Tips for clothing on digs
Summer
1.Make sure shirts are long enough to cover your bottom when you are crouched over
2.Wear long sleeved cotton shirts which you can usually buy from oxfam etc, or splash out on some technical ware from a walking shop. A vest underneath gives you the option of stripping off if it is dull but warm, otherwise just the shirt will do. Do not have a low-necked top unless you don’t mind exposing yourself. Make sure the shirt is thick enough to keep the sun from getting through.
3.If you are not wearing a helmet, get a wide-brimmed hat
4.Wear sunscreen
5.Wear trousers not shorts-again lightweight cotton/combats or technical trousers
Winter
1. Layer up, then you can strip off as you get warm. Thermal thin underlayer, slightly thicker mid layer, top layer. Thicknesss depends on whether you are getting kit from a walking shop, or just buying a cotton sweat-top for the middle, which will work fine.
2.gortex or other waterproof over -socks or socks like sealskins are fab, or just go for a thin and thicker woolly pair and keep the boots well-proofed. Big socks over trousers.
3.Use wool mix or other technical fabrics close to the skin, long in the back again! Wool stays warm when wet.
4.Woollen boot insoles are simply magnificent when it gets cold. They make a huge difference!
5.Cycling shops sell under helmet beanies. I never had to wear a helmet when i dug, but i always wore a hat, usually a woollen beret.
Generally
1.Make sure your trousers are strong and flexible enough in the seat and knees, otherwise they will split! They will go in the knees eventually though. Army surplus combats can be useful. Low waists will leave gaps, but this can be made up with longer shirts.
2.Always wear steel-toe capped boots. Riggers will fill with dry mud/stones but are easy to take on and off on a muddy site. I have not tried the modern boots with steelies, so can’t comment.
3. Neither can i comment on fleeces in the field. I have used them walking and cycling and they are lighter than wool and can be quite technical, i.e. breathable, waterproof, windproof. Cheaper options include wool mix jumpers from charity shops. Ordinary fleeces are cheap and plentiful, see charity shops again.
4. I have not normally had to work with high vis vests and the like so you may well hear better advice re that. I’ve worn a Hi-vis coat, and if you can afford it go for gortex, or similar, it is excellent. You will sweat like a pig otherwise.
I welcome suggestions from current diggers working in more recent, highly defined corporate environments on the expectations of employers and the merits of technical kit from outdoor shops for use on digs.
Cullen Archaeology 