When it comes to workwear, quality and safety should never be compromised. But that doesn’t mean you have to spend a fortune to get reliable, durable gear. Whether you’re a tradie, construction worker, or simply someone who needs tough clothing and footwear for the job, there are plenty of ways to build a workwear wardrobe that’s both affordable and long-lasting. Here’s how you can get the best gear without breaking the bank.
1. Prioritize Quality Over Quantity
It might be tempting to buy the cheapest workwear available, but low-cost gear often wears out quickly, costing you more in the long run. Instead, look for brands known for durability—like Bisley, Hard Yakka, KingGee, or FXD. These brands balance affordability with quality, ensuring your investment goes further.
2. Shop Seasonal Sales and Promotions
End-of-season or EOFY sales are the perfect opportunity to score premium workwear at reduced prices. Boots, jackets, and hi-vis gear are often discounted, so keep an eye out for Blundstone, Steel Blue, and Mongrel boots or hi-vis jackets during clearance sales.
3. Mix and Match Essentials
You don’t need a massive wardrobe to be work-ready. Focus on versatile pieces like durable work pants, hi-vis shirts, and a pair of sturdy safety boots. These essentials can be mixed and matched to cover most work environments without overspending.
4. Choose Multi-Functional Gear
Some workwear is designed to perform multiple roles. For instance, water-resistant jackets with removable liners can be worn across seasons, saving you from buying separate winter and summer outerwear. Similarly, taped pants offer both comfort and compliance for various job sites.
5. Don’t Ignore PPE Basics
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) like gloves, respirators, and helmets are non-negotiable, but they don’t need to cost a fortune. Brands like JSP and Eureka offer affordable yet compliant safety gear that provides the protection you need without straining your budget.
6. Buy in Bundles or Packs
Many retailers offer bulk discounts on items like hi-vis shirts, polos, or work socks. Bundling purchases not only saves money but ensures you’re stocked up on daily essentials.
7. Care for Your Workwear
Proper maintenance can extend the lifespan of your gear. Wash hi-vis clothing according to instructions to prevent fading, waterproof your boots regularly, and store PPE correctly. A little care can save you from replacing items prematurely.
8. Consider Comfort as an Investment
Workwear that’s uncomfortable can affect productivity. While budget-friendly choices are important, make sure they don’t compromise on ergonomics and comfort—especially when it comes to boots. Brands like Steel Blue and Puma Safety focus on supportive designs that prevent fatigue, making them worth every dollar.
- Premium low-pill polyester fleece
- Stretch reflective taped hoop pattern and biomotion taping on sleeves
- Oversized high neck cross over collar
- Paneled front with bust and waist shaping
- Two inseam hand warmer pockets
- Available in Yellow and Orange.
Blundstone 9020 Unisex RotoFlex Safety Boots - Wheat
Discounted Price :- $287.50 AUD
Max protection and max convenience. The RotoFlex MAX #9020 features the BOA® Fit System for customer comfort and a Vibram sole for the toughest of jobs.
Stability meets the freedom to move
The #9020 safety boots are packed with features including:
Our advanced Vibram Rubber TC4+ outsole is developed for traction, protection and support
-Heat resistant to 300 ̊C- Fuel oil resistant - Excellent abrasion, cut and slip resistance
All new tech for all day comfort. Our exclusive zoned airflow footbed is built to ventilate, control moisture and cushion when you move.
Broad fitting, cut-resistant steel toe cap tested to resist a 200-joule impact.
Unbeatable fit. Unrivalled comfort. An all-encompassing design—perfect from day one.
This E-TPU material is a super elastic energy foam from BASF which is soft but resilient—providing enhanced cushioning and reducing the impact of every step taken.
Steel Blue 312152 Argyle Zip Safety Boots
Discounted Price :- $207.50 AUD
One of our most popular styles, the Argyle® Zip is a Men’s zip up safety boot with an industrial grade side zip for ease of access. Including laces to ensure a secure and comfortable fit, the Argyle® Zip is a popular choice for Tilers, Doc Workers, Plumbers, Warehouse Staff and Couriers.
Crafted from premium Water Resistant Leather, this derby style 150mm high work boot includes Anti-Static Properties and a 200J Steel Toe Cap for ultimate protection.
The TPU Outsole is heat resistant to 130°C and our Trisole® Comfort Technology works to cushion your feet, knees, hips and lower back from day-to-day fatigue.
