This standard specifies requirements for garments intended for work in cold environments above -5 °C, possibly combined with wind and humidity.  The standard defines performance requirements and test methods for clothing that helps maintain comfort and warmth in mild cold, wind and humidity – ideal for transitional seasons or indoor work in refrigerated areas. Typical situations include light outdoor work in autumn or early spring, partially open warehouses, food processing, and indoor cold rooms.

If the working temperature drops below -5 °C, EN 342 garments are required instead, as they provide higher insulation values suitable for freezing or extreme cold conditions. 

EN 14058:2017 defines protection levels based on the thermal resistance of the garment material and optional parameters such as air permeability and resistance to water penetration.

1. Thermal resistance (Rct)

This value measures the insulation capacity of the fabric combination.  The lower the Rct value, the easier it is for body heat to penetrate through the clothing to the outside. Higher class numbers indicate better insulation.

2. Air permeability

This parameter measures how much air can pass through the garment material. The result determines how effectively the clothing resists wind penetration – in other words, how windproof it is. Air permeability is classified on a scale from 1 to 3, where Class 3 provides the highest level of protection.

3. Thermal insulation

Thermal insulation testing is optional for garments with a thermal resistance class of 1 to 3. For class 4 garments, however,  the resultant effective thermal insulation (Icler) of the complete garment assembly must be determined. This test is performed on a full garment mounted on a walking mannequin to verify insulation performance during movement.

4. Resistance to water penetration (optional)

This optional test indicates a garment’s waterproofness. If not tested: The symbol "X" is used to indicate that water penetration resistance was not tested.