as you wear it. Available in several sizes, ranging from small to 3XL, the shirt is also offered in a variety of colors, including grey, khaki, navy, orange, spruce green and white.
Best Features: Stain resistance; wrinkle-free technology
Price: $21.49 – Buy on Amazon.com
Walls Grit Heavyweight, Short-Sleeved, Cotton Work T-shirt
Walls Grit Heavyweight, Short-Sleeved, Cotton Work T-shirt.
Available in 10 colors, this shirt is comprised of 225-weight cotton, ensuring it will remain comfortable as you wear it on hot, humid days. Featuring a reflective silver strip that enables you to be highly visible if your shift begins early or ends late, the shirt also has synthetic armpit vents. As a result, you’ll cool down quickly as temperatures continue to rise throughout the peak of summer. For further comfort during the summer months, the shirt has underarm ventilation too, leading to airflow, even as humidity levels approach 100 percent. Highly durable, as it has robust cover-stitching, the shirt is also built to last for long durations.
Best Features: Reflective silver strip; synthetic armpit vents
Price: $19.99 – Buy on Amazon.com
Wrangler RIGGS Workwear Long-sleeved Work Shirt
Wrangler RIGGS Workwear Long-sleeved Work Shirt.
Able to be used as an extra layer or worn completely on its own, this buttoned, long-sleeved work shirt is ideal for long shifts, as it’s very soft and comfortable. Offering warmth on cold spring days, it’s also highly breathable, enabling it to be worn during the summer too, especially if you prefer to protect your arms from mosquitos and UV rays. However, if you’d rather roll up your sleeves and soak up the sun instead, the shirt has arm buttons as well. Utilizing the manufacturer’s room2move fit, the shirt also features side gussets, allowing you to comfortably move your upper body, thereby increasing your range of motion.
Best Features: Arm buttons; room2move fit
Price: $35.31 - $39.00 – Buy on Amazon.com
FAQs for Breathable Cotton Work Shirts
How exactly should my cotton work shirt fit?
Avoid snugness at all times. You want a shirt that fits loosely enough that you hardly even feel it, especially as you bend and stretch for several hours at a time.
How can I maintain my shirt’s longevity?
Always follow the wash instructions that the shirt’s manufacturer provides. Oftentimes, cotton will shrink a bit, so you must wash it properly, or else it may become too small for you to wear. Also avoid dry cleaning and ironing it. Usually, if you hang your shirt in your closet after it’s dry, its wrinkles will diminish anyways.
Should I consider purchasing sleeveless shirts?
Simply put, no. Sleeveless shirts won’t protect you nearly as much as short-sleeved and long-sleeved shirts will. And, as a construction worker, you know that protection is just as important as comfort.
Learn about the difference between cotton work shirts and polyester work shirts in this IRONPROS workwear article!
