Professional Painters Wear All-White Clothing For A Reason

For most people, wearing all-white everything is a bit of a white-knuckle affair. With light-hued fabrics, nearly everything holds the potential to cause a stain. So it is a bit puzzling as to why professional painters — as in, people who spend their days in high-splatter situations — would choose that particular attire for their work wardrobe. As it turns out, it's been the style of choice for a few centuries.

Back in the 18th and 19th centuries, the majority of fences, homes, and buildings were covered in lime and whitewash. So, those channeling their inner Tom Sawyer would often be covered in white dust and splatter, hence the choice of white garb. And by the end of the 19th century, the look had become the unofficial uniform for professional painters. That has continued today, with many painting companies embracing the vibe. Not only does a fully white wardrobe appear uniform, but it's also a streamlined look meant to convey a feel of professionalism and expertise.

But while tradition is one piece of this particular puzzle, there's practical purposes as well. For starters, shades of beige are still the best-selling American paint colors. And for outdoor jobs during the warmer months, white will reflect rather than absorb heat, keeping workers cooler. Plus, if stains do happen, oxygen bleach can be used to lift them without fear of fading.

Though there are plenty of painting tips to lift from professionals, their wardrobe may not be one of them. If your hue of choice is in the alabaster to snowbound variety, then sure, white-on-white might be your smartest option. But if you're more of a paint-the-town-red type, it can be a bit of a risky move as you're likely to finish the job with at least a drip or two. And while there are a lot of great ways to wash white clothes, it's probably best to wear something comfortable that you'd be okay getting dirty.

Still, there are other factors you can take from professional painters' uniforms. Many wear pants and overalls with reinforced knees and plenty of pockets and loops to stash brushes and tools. And they'll often add a hat to protect their head and face from potential splatter. Consider employing a set of kneepads, particularly if you're tackling something lower to the ground, such as baseboards. You can also throw on a hat and wear protective eyewear — glasses, goggles, or a face shield — to avoid getting paint splashed or dripped in your eyes. For an extra layer of protection, consider adding a disposable or washable fabric coverall, along with a set of disposable shoe covers. Not only will that save your fabrics, but it can also protect exposed skin that may be irritated if it comes into contact with paint.