Trade Guides: PPE, Workwear & Size Advice
Practical guides to help you understand PPE ratings, compare workwear and footwear sizes, choose hearing and respiratory protection, and look after your safety clothing.
These guides are written for general information and product-selection support. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions, your workplace risk assessment and current official guidance when selecting or using PPE.
Last reviewed: 18 September 2026
Size guides
Use these charts when comparing UK, EU and alpha sizes. Garment and footwear measurements can vary by brand, so check the product-specific size information before ordering.
- UK and EU Shoe Size Conversion Chart for UK 2–13 and EU equivalents. You can also browse the Foot Wear collection.
- Women's to Men's Jacket & Top Size Chart for approximate chest and alpha-size equivalents. Browse Outdoor & Work Wear for jackets, tops and other workwear.
- Safety Footwear Ratings Explained: S1P, S3, S5 and S7 covers EN ISO 20345 footwear classes, water protection and penetration markings. Browse the Foot Wear collection.
- Safety Boot Fit Guide: How to Measure Your Feet and Choose Work Boots covers toe room, width, heel security, measuring both feet and checking fit before ordering. Browse the Foot Wear collection.
Glove standards and cut protection
Understand the markings used on protective gloves before comparing products. Ratings are based on laboratory tests and should be matched to the actual task and hazard.
- EN388 Glove Markings Explained covers abrasion, cut, tear, puncture and impact results. Browse the Safety Gloves collection.
- Glove Cut Levels: Numerical to A–F Comparison explains the relationship between older numerical cut results and the A–F ISO scale.
- EN ISO 374 Chemical Glove Markings Explained: Types A, B and C explains chemical permeation, code letters, breakthrough time and biological-protection markings. Browse the Safety Gloves collection.
Hearing protection and workplace noise
Learn how to compare hearing protectors and understand workplace noise information. The correct choice should follow a suitable noise assessment and should consider communication, alarms, fit and other PPE.
- SNR vs HML: How to Choose Hearing Protection explains the two common attenuation measures.
- What Do 80, 85 and 87 dB Mean at Work? covers key UK workplace noise values and controls.
- Earplugs vs Ear Defenders: Which Is Best? compares fit, comfort, communication and PPE compatibility. Browse the Hearing and Eye Protection collection.
Respiratory and dust protection
Respiratory protection must be selected for the specific contaminant, concentration, exposure time and working conditions. A mask rating alone does not make a respirator suitable for every hazard.
- FFP1 vs FFP2 vs FFP3: What Do They Mean? explains particulate respirator classes and why FFP masks do not protect against gases or vapours. Browse the Respiratory and Dust Protection collection.
- What Do R, NR and D Mean on FFP Masks? explains reusable, non-reusable and dolomite-clogging markings, plus fit and filter limitations.
- Respirator Filter Types A, B, E and K Explained covers gas and vapour filter letters, colours, capacity classes and combination filters.
Workwear care and hi-vis standards
- How to Wash and Care for Hi-Vis Workwear covers washing, drying, inspection, storage and replacement.
- EN ISO 20471 Hi-Vis Clothing Explained: Classes 1, 2 and 3 explains fluorescent, retroreflective and contrast materials, performance classes, correct wearing and care. Browse the Outdoor & Work Wear collection.
- EN ISO 13688 Protective Clothing Labels Explained explains general protective-clothing requirements, task-specific standards, label information and care guidance. Browse the Outdoor & Work Wear collection.
Choosing and using PPE
These guides are not a substitute for a competent assessment, employer PPE policy, manufacturer technical data or current legislation and official guidance. If you are unsure which protection is suitable, speak to a competent person before starting work.