How does an auto mechanic dress?

I decided about a year ago to dress like the %26quot;avid outdoorsman%26quot; I am. So I threw away all my jeans and Macy*s clothes and have worn only zip-off nylon pants, cross training shoes, Teva sandals, button up rayon or polyester shirts, and nylon t-shirts. I look like I just got back or am just leaving on a hike ALL THE TIME.





Now, I%26#039;m beginning to pursue my passion for auto mechanics, though I still love backpacking, and wonder if I can combine the two or I%26#039;ll have to dress completely differently? I don%26#039;t want to be some sort of Nascar type, I%26#039;m not interested in auto racing. More about small 4X4%26#039;s like CJ7 and Scout 800, classic cruisers like the %26#039;64 Lincoln Continental, and making good use of Japanese cars.





Of course I know you need more than the right clothes to be an auto mechanic and builder. But the scope of this question is limited to just that specific area, please.

How does an auto mechanic dress?
The two most important criteria for garage clothing are SAFETY and DURABILITY. Save the nylon for the trails.





First, invest in Steel-Toe (ANSI 75 or above rated) ankle height boots. Many, such as Cat Deisel, Wolverine, or, believe it or not, Sears, look remarkably similar to hiking boots, and are very comfortable.





Dickies,and, believe it or not (I know), Sears have very durable work clothes.Long pants only, short or long sleeve button shirts(your choice, but long sleeves mean clean arms), in a cotton/poly blend. Make sure you stay away from Khaki. Dark colors hide a multitude of stains, which makes the clothes reusable between washings.





Lastly, invest in safety glasses, hand cleaner (and/or Mechanic%26#039;s Gloves), good quality shop rags, and an adjustable back brace.





Oh, and tools.
Reply:I work at a dealership. All the mechanics where the same black pants with boots, and a short sleeve button up solid color shirt. They have a name tag, a pocket full of small tools. You could walk around with a pair of blue rubber gloves too (they where them when they change all the fluids). And walk around with a stick up your butt asking when and where happy hour is.
Reply:If you walked into a doctors surgery and found him or her looking like they had been dragged through a hedge backwards, would you feel comfortable with their practice and diagnostics? Your dress code along with you workshop and tools have to be in such good condition that when a customer drives in for repair they are made to feel happy leaving their vehicle with you. First impressions are important but make sure you also have the knowledge to back it up.
Reply:I%26#039;m a gearhead, I pretty much just wear jeans and a t-shirt. A pair of Sketcher alley cats finish it off nicely. I can go out to any bar restaraunt, and still stop to help a stranded motorist, (my vehicle doesn%26#039;t break down much). So there you go. Other than that, spray a little diesel fuel on and get some grease under your nails, and you%26#039;ll pass the exam just fine!
Reply:dress however you want, cuz your coveralls are going to cover them all, literally.
Reply:The most important is the shoes. You must have the oil resistent soles on the ankle high boots. Then go to Walmart and get the matching shirt and pants in either blue or green. Have your first name put on the left side of the shirt, get a dirty rag and put it half way into your back pocket and away you go. If you can find it one of those small leather bow ties would really set it off.



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