How cooling vests are helping outdoor workers beat the heat

Heatwave? Blame it on climate change. Summer temperatures are soaring globally. Europe is in the grip of a hot spell. Many parts of Asia are experiencing their hottest months of the year. In the Middle East, scorching weather is an annual phenomenon.

So how do people cope during the summer, especially those working outdoors? Doctors warn that regulating body temperature during heat exposure is crucial to prevent heat-related illnesses and fatalities — and employers are taking the warning seriously.

In several countries, including the UAE, a mandatory midday break is enforced during peak summer. But in sectors where stopping work isn't possible, technology is stepping in to keep workers cool.

Cooling vests are gaining popularity, and for good reason. They help regulate core body temperature using technologies like evaporative cooling, ice packs, or active ventilation. Athletes, firefighters, people with certain medical conditions, and outdoor workers all benefit from them. Here's a look at some of the latest innovations.

Solar-powered utility vests

In Osaka, where temperatures are nearing 40°C, staff at Expo 2025 are beating the heat with solar-powered utility vests, developed by Toyoda Gosei in collaboration with Enecoat Technologies and textile manufacturer Seiren. These vests are equipped with ultra-thin, flexible solar panels made of perovskites, which power built-in neck fans. The fans deliver a personal, adjustable airflow, helping staff stay cool during long outdoor shifts.

At the NTT Pavilion, fashion-tech meets function: jackets designed by Anrealage feature small electric fans embedded in the lower side panels. Debuted at Paris Fashion Week as part of Anrealage’s Spring/Summer 2025 collection, these jackets inflate slightly when activated, producing airflow that keeps wearers comfortable in the heat.

Meanwhile, the ANA Group, which operates All Nippon Airways, has introduced fan-equipped vests for its ground handling staff and mechanics working on the tarmac. Manufactured by Midori Safety and launched on June 24, the vests are tailored for airport work, with adjustable fan settings to suit different conditions.

In motorsport, the FIA began investing in new cooling technologies after Williams driver Logan Sargeant suffered heat stroke and retired mid-race in 2023. Two years later, a new cooling vest — featuring fluid-circulating tubes to regulate body temperature — has been introduced, though not everyone’s convinced. “I think it still has a bit of fine-tuning to go,” said McLaren’s Oscar Piastri.

The England women’s football team has also adopted cooling vests during training sessions in hot and humid Switzerland, as they defend their Euro title.

Across sectors and continents, outdoor staff are finding relief in high-tech vests designed to combat extreme heat. These aren't just fashion-forward wearables — they're a smart, sustainable response to the realities of a warming world.