Combining CE garments
When it comes to everyday workwear, combining garments is often about comfort: staying warm in winter, cool in summer and dry in the rain. But when we move into the world of certified protective clothing, layering becomes much more than just comfort — it’s about safety, compliance and achieving the right protection levels for specific risks.
Different standards, such as EN ISO 20471 for high visibility or EN 61482-2 for arc flash protection, set strict requirements that influence how garments can (or must) be combined. At Sioen PRO, we not only ensure that our garments perform individually, but also that they function together as a system.
Why dressing in layers is smart
Layering is not just a practical choice — it’s a proven method to combine comfort, flexibility, and safety.
Better insulation
The trapped air between clothing layers creates natural insulation, helping to regulate body temperature far better than a single thick garment could.Flexible comfort control
By adding or removing a layer, you can adapt to changing temperatures, weather conditions, or work intensity. This prevents overheating and perspiration, while ensuring you can stay warm when conditions get tough.Increased protection
In protective clothing, layering doesn’t just mean more comfort — it can mean a higher level of certified safety. For example, wearing multiple arc-rated garments together can significantly increase your arc protection class.
Layering is therefore not only practical but lifesaving — especially in demanding industries where risks change from one task to another.
Layer like a pro
At Sioen PRO, we divide protective clothing into four essential layers, each designed with a specific purpose. By combining garments across these layers, you achieve full-circle protection without compromising on comfort.
Layer like a PRO
1. Bodywear (base layer)
Keeps you dry
What: Underwear, T-shirts, polo shirts, and other garments worn directly on the skin.
Why: The main function is moisture management. Specially engineered fibres wick sweat away from the skin, keeping you dry and creating a stable micro-climate close to your body. Some fabrics also include anti-microbial properties, helping to avoid odour and skin irritation. A close, body-hugging fit is essential to allow the technical fabrics to regulate temperature and prevent bulk. By adding a multinorm bodywear layer to your outfit, you gain an extra safety buffer in case a hazard penetrates the outer layers.
Layer like a PRO
2. Thermals (insulating layer)
Keeps you warm
What: Fleeces, softshells, pullovers, bodywarmers, liners.
Why: This layer serves as the thermal barrier, retaining body heat and protecting against cold conditions. At the same time, it must remain breathable, moving moisture away from the base layer to prevent condensation and maintain comfort. Depending on activity level and climate, it can be worn separately or combined for optimal comfort. Thermal layers are designed to be pleasant and comfortable to wear, and when made to multinorm standards, they contribute to your overall certified protection in hazardous environments.
Layer like a PRO
3. Outer: durables
Keeps you protected, even through wear & tear
What: Workwear jackets, trousers, brace overalls, coveralls.
Why: This is where multinorm protection meets durability. These garments are engineered to resist abrasion, wear and tear, while providing certified protection against multiple workplace hazards: flames, welding sparks, arc flash, antistatic risks, chemical splash, and more. At the same time, wearer comfort is prioritized so that protection never comes at the expense of mobility.
Layer like a PRO
4. Outer: rainwear
Keeps you safe, even in the toughest weather
What: EN 343 certified rain protection garments — from bomber and parka jackets to rain trousers, coveralls, and bib & braces.
Why: As the outer shell exposed to severe conditions, this layer shields you from external factors such as wind, rain, hail, or snow, while also offering multinorm protection against industrial hazards like accidental flames, electric arcs, or chemical exposure. It ensures you remain both dry and fully protected, even in the harshest weather and work environments.
I.L.S Symbols explained
Interchangeable Lining System
The weather changes all the time. In order to work comfortably, it is necessary that your working clothes can be adapted to those ever-changing weather conditions in a quick and almost effortless way. To this purpose we came up with the I.L.S. system.
Our Interchangeable Lining System or I.L.S. allows you to quickly adapt your outfit, by simply adding or removing the lining. To this purpose, the outer jacket with I.L.S. functionality has a corresponding, extra zipper inside. In this way, the wearer is protected against the harsh cold of the winter. Then later, when temperatures rise again, the extra zipped in garment can very easily be removed, thus making the jacket usable for the summer.
In conclusion, layering isn’t just a comfort strategy — it’s a safety system
At Sioen PRO, we provide certified protective garments across all four layers, designed to be worn together to give you complete, reliable, and tested protection. Whether it’s staying visible, resisting flames, or shielding yourself from rain, our garments are built to combine seamlessly — so you can work with confidence, whatever the risks.
Sioen PRO
Looking for more product guides?
At Sioen PRO, we help you navigate the complex world of multinorm protection and get the most out of your protective clothing. Our practical guides show you how to choose the right collection, find your correct size, combine CE garments for optimal protection, and personalise your certified workwear.
Find your collection
Explore the Sioen PRO collections and choose the multinorm protection that matches your job and risks.
Read more
Find your size
The Sioen PRO size guide helps you find the right size for your multinorm protective work outfit.
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How to combine CE garments
Discover why dressing in layers is both smart & necessary and how to combine garments for increased protection.
Read more
Personalise your CE garment
Understand how personalisation works and where the risks lie, so you can make informed, safe decisions.
Read more