The Argyle® Zip is available in Black Full Grain Leather, Wheat or Sand coloured Nubuck Leather.
Hard Yakka Y06685 Core Hi-vis 2 Tone Taped Quilted Waterproof Jacket
Discounted Price :- $94.00 AUD
The warmest work jacket you will wear all winter. Seam sealed, quilted and waterproof, The Core Hi Vis Quilted Jacket ticks all the boxes being both weather proof and warm.
- Waterproof and seam sealed
- Internal invisible zip on left side seam for client logo access
- Quilted lining for warmth
- Shaped back hem for comfort, shorter in front for movement
- 3 piece hood for superior shape and comfort
- Hood folds into the collar for storage
- Chin guard for comfort and to avoid catching on skin
- External ID pocket
- Meets AS/NZS 4602.1:2011 for day and night use
- Available in Orange/Navy and Yellow/Navy
Syzmik ZW001 Men's Midweight Drill Cargo Pant (Regular)
Discounted Price :- $50.50 AUD
- Multi pocket cargo pant
- 280 GSM mid weight pre-shrunk cotton drill to keep you cool while still being tough enough for any job
- Inset crotch panel
- Triple stitched seams for extra durability
- Reinforced double layer knee, heel and pocket patches
- Wide belt loops
- Side welt pocket
- Available in Black, Charcoal and Navy
Bisley BCL6066T Women's Taped Hi-vis Cotton Drill Coverall
Discounted Price :- $96.50 AUD
- Reflective taped hoop pattern and biomotion taping on sleeves and legs
- “Drop back” zip feature so whole garment does not have to be removed
- Double layer knee for durability
- Multi-function pockets
- Centre front zip closure
- Registered design
- Bisley exclusive Fresche® antimicrobial treatment to prevent against bacteria, mould and viruses
- Available in Orange/Navy and Yellow/Navy
Steel Blue 322313 Jarrah Tech Tuff Black Nitrile High Leg Safety Boot-Black
Discounted Price :- $303.50 AUD
The Jarrah is a 170mm Men’s galosh style, Lace Up safety boots with padded collar and bellows tongue.
Including a Nitrile Outsole that is heat resistant to 300° Celsius and a 200 joule Steel Toe Cap, the Jarrah is a popular choice for Rig Workers, Refinery Workers and Farmers.
Crafted from TECtuff®Leather, the Jarrah offers Chemical Resistant properties and is stitched with strong, heat resistant Kevlar® aramid fiber thread.
Our TECtuff® Leather Boots, have been tested and are compliant with the ISO Standard 13832-2. The boots are tested based on exposure to Sodium Hydroxide 30% and Sulphuric Acid 90%.
Syzmik ZS510 Men's Ultra lite Multi-pocket Short
Discounted Price :- $65.00 AUD
- 15 pockets make this short the ultimate tool to get the job done
- Features 2 swing away pockets that can be tucked away when not in use
- The swing away pockets act as built in tool belt and allow you to carry all your tools without the tools rubbing against your leg or restricting your movement
- The swing away pockets also feature Cordura® reinforcements so all of your nails and other sharps never rip a hole in your pockets again
- Strong light weight fabric due to superior rip stop construction
- Available in Charcoal/Black and Navy/Black
Hard Yakka Y07984 Hi-vis Cotton Drill Closed Front L/S Shirt
Discounted Price :- $67.00 AUD
Get the job done right, with the Foundations Hi-Vis Long Sleeve Cotton Drill Gusset Work Shirt. Features gusset sleeves for extra movement and a fade shade indicator so you can ensure you stay visible.
- Closed front
- Two button down chest pockets
- Pen partition in left pocket
- Gusset sleeve
- Two piece collar and stand
- Fade Shade Indicator for high visibility non-compliance
- Available in Orange/Navy and Yellow/Navy
KingGee K27997 ONYX 8Z Puncture-Resistant Work Boot - Wheat
Discounted Price :- $251.10 AUD
Stay safe and comfortable all day with the ONYX 8Z Puncture-Resistant Wheat Work Boot. Its FLEX-TEC mechanism and heat-resistant outsole make it perfect for demanding environments like heavy industry and mining.
