Safety clothing is worn to reduce human exposure to dangerous or harmful environments. There are many different types of safety clothing and protective garments, including aprons or smocks, coveralls, footwear, gloves, jackets, leggings, pants, vests, and hoods. Other types of safety clothing are also available. Factors to consider when selecting safety clothing include resistance against abrasions, blasts, chemicals, crushing, liquids, and radiation. The extent of coverage required by safety clothing is also an important consideration.

Safety clothing is made from a variety of materials that provide varying degrees of protection. Butyl, latex or rubber, and nitrile safety clothing is known for its resistance against different types of industrial liquids. Butyl is also valued for its resistance to water, steam, alkalis, and oxygenated solvents. Latex clothing and rubber clothing includes disposable garments used in the medial industry for protection against liquids. Nitrile provides good resistance to petroleum hydrocarbons and fuels. Nitrile safety clothing is widely used with most oils, hydraulic fluids, and alcohol.

The materials used in safety clothing are tough, durable, and provide varying levels of protection. Aramid is a tough, light-weight, organic material that is used in protective garments as well as in racing sails and sporting goods. Other organic materials for safety clothing include cotton and canvas. Neoprene and polyamides are also available. Neoprene is a synthetic rubber that resists degradation from the environment. It is used widely with oils and chemicals. Polyamides are exceptionally strong, elastic materials that are resistant to abrasions and chemicals. Other materials for safety clothing include leather, metal mesh, polyester, polyethylene, polyurethane, vinyl, and wool.

Safety clothing differs in terms of applications and features. Applications that use safety clothing include building and construction, cleanrooms, food, environmental remediation, laboratory, marine, painting, pharmaceutical or medical, and utilities. Safety clothing is also available with a number of additional features. Options for safety clothing include aluminized fabric, buoyancy, disposable garments, high visibility safety clothing, non-slip, non-stick or non-staining, and sanitary or hygienic. Some safety clothing, such as the protective garments used in the medical and pharmaceutical industries, may also meet requirements form trade organizations and regulatory agencies.