Tips & Insights

When 3 Donkeys started life back in 2018, our mission was to design and create womens workwear that’s practical, comfortable, and versatile – with an added shot of style and fabulousness thrown in. And, despite our purple branding, we wanted 3 Donkeys to be as green and eco-friendly as possible in every area. So what do we do to achieve it?

Making the right choices

Living and working on a farm in the heart of Devon, we’re lucky to see the scale and beauty of mother nature up close. And while we’re always as eco-friendly as possible in our day to day family life, entering the world of clothing manufacture and e-commerce presented a whole new set of challenges.

It was all about making the right choices and doing the right thing to deliver slow-fashion to our customers in an environmentally-friendly way, and being aware of our environmental influence – from creating products to how we deliver them and everything in between. So where did we start?

Coveralls and apparel

Materials were an obvious starting point. All our coveralls and apparel are made from hard-wearing, natural cotton, with additional polyester where applicable, to give long-lasting wear and eliminate fast-fashion as much as possible.

But our Dartmoor Premium ladies coveralls are constructed from Ventile cotton. We chose this particular fabric because it’s environmentally-friendly, fully sustainable, slow-fashion, and 100% natural – all things that align with our own values – as well as being weatherproof, windproof, rainproof, and water repellent.

A more recent addition to the 3 Donkeys range is our popular drawstring bag. We send out one bag with every order of our ladies coveralls (they’re available to buy separately too) and they’re great for storing them or just for everyday use.

But each bag is made from 70% recycled cotton blended with 30% PET polyester – which is basically recycled fabric made from plastic bottles – so they’re 100% reusable, sustainable, and eco-friendly – and it helps us do our bit to help rid the world of plastic.

And all our coveralls are proudly made in Britain too, so we reduce our carbon footprint in our supply chain as much as we possibly can.

Packaging and delivery

If you’ve ever bought any items from 3 Donkeys, you’ll know we like to put a little bit extra into our packaging. But even that is as eco-friendly as possible. Doing our best to reduce single-use plastics, all our packaging and gift-wrapping is designed to be easily recycled, reused many more times, or repurposed for other things.

We’ve even thought about how we deliver your items to you as well. For our UK mainland deliveries, we use Royal Mail. Given their size, they make a fairly big environmental impact, but in monitoring their performance and use of resources, they’ve continually reduced their total carbon emissions – and added more electric vehicles to their fleets – and increased the amount of waste diverted from landfill.

3 Donkeys free delivery

As a growing business, it’s really important for us to go green in as many ways as possible. We’re proud of what we’ve done so far and we’ll always look for new ways to get creative and be responsible in this climate emergency.

In the meantime, be sure to check out our ladies coveralls and apparel to keep you clean, dry, and stylish in your outdoor work. And remember, 3 Donkeys is still very much open for business during this change to all our circumstances – and we’re offering you FREE delivery on many items too.

Guest blog by Gem Gilbert

We all know a typical British summer consists of all weathers from wind and rain to those scorching sunny days. I can honestly say 3 Donkeys Clothing have you covered for all of these. Come rain or shine you are covered quite literary in the Dartmoor’s in the rain to their t-shirts and caps in the summer. I thought I would share with you my favourite products for these different weathers.

The odd windy days where its cooler, I know some venues I go to are incredibly open and have very extreme weather, so I like to pack for all weathers, especially when it is windy, I find my Classic Ladies Coveralls are perfect for keeping my competition clothing clean. The bottoms are very handy for keeping your white or beige jodhpurs clean. As seen here at a dressage competition last June.

Another fabulous layer to keep you toasty in both the rain and wind is the hoody. It has a lovely big pocket as well as being very cosy, the hood is a great size. I tend to have my hair in a half bun and when I had long hair I would have it in a bun on my head and the hood fitted over the height of it.

We all know a typical summer in England brings showers and downpours and plenty of them too! The Ventile material which is used in the ladies premium Dartmoor Coverall is an all-weather cotton material keeping you dry. The Dartmoor is perfect for yard duties to riding in them. I was lucky enough to have been able to put them through their paces in the development of them. Ideal for hacking in the rubbish weather with the reflective strips as well as day to day training as seen by Imogen Murray.
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When the weather decides to give us glorious sunshine, we must try and keep ourselves protected especially our heads from sun stroke so the baseball caps are ideal. I have a small head so the adjustable tri-glide buckle at the back is perfect to make smaller or bigger depending on head size.

The other great summer must have from 3 Donkeys is their stylish ladies light weight t-shirt. In those hot days it is perfect to keep your shoulders covered with the cap sleeves, as I always find this is where I catch the sun the most. The sleeves aren’t too long in length, so you won’t get a horrendous farmer tan.

