Layers that fit across the shoulder.

Most teams need two of the three. A fleece is warmth and nothing else; the moment there is wind or drizzle it is useless. A softshell handles wind and light rain and is the single most useful layer for nine months of the year. A proper waterproof is the one you add for sustained rain — look for EN 343 and check the second class number, which is breathability.

Keeping the core warm while leaving the arms free, which is exactly what you want for anyone lifting, driving or working with their hands. It also layers over a hoodie without the bulk of a second sleeve. For drivers and yard staff it is often more worn than a jacket.

A softshell on its own is not, for a full winter day standing still. The combination that works is a baselayer or fleece under a softshell, or a padded or lined jacket if someone is static outdoors. Movement matters more than temperature when you are choosing: active work needs breathability, standing still needs insulation.

Yes, and if the job needs hi-vis then the outer layer is the one that has to carry it. Putting a plain jacket over a hi-vis polo hides the certified material and defeats the point. Look for EN ISO 20471 and the class the site requires on the jacket itself.

Size for what goes underneath, not for the person. Someone who takes a medium polo usually wants a large softshell if a fleece goes under it, and a large or extra-large waterproof over that again. A jacket that only fits over a t-shirt gets left behind in winter.

Softshells and fleeces wash normally at 30 to 40 degrees; the thing that ruins both is fabric softener, which clogs the fibre and kills the water repellency. Waterproofs need washing too — a dirty face wets out and feels like a failed membrane — but with a technical cleaner, and reproofing when water stops beading.