What to wear for volunteering
Wear practical clothes that can get dirty: sturdy trousers, a cotton top and closed shoes with grip. Add a layer for the cold and a bag you can carry without using your hands.
Two outfits that work
Cotton tee, work trousers, fleece, sturdy boots
- olive cotton tee
- dark work trousers
- navy fleece jacket
- brown sturdy boots
Hard-wearing trousers and a layer you can wash cope with lifting, sorting and standing, and sturdy boots protect your feet.
Grey tee, brown work trousers, utility jacket
- grey cotton tee
- brown work trousers
- olive utility jacket
- black sturdy shoes
A utility jacket with pockets holds gloves and your phone, and the dark colours hide dirt.
By weather
| Hot22° and up | A breathable tee, light trousers, a hat and plenty of water; sun cream on bare skin. |
|---|---|
| Mild10° to 21° | A tee with a fleece or a jacket over it; take it off as you warm up. |
| ColdBelow 10° | A thermal layer, a fleece, a waterproof jacket, gloves and a hat; thick socks inside boots. |
Do and don’t
- Wear clothes you do not mind getting dirty
- Choose closed shoes with grip
- Tie long hair back
- Bring gloves and a refillable water bottle
- Wear loose scarves or jewellery that can catch
- Wear open sandals
- Wear clothes you cannot wash at a high temperature
Check the night before
- Ask the organiser what you will be doing
- Check the forecast
- Pack water and a snack
- Bring a change of top and a bag for dirty clothes
- Put your phone and ID in a zip pocket
Questions people ask
What should I wear to volunteer at a food bank or charity shop?
Comfortable trousers or jeans, a cotton top and closed shoes. Keep a layer for cold storerooms.
What should I wear for outdoor volunteering?
Work trousers, layers you can take off, waterproof boots and gloves.
Should I wear a uniform or tee?
If the organiser provides a tee or vest, wear it over your clothes. Ask when you sign up.
Can I wear jeans?
Yes, for most tasks. Avoid very tight ones if you will be bending, lifting or kneeling.
Pick Volunteering in FeinLens and see what you already own
FeinLens builds complete outfits for this occasion from photos of your own clothes, dressed for the forecast where you’ll be.
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