What a better way to keep your baseball cap, or your head band to keep your ears warm on cooler or windy day, is to keep them all together in  one handy place such as the 3 Donkey’s drawstring bag. This way all things are kept together, and you are well prepared for all weathers. You can keep them in your car, lorry or tack room.

Now a quarter of the year is already behind us (where does the time go?), we’re seeing definite signs that Spring has sprung. After the recent wind and rain, we’re starting to see a bit more sunshine, so it’s the perfect time to get out and show your garden some TLC. Here’s our list of your top things to do in the garden this Easter break.

1. General garden maintenance

After the rough weather we’ve had, plus the time of year, there’ll be plenty of dead leaves, fallen twigs and branches, and other scraps to clear from your garden. Use a rake to gather and dispose in your compost heap or your garden waste recycling bin. It’s also a good time for a general tidy up and to check if any repairs are needed to fences, trellis, or sheds.

2. Get weeding

Weeds are cropping up everywhere at this time of year. Whether you dig them out by fork, trowel, or hand or use a weed killer, dealing with them now will help you keep on top of them throughout the months ahead. Check your beds and borders as well as any gravelled areas, pathways, and patios.

3. Get feeding

After you’ve weeded them, give your beds and borders a well-earned feed with a slow-release, nutrient-rich fertiliser. If you already have plants growing, carefully work in a top dressing around them. If your beds are empty, digging in fertiliser or compost before you sow or plant anything will give new plants everything they need to flourish.

4. Get planting

This time of year is the perfect chance to fill your beds, borders, and pots with annual and perennial plants, shrubs, and rose bushes. Getting them planted up now will give your garden splashes of colour all through the summer. But to give your garden a bit more colour before then, buy and plant something that’s already in flower.

If you’re a ‘grow your own’ fan, April’s just the right time to start sowing your veg for the months ahead. If soil and conditions are right, parsnips, cabbages, carrots, leeks, and potatoes can all be sown, giving you a yield from around June onwards.

5. Dust off your mower

Your grass is just starting to spring back into life, so now’s the time to give your lawn its first trim of the year. A light mow – just enough to take the tops off – leaving the grass about an inch long will be enough. If it needs it – and it’s safe for pets and children – you could also sprinkle some lawn ‘weed and feed’ to get it looking its best for the summer.

If you’re a gardener, you’re probably itching to get started on the list of jobs waiting for you. But if, like me, the thought of gardening leaves you feeling overwhelmed, this is a good time to tackle some of these easier tasks so you can make the most of your garden in the summer.

Get kitted out with 3 Donkeys women’s workwear

While the weather’s still changeable, gardening can be dirty work. So to give your clothes the best protection, try a pair of 3 Donkeys 2-into-1 ladies coveralls. Designed especially for women, they’re practical, versatile, and hard-wearing – and ideal for keeping you clean and dry while you tackle the dirtiest of gardening jobs.

Find out more about our coveralls and shop online or get in touch today if you have any questions.

With all the wind and rain we’ve had, together with the potential for cold weather and ice in the coming weeks, is your yard weather-ready?

If you’re nowhere near prepared or you could use a few hints and tips that have made our lives a little easier for all weather eventualities, grab your boots and let’s get stuck in.

1. Up Your Salt Supplies

Snow and ice can play havoc in the yard and can be hazardous to you and your horses. Always make sure you have plenty of white (leaves no residue, but can be more expensive) or brown (cheaper, but leaves a messy residue) de-icing salt in stock for all those planned – and unplanned – drops in temperature.

Used liberally, both salt types are great for melting snow and ice and giving any boots – and hooves – good grip, as well as stopping ice forming on your yard floor. But think about other areas where it can be used too, such as paths and walkways to and from fields, arenas, or feed sheds.

2. Watch Where The Wind Blows

Whatever the weather’s up to, you can usually rely on a stiff breeze from time to time. When it happens, take time to look around the yard, inspecting any barns, outbuildings, or any other structures, for areas that may need attention

Repair any roof or wall panels that are flapping and shore up anything that looks like it might fall victim to a gale force wind. Taking preventative measures now can save you a lot of time and money when any future stormy weather or high winds hit – this is something we regularly do here at 3DHQ.

3. Winter Feed Treats

Horses are prone to drink less in colder weather, so keeping them properly hydrated is a top priority. One little feed hack I use is to add warm water to their feeds, making them a ‘sloppy mash’ – either that or just topping their normal feeds up with water.

During the colder months, I always carry a flask filled with warm water down to the yard for this very purpose. Why? Because they quickly let it be known they don’t like ‘sloppy mash’ feeds made with cold water and aren’t keen to eat it. But we could just have fussy horses…

4. You Can Lead A Horse To Water…

Always have a backup plan in place if you use automatic drinkers. We always shut off our field automatic drinkers during the winter to protect the pipes from damage caused by freezing. And do a full investigation of the system in the spring to fix any issues early on.

