Don't leave safety to chance

In a recent YouGov poll,18-24-year-olds were found to prioritise style over comfort and safety when selecting workwear.¹ With style-led workwear now just a few clicks away, it’s fair to ask: are younger workers putting safety on the back burner?

Style

Social media trends and targeted ads are shaping what people buy, even for workwear. The rise of style-first options is great to give people the option but it can be risky on site. Take, for example, trainers sold as safety footwear online. They might claim to have steel toe caps and puncture-proof soles, but many don’t meet required safety standards.

The same goes for slim-fit jackets or stylish hi-vis t-shirts, they might look sharp and be cheap, but they may not reflect enough light, or could clash with other PPE. It’s a tricky balance: look good but stay safe. How can workers ensure what they’re buying is keeping them safe? 

Add to cart? 

Cost is becoming an increasingly important factor in purchasing decisions, businesses and workers are turning to online marketplaces to supply their safety equipment and workwear. It’s quick, familiar and cheap, but here’s the catch: these platforms don’t have to guarantee safety.

A Which? survey found that seven in 10 people who buy from online marketplaces are confident that the platforms will ensure the safety of products on their sites.² This isn’t the case. In reality, third-party sellers can avoid local safety laws, and platforms often sidestep any responsibility in a legal loophole. Listings and adverts can be vague or misleading, with phrases like "site-ready" or "safety inspired" used to mask the lack of any real certification.

This can easily mislead consumers, particularly those without the experience or training to identify compliant workwear and the relevant standards for different workwear categories. A pair of stylish “safety boots” may look as though they would offer adequate protection but could lack even basics like certified steel toecaps or anti-slip soles. Some listings may even quote the relevant standards but would falter at even the most fundamental of testing. The challenge currently, is that they can do this and get away with it. 

Online reviews can add another layer of confusion. Many consumers in general rely on ratings and customer feedback which can be easily manipulated or faked. Products may appear to be popular and trustworthy, yet fail safety inspections or regulatory compliance checks.

Employers take note

Safeguarding employees against improper workwear and equipment is becoming a more complex task to navigate with more sales channels than ever.³ Even if employees are given the option to purchase personal workwear, the legal responsibility of safety remains with the employer.

Workwear is designed to protect workers from the unique hazards of the workplace, this could be moving objects, fire risks or chemicals to name a few. With workwear such as steel-toed boots, flame-resistant fabrics, high-visibility clothing, and chemical-resistant gloves it is essential that employee safety is the paramount factor when selecting equipment.

What’s the fix?

Stylish workwear that adequately protects employees from the dangers of work does exist and is becoming more commonplace in the market. Reputable distributors and retailers are aware of customer demand for workwear that is comfortable, durable and compliant and have begun to release dedicated ranges to meet this need. 

Major manufacturers now offer ranges designed specifically with more style conscious workers in mind. Incorporating modern designs, breathable fabrics, flexible and sustainable materials and various colour options, these options still comply with industry-specific safety certifications like BS EN ISO 20345 for footwear or BS EN ISO 20471 for high-visibility garments. The challenge lies not in the availability of safe, stylish and affordable options, but in education, awareness, and enforcement. 

Which? suggests four quick checks for smarter buying online:

• Know the brand – Make sure it’s legitimate and trusted.
• Check the seller – Look out for obscure names or hard to find sellers.
• Spot the standards – Proper safety kit will list certified standards clearly and will have the paperwork to prove it.
• Watch for fake reviews – Star ratings can be easily faked, read with care.

Employers should also consider offering guidance and training on how to evaluate and select safe workwear, especially if staff are allowed to purchase their own. Embedding a culture of safety, where style is welcomed but not prioritised above essential protection, can help avoid accidents and liabilities.

The bigger picture

When workers like what they wear, they’re more likely to wear it, even off-site. That means extra brand visibility for employers, and more buy-in from staff. Brands like Trojan have been making high-performance gear for decades. The latest workwear range proves that you can have both function and fashion, without compromise. As social media and online marketplaces shake up how people shop, it’s more important than ever to prioritise safety. Compliant, stylish gear is out there, it just takes a bit of smart sourcing and a lot of awareness.

With better procurement, clear advice and a safety-first mindset, UK workplaces can keep pace with what workers want, without putting them at risk.

Simon Allan-Brooks is chief commercial officer at Arco. For more information, visit www.arco.co.uk

References
1 https://www.banana-moon-clothing.co.uk/blogs/news/workwear-trends-index-2025
2 Shop safely online: how to avoid dangerous products - Which?
3 Workwear Trends Index 2025