Portwest: A Legacy of Safety, Quality and Worldwide Reach
Founded in 1904 in Westport, Ireland, by Charles Hughes, Portwest has grown from a small drapery shop into a global manufacturer and distributor of workwear and personal protective equipment. Today the business remains family‑owned, managed by the Hughes family, and operates at international scale with a presence in over 130 countries.
Their internal design and manufacturing teams produce safety‑certified garments and equipment across a vast range — from protective clothing and flame‑resistant gear to hi‑visibility apparel, gloves, footwear and PPE. Portwest prides itself on technical know‑how, rigorous quality controls, and continuous innovation — all backed by independent testing and compliance with global safety standards such as ISO, EN, ANSI, NFPA, and GOST.
Portwest Product Categories: Built for the Toughest Jobs
Portwest offers a comprehensive suite of workwear and safety products, making it a one‑stop solution across many industries. Key categories include:
Protective Clothing & Outerwear
Rainwear, jackets, coveralls, insulated and multi‑norm garments built for harsh and hazardous environments.
Hi‑Visibility and Flame‑Resistant Wear
High‑visibility jackets, vests, flame‑resistant coveralls and clothing designed for safety-critical roles in construction, utilities, oil & gas, and heavy industry.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Includes work gloves, head protection, safety footwear, eye/face protection, hand protection, and specialised PPE for industries like welding, mining, and chemical handling.
Footwear & Hand Protection
Durable work boots, safety shoes and protective gloves tailored to provide safety, grip, and comfort under demanding working conditions.
Accessories & Specialty Gear
Covering all facets of workplace safety and compliance: from rainwear and coveralls to high‑visibility accessories, hazard‑specific gear, and even PPE kits.
Thanks to this breadth, Portwest isn’t just a brand — it’s a full‑service provider for safety and workwear needs across sectors such as construction, manufacturing, mining, logistics, utilities, and more.
Sustainability, Ethics & Responsible Manufacturing
Portwest doesn’t only focus on protection and performance — it also embraces ethical sourcing and responsible manufacturing. Their “Portwest Planet” programme underpins a commitment to environmental stewardship, ethical labour practices, and safe working conditions across their factories.
Highlights of this commitment include:
- 85% of garments carry the OEKO-TEX Standard 100 label, ensuring fabrics are tested for harmful substances.
- Factories are certified under the WRAP Gold Standard and audited under global ethical‑trade standards.
- Regular safety and compliance audits under internationally recognised standards (ISO, environmental, and labour safety certifications).
For companies concerned about ESG (environmental, social, and governance) responsibility, Portwest offers the kind of transparency, certification and ethical sourcing that aligns with modern corporate values.
Portwest & Custom Branding: Uniforms and Safety Gear with Your Identity
With Portwest’s broad range and compliance‑grade workwear, pairing with Supply Crew’s custom‑branding services becomes a powerful proposition. Whether you need branded hi‑vis jackets for a construction team, flame‑resistant coveralls for an industrial site, or branded PPE for site staff — Portwest gear offers durability and safety, while branding options allow your logo or company colours to remain front of mind.
Custom branding can include embroidery, screen printing or patch work, providing professional, compliant apparel that also strengthens brand identity and corporate cohesion.
Why Choose Portwest for Your Corporate or Site Apparel Needs?
| Reason | What It Means for You |
|---|---|
| Over 120 Years' Expertise | Portwest’s century‑long heritage ensures reliability, consistency and industry know‑how. |
| Global Standards & Compliance | All garments and PPE meet rigorous international safety standards — ideal for regulated industries. |
| Extensive Product Range | From hi‑vis to flame‑resistant gear, rainwear to PPE, Portwest covers virtually every workplace safety scenario. |
| Ethical & Sustainable Practices | Certifications like OEKO‑TEX, WRAP Gold and responsible manufacturing ensure ESG compliance. |
| Branding + Functionality | Combine safety gear with custom branding to project a professional, cohesive corporate image. |
Conclusion
If you need more than generic workwear — if you need safety, reliability, compliance and global standards — Portwest delivers. From protective clothing and PPE to industry‑specific gear for mining, construction, manufacturing, and more, Portwest remains a global leader in workwear solutions.
When combined with Supply Crew’s custom‑branding services, Portwest products become not just protective workwear — but branded, professional uniform and safety apparel that reflects your business’s commitment to safety, quality, and social responsibility.
Explore the full Portwest range and discover how protective workwear can support your team, your brand, and your values.