Cool the worker, not the hall.
Cooling vest for work: kitchen, construction and industry
A cooling vest for work comes in three types: evaporative, PCM and fan. Which one fits depends on the workplace. Humidity, dust, hi-vis rules and the length of a shift decide. This page helps employers and safety officers narrow it down.
Three types of cooling vest
Gløde does not sell cooling vests (yet). This page compares types on how they work and on what manufacturers and occupational bodies state. It is not a test and we did not try the products.
Evaporative vest
The fabric stores water. The water evaporates and takes warmth with it. Light, no electricity, re-wettable. Works best in low to medium humidity with some airflow.
PCM vest
Packs of phase-change material melt at a set temperature, often between about 15 and 29 °C, and take up body heat as they do. Dry, and independent of humidity. The packs need a fridge, freezer or ice water.
Fan vest
Small battery-powered fans blow outside air through the garment. The moving air helps sweat evaporate. Needs air that is not too humid, and a way out at collar, sleeves and hem.
What they share
Occupational bodies list cooling vests as a personal measure. They come after technical and organisational measures, not instead of them.
| Type | Duration often stated | Humid air | Needs on site | Honest limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Evaporative | Varies widely; no single number | Effect drops | Tap water | Damp fabric; little effect in humid halls |
| PCM | Usually about 2 to 4 hours per set of packs | Works the same | Fridge, freezer or ice water, and a spare set | Weight; packs must be swapped |
| Fan | Often about 4 to 10 hours per charge | Effect drops | Charging point | Blows air and dust around; poor under tight outer layers |
Recooling PCM packs often takes 10 to 30 minutes in ice water, about 45 minutes to 2 hours in a freezer, or 1 to 3 hours in a fridge.
Which type for which workplace
Kitchen and bakery
Hot and humid, with fridges close by. PCM fits: it does not depend on evaporation and stays dry. Plan a spare set of packs per shift.
Construction and outdoor work
Dry air and wind suit evaporative and fan vests. Hi-vis is the open question: see below. When the air is hotter than the skin, moving air helps less.
Industry and warehouse
PCM where the air is humid or a damp vest is unwelcome. Fan vests where the air is dry and clean and there are charging points.
Cleanrooms and dusty places
No fan vests. They draw in the surrounding air and blow it through the garment. PCM is the type to look at.
Over or under workwear?
- PCM under workwear. In one comparison by a German statutory insurer, a protective gown over the vest reduced the cooling of one vest only slightly.
- Fan vests need an exit. Under a windproof or tight outer layer the air cannot flow out, so the principle works poorly.
- Hi-vis. EN ISO 20471 sets minimum areas of fluorescent and reflective material. A vest worn on top covers part of them. Combining garments does not automatically give a higher class.
- Hi-vis cooling vests. Ask the supplier for the EN ISO 20471 certificate and class of the vest itself, and check it with your safety officer.
- Flame-retardant clothing. We found no general rule. Check with your safety officer and the garment manufacturer before adding any layer.
The types in more detail: cooling vest comparison · fan vests and fan jackets
Kitting out a team? We'll let you know.
Gløde is considering adding cooling vests for work. Leave your work email and we'll send you one message if we launch them. No newsletter unless you ask for it.
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What Gløde offers today
Nothing in our range cools. We make heated clothing, for the same teams when the hall is cold. Our power banks supply 5 V USB.
HøggeHeated vest with 5 zones and 3 heat levels; power bank included.View →
Power bank 10,000 mAh150 g, USB-A and USB-C, 5 V.View →
Power bank 20,000 mAh350 g, two USB-A ports and USB-C, 5 V.View →
A fan vest built for 5 V USB can run from a power bank. Some use their own battery packs, so check the stated input first. See all heated vests for the cold months.
Frequently asked questions
Which cooling vest is best for work?
It depends on the workplace. PCM vests suit hot, humid places such as kitchens and bakeries. Evaporative and fan vests suit dry, airy work outdoors. Where air must not be blown around, such as cleanrooms and dusty areas, fan vests are not suitable.
How long does a cooling vest work?
PCM packs usually last about 2 to 4 hours per set and then need cooling again. For fan vests, manufacturers often state about 4 to 10 hours, depending on the fan speed and the battery. For evaporative vests the statements vary too widely to give one number.
Can a cooling vest be worn over hi-vis clothing?
A vest worn over hi-vis clothing covers part of the certified area. Ask your safety officer whether the outfit still meets the class you need. For a hi-vis cooling vest, ask the supplier for its EN ISO 20471 certificate and class.
Does Gløde sell cooling vests for work?
No, not at the moment. Leave your work email in the form on this page and we will send you one message if we launch them.
Related: Working in heat: the rules in the UK and Ireland · Cooling vests compared · All our comparisons and guides
Gløde — warm the person, not the room.