- K-Guard - Steel Toe Protection
- Poron®XRD Metatarsal Guard Technology
- Kevlar® RKT - Reflective Kevlar Thread
- FLEX-TEC - Ankle Flex Mechanism
- YKK® 10 Gauge Zipper
- CORDURA® Comfort Collar
- D3O® Lateral Impact Protection
- XTKicker- Heel Kicker Reinforcement
- TriTec - Innersole Foot Comfort System
- ShockGuard Pro - Shock Dispersion and Energy Rebound PU Midsole
- WELLMAX® Puncture Protection
- ATX Grip - 300° HRO All Terrain Grip and Traction SRC Rubber Outsole
Bisley BK6814T Taped Hi-vis 1/4 Zip Pullover-Rail Orange
Discounted Price :- $72.50 AUD
- Stretch reflective tape in hoop configuration with shoulder tape and biomotion tape on sleeves
- Premium polyester low pill fleece
- 1/4 zip front opening
- Front inseam pockets
- Rib cuffs with thumb opening
- Elasticated rib knit hem
Blundstone 9961 Women's RotoFlex Safety Boots - Black
Discounted Price :- $242.00 AUD
Built for hard-working women, the RotoFlex #9961 will keep you safe, comfortable, and looking stylish on the job. A durable GripTek® Extra Heavy Duty rubber outsole provides dependable performance and protection on any terrain.
Stability meets the freedom to move
The #9961 safety boots are packed with features including:
Biomechanically engineered rubber (PUR) outsole designed for optimum grip and stability
- Heat resistant to 300 ̊C - Fuel oil resistant - Excellent cut and slip resistance
All new tech for all day comfort. Our exclusive zoned airflow footbed is built to ventilate, control moisture and cushion when you move.
Broad fitting, cut-resistant steel toe cap tested to resist a 200-joule impact.
Unbeatable fit. Unrivalled comfort. An all-encompassing design—perfect from day one.
This E-TPU material is a super elastic energy foam from BASF which is soft but resilient—providing enhanced cushioning and reducing the impact of every step taken.
Syzmik ZT380 Unisex Streetworx Reinforced 1/4 Zip Pullover
Discounted Price :- $66.50 AUD
- Warm Marle knitted fleece body fabric
- Contrast softshell panels for reinforcement in high wear areas front hip, under arms, over shoulders and lower tail
- High neck for added warmth
- Thumb holes in the sleeve cuffs are combined with softshell reinforcement and soft polyester wadding to provide a built in glove
- Two side hip zip pockets to store all of your items securely
- A chest mobile phone pocket with zip closure
- Available in Navy/Black, Orange/Black, Yellow/Black, Gunmetal/Black and Grey/Black
Bisley BP6049T Taped Original Denim Work Jeans
Discounted Price :- $51.50 AUD
- Reflective tape around lower leg
- Classic five pocket styling
- Reinforced riveted stress points
- Double stitched seams for durability
- Rinse wash finish
- Six reinforced belt loops
- YKK zipper
- Bisley exclusive Fresche® antimicrobial treatment to prevent against bacteria, mould and viruses
Hard Yakka Y08805 Core Women's Hi-vis Lightweight 2tone Taped Shirt
Discounted Price :- $58.00 AUD
Get the job done with the Core Hi-vis Lightweight 2Tone Vented Shirt. A no-nonsense, 100% cotton drill shirt with a UPF 50+ rating for additional safety - that was created with a women's specific fit. This shirt is also high-vis compliant for day and night safety (Complies with AS/NZS 4602.1:2011.).
- Lightweight Cotton for breathability and comfort
- Modern Women's fit
- Back & underarm cooling vents
- Pen slot on left chest pocket
- High visibility compliant
- AS/NZS 4602.1:2011
- Available in Orange/Navy, Yellow/Navy and Yellow/Khaki
Final Thoughts
Budget-friendly workwear doesn’t mean settling for less—it means shopping smart. By focusing on durability, seasonal sales, multi-functional designs, and proper care, you can build a wardrobe that’s safe, practical, and affordable. After all, the best workwear isn’t the cheapest—it’s the gear that lasts, protects, and supports you through the toughest jobs.
🛠️ Visit us in-store or online and gear up with confidence.
📍 Motoman Industrial Wear – Trusted by tradies since 1949.
For more information and to explore our extensive range of products, visit Motoman Industrial Wear.
769 Pacific Highway, Chatswood NSW 2067. Parking at Rear, enter via Albert Lane
Store Hours - Mon - Fri - 9 am to 5 pm
Sat - 10 am to 2 pm
