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How to choose the right size for protective clothing?

Protective Clothing FAQ

Summary


How to choose the right size for protective clothing?

Finding comfortable coveralls is very important for workers to perform their jobs. Be sure to measure your chest, waist and inseam for accurate sizing.

Of all the different types of work clothes out there, overalls are some of the most comfortable. Designed as a one-piece garment, they pack loosely over clothing, making it easy for workers to put them on and take them off. Coveralls are used by workers in many different industries.

Coveralls have the ability to protect virtually the entire body, from wrists to ankles. Some versions even come with hoods to protect the head. In combination with the right helmet, gloves and work boots, they offer complete protection.

Different manufacturers have different methods of measurements. As comfortable coveralls are meant to be, it is important to know which size suits you’re the best and wouldn’t come in the way of your productivity and safety. To determine which size fits the best, there are certain guidelines and critical measurement that could help you narrow down your selection. Here are some of them:

  • Your chest
  • Your natural waist circumference (add a few more inches for comfort)
  • Measurement of the widest part of your bottom and hips
  • The accurate inseam measurement

Measuring your coveralls

  • Chest
    Place the tape measure around the fullest part of your chest and over your clothing, holding it under your arms and around your shoulder blades.

  • Waist
    Measure around the waist, above the shirt at the height you normally wear your pants. Keep the tape as tight or loose as you want your pants to fit.

  • Inseam
    Measure the inseam from the base of the crotch to the top of the shoe to be worn.

  • Neck
    Measure your neck by holding the tape measure around your neck, add a few inches for comfort and movement.

  • Sleeve Length
    Keep your arm raised with your chest, slightly bent at the elbow. Measure from the bottom of the collar to the center of the back around the elbow to the end of the wrist bone.

Once you have all the measurements you need, make sure to check the size chart provided for the model you need to select the right size.


Which suits do you have that are antistatic?

Antistatic protective clothing is designed to reduce the risk of electrostatic discharge, which can be critical in environments where flammable atmospheres, sensitive electronics, or controlled processes are present. Antistatic performance is typically assessed against EN 1149-5, which specifies material and design requirements for dissipating electrostatic charges.

The range of suits tested against EN 1149-5 is extensive and includes multiple product types and protection levels. Because antistatic performance can vary depending on the material, construction, and intended application of each suit, it is important to select the right model for your specific environment.

For this reason, rather than relying on a generic list, it is recommended to contact your Ansell representative. They can help identify which suits in the current portfolio meet EN 1149-5 requirements and are appropriate for your application, industry, and risk profile.


What temperature do your suits test to?

The temperature performance of protective suits varies significantly depending on the type of suit, the materials used, and the kind of protection they are designed to provide. There is no single temperature rating that applies across all suits.

Some suits are intended for chemical splash or particulate protection, while others are designed for gas-tight environments or specialized applications. Each of these categories may be tested against different standards and under different conditions, which affects their temperature-related performance.

Because of these variations, the most reliable way to determine temperature performance is to review the specific product documentation or consult an Ansell representative. They can provide guidance based on the exact suit model, applicable standards, and intended use.


What are the recommendations for washing and maintaining the suits?

Maintenance requirements depend entirely on whether the suit is disposable or reusable. Disposable suits are designed for single use only. Once used, they must be disposed of and should not be washed, cleaned, or reused, as this could compromise their protective performance. Reusable suits, such as Type 1 gas-tight suits, have specific washing, cleaning, inspection, and maintenance instructions. These recommendations are provided in the Instructions for Use (IFU) delivered with each suit and are also available on the relevant product pages.

In all cases, storage recommendations should be followed carefully. As a general rule, suits should be stored away from direct sunlight, protected from excessive heat, and kept in appropriate conditions to prevent material degradation.


Do you provide flame-retardant clothing?

Yes, there are suits in the portfolio that are classified as flame-retardant clothing. These suits are designed to meet specific standards related to flame resistance. Because flame-retardant performance depends on the suit’s material, construction, and certification, only certain models fall into this category. To ensure the correct level of protection, users should refer to the relevant product pages or seek guidance from an Ansell representative when selecting flame-retardant suits.


What are the differences between PAPR and other Air-fed/ventilated suits?

PAPR (Powered Air-Purifying Respirator) suits differ from other air-fed or ventilated suits primarily in how air is supplied and managed within the system.

PAPR systems use a powered unit to draw air through filters before delivering it to the wearer, whereas other air-fed or ventilated systems may rely on different airflow mechanisms or external air sources. These differences affect how the suit integrates with respiratory protection and how it is used in specific applications. Because configurations and compatibility can vary depending on the suit and system, it is important to select the correct air-fed/ventilated solution based on the intended use and to consult product documentation or an Ansell representative for guidance.


What’s the shelf life of your PPE? How should it be stored if not used? How should contaminated suits be disposed of?

The shelf life of protective suits depends on the suit type. Type 3–6 suits generally have a shelf life of 5 years, while Type 1 suits typically have a shelf life of 7 years, provided they are stored correctly.

Storage conditions must strictly follow the Instructions for Use. This includes avoiding direct sunlight, excessive heat, ozone exposure, and pressure on the suits. Suits should be folded correctly and stored in a way that prevents damage to materials or seams.

For disposal, local regulations must always be followed. Before disposal, contaminated suits should ideally be decontaminated, depending on the substances involved and applicable regulations. Disposal procedures may vary by region and application, making compliance with local rules essential.


Do you have specific applications that each suit can protect against?

Each protective suit is designed to address specific protection needs and can be used across a variety of industries and applications. While many suits are versatile, their suitability depends on the type of hazard, exposure level, and working environment.

Rather than using a generic application list, it is recommended to consult the detailed information available on individual product pages. For more precise guidance tailored to a specific application or industry, contacting an Ansell representative ensures the correct suit selection.


How do I identify what “type or level” of protection I need? What chemical penetrations are your suits protected against?

Identifying the correct type or level of protection is a critical step in ensuring worker safety. This requires a thorough assessment of workplace risks, including the nature of the hazard, exposure duration, and environmental conditions.

Reference tables and guidance can help provide an initial understanding of which protection level may be required, but these should not replace expert evaluation. It is strongly recommended that a qualified professional assists in determining the appropriate level of protection.



To support this process, safety professionals can leverage the Ansell Guardian Chemical service, which is available online at no cost. This tool helps identify suitable protection based on chemicals and exposure scenarios, supporting informed decision-making.


What type of partial body protection do you offer?

A wide range of partial body protective equipment is available to complement coveralls or to provide targeted protection where full coverage is not required.

These solutions cover protection from head to toe and include items such as bouffants, beard covers, sleeves, aprons, shoe covers, hoods, overboots, and lab coats. Each item is designed to address specific hygiene, contamination, or protection needs depending on the application and environment.


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