What to Wear When Painting Murals (Comfort, Safety, and Durability)

If you’ve ever wondered what muralists actually wear while painting 20 feet in the air, covered in paint, climbing ladders, kneeling on concrete, and working 8–12 hour days…

Here’s the real answer.

Painting murals is physical work. What you wear matters , not for aesthetics, but for comfort, safety, and longevity.

This is exactly what I wear when I’m painting murals and why.

The Rule: Dress for Movement + Mess

Before we get into specifics, here’s the foundation:

You need clothes that:

• Allow full arm mobility

• Can handle paint splatter

• Don’t restrict bending, kneeling, or climbing

• Survive constant washing

• Protect your joints and skin

  
  

Murals are not a cute Pinterest DIY moment. They’re a workout.

Tops: Lightweight, Breathable, and Layered

Most days I wear:

• My own lightweight branded t-shirts

• Branded hoodies for layering

Layering is everything. Murals happen in:

• Direct sun

• Cold mornings

• Wind

• Overcast drizzle (hello PNW)

I need something breathable when I’m rolling paint and something warm when I’m sketching early in the morning.

Pro tip: Avoid overly oversized tops. Loose fabric catches on ladders and scaffolding.

Work Pants & Shorts: Durability Over Fashion

When it comes to bottoms, durability is non-negotiable.

I rotate between:

• SUK Workwear Construction Pants

• SUK Workwear Utility Shorts

• SUK Workwear Long Shorts

• Dickies Women's Wide Leg Work Pants

These are designed for tradeswomen, and you can feel the difference. They stretch, they move, and the pockets actually function.

Painting murals means:

• Kneeling

• Squatting

• Reaching overhead

• Climbing lifts

You want fabric that moves with you, not against you.

I do not tend to wear overalls anymore because they put extra pressure on my shoulders that I do not need.

Jackets: Canvas for Cold Conditions

When it’s cold, I wear a canvas jacket from Dickies or a puffer from Mountain Hardwear or both.

Canvas works well because:

• It blocks wind

• It handles friction

• It doesn’t tear easily

Fall and winter murals require serious outerwear, especially when you’re standing still sketching for hours.

Shoes: This Is Non-Negotiable

You need:

• Closed-toe shoes

• Good grip

• Something you don’t mind ruining

No sandals (unless optimal summer conditions and not on a active construction site). No slick soles. No fashion sneakers.

You’re working on ladders, scaffolding, and lifts. Stability matters more than style.

Knee Protection (Protect Your Future Self)

I always bring:

• Knee pads

• Or a folded sleeping pad to kneel on

  
  

Concrete destroys your knees over time.

If you plan to paint long-term, protect your joints now. Carpal tunnel and knee strain are very real in this profession.

Comfort isn’t luxury, it’s longevity.

Summer vs. Winter: Dressing for the Elements

Murals don’t stop for weather. Your outfit shouldn’t either.

Here’s how I adjust seasonally.

What to Wear When Painting Murals in Summer

Summer murals can be intense. You’re often in direct sun, with heat reflecting off the wall and pavement.

In summer, I wear:

• Lightweight sun shirts (long sleeve for UV protection)

• Tank tops on extremely hot days

• Work shorts (like my SUK Utility or Long Shorts)

• Chacos or breathable work shoes (if I’m not on lifts)

• Sun hats or baseball caps

• Bandanas (they can be soaked in water & tied around your head or neck to keep you cool)

  
  

Why long sleeves in summer?

Because sun protection > sunburn. A breathable sun shirt often keeps you cooler than roasting your shoulders all day.

And always:

• Hair tied back

• Sunglasses

• Sunscreen

Heat exhaustion is real. Dress to protect your skin and regulate temperature.

What to Wear When Painting Murals in Winter

Winter murals require a different strategy — especially in the Pacific Northwest.

In winter, I layer:

• Long durable work pants

• Boots with strong traction

• Branded hoodies

• Canvas jacket

• Beanie

• Sometimes a baseball cap under the beanie for wind

The key to winter murals is layering.

You’ll be:

• Cold while sketching

• Warm while rolling

• Cold again when standing still

Layers let you adjust without interrupting your workflow.

Boots are especially important in winter. Wet ground, lifts, and scaffolding require grip and stability.

Accessories That Actually Matter

Things I always keep nearby:

• Hat

• Hair tie

• Gloves (for priming or sealing)

• Extra layer in the car

Murals can go from freezing to blazing within hours.

Be prepared.

What NOT to Wear When Painting Murals

Avoid:

• Clothing you care about

• Thin leggings (they will tear)

• Jewelry that can snag

• Oversized sleeves

• Slippery shoes

This is construction-level work, not studio sketching.

Final Thoughts: Dress Like a Professional

You don’t need to look trendy. You need to look prepared.

When I show up on site, I dress in a way that communicates:

• I take my work seriously

• I prioritize safety

• I’m ready for whatever the wall throws at me

Comfort, safety, and durability will always matter more than looking cute.

And if you’re just starting?

Wear something you can move in. Something you can get messy in. Something that protects your body.

The mural doesn’t care what you’re wearing, but your knees, shoulders, and back absolutely do.

To find some clothes options visit my amazon storefront

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