Always make sure there are enough buckets of water to cater for each horse and plan how the water can be stored and distributed. We’re lucky to be able to fill a 500lt IBC container and distribute from that, but it might just be a case of filling smaller containers and carrying them to the yard by hand (which we used to do).

Of course, all this can be dirty work, especially in grim wintery conditions. So if you want to protect your clothes from de-icing salt residue or sloppy mash feed, check out our functional, feminine, and fabulous coveralls for women – the ladies Classic to keep your clothes clean, and the ladies Dartmoor to keep clean AND dry. Trust 3 Donkeys to keep you covered!

With two variations of our revolutionary 2-into-1 ladies coveralls available, you might be wondering which one is best for you. While they both have a functional and fabulous feminine design – purpose-made for women – there’s one, not so subtle difference between the two that could help you decide depending on what you need.

2-into-1 ladies coveralls

When we started 3 Donkeys, our first – and only – ladies coverall product at the time was the Classic, released in winter 2018. Now, together with a range of caps, hoodies, and other apparel, we’ve recently added a second set – our Dartmoor premium womens work coveralls.

Both practical, adaptable, and versatile, their 2-into-1 design make both variations the first women’s work coveralls to consist of a separate jacket and trousers. Joining at the waist with a full-length, heavy duty zip, it’s the convenience of fast, easy removal whenever you need to that makes them so unique.

But one of the most common questions we were asked about the Classic coveralls after they went on sale was “Are they waterproof?”. The answer to this always had to be a simple ‘no’. But the frequency of the question told us demand for a waterproof version of our coveralls was there, so that’s what we set out to do. As a result, the Dartmoor coveralls went on sale a year later in winter 2019.

So now we have two sets of womens coveralls available, how do you choose between the two?

What’s the difference?

Our original, hardwearing Classic coveralls are designed for indoor, outdoor, or undercover use as long as your working environment is dry. Made from breathable polycotton fabric, they’re perfect for stable, yard, farm, or garden work when it’s not raining. They’ll keep you fully covered and make sure your clothes stay clean from any dust or muck you might encounter. But it’s only the large, ballistic nylon patches over each knee that give any protection from damp or wet conditions.

But the latest Dartmoor premium coveralls are designed exclusively for all-weather outdoor use and are capable of withstanding extreme conditions to keep you dry all the time. Made from 100% breathable Ventile^® fabric, the Dartmoor is totally weatherproof, windproof, and water repellent for full outdoor cover and protection. And, of course, your clothes stay totally clean from any mud, sludge or gloop whether you’re farming, lambing or tending horses out in the fields.

Different products for different needs

Both the Classic and Dartmoor coveralls share many of the same functions and features, but also have details that differ between the two. So which coverall is best for you and your needs? Only you can decide.

They’re two different coveralls designed to meet the needs of different working environments and conditions, so much will depend on where you’ll wear them and for what purpose. Whichever you choose, they’ll keep your clothes clean and protected while you work – and you’ll look great too.

Need more information? Find out more about our coveralls or get in touch with us if you have any questions.

As winter gets into full swing, the weather outside turns colder and the nights fall quicker. This means staying warm is key for the many women who work outdoors. Whether you are a farmer, landscape gardener or anything else which sees you exposed to the elements when working, this is really essential. It will not only help you to be more comfortable when going about your job but also keep illness at bay.

But what are the best tips for staying warmer when out in the winter chill?

Ladies’ coveralls

Women’s coveralls are perhaps the number one way to stay snug when outside in the colder months. Coveralls will help to keep body heat inside thanks to their design and provide a barrier against the wind or colder temperatures. Buying ones specifically designed for women is also vital. This will ensure they fit properly and look stylish while also allowing you to move freely to perform your daily tasks.

Warm coat

When it gets very cold out, you will also need a warm coat on top of any coveralls. This extra layer will help give more insulation against biting wind or icy temperatures. The great thing about layering like this is that you can take your coat off if you work inside for a while to avoid getting too hot. Look for coats which have plenty of padding to keep you warm and a hood to keep rain or snow off you.

Hat and gloves

Most people know that a lot of heat is lost from our heads. This makes wearing a hat key to staying warm when working outside in winter. A hat will help to reduce heat loss from your head and keep you warmer as a result. Gloves are also a good idea at this time of year. They will help to stop your hands from getting too cold to work and ensure you can carry out tasks safely and properly.

Womens workwear with 3 Donkeys

If you need the best quality women’s coveralls to stay warm in over winter, get in touch today. Our stylish and practical overalls are designed specifically for women. This means they not only fit correctly but help you keep snug when it is cold out.

With Christmas fast approaching, don’t leave it until the last minute to shop for the women in your life. If the typical smellies or vouchers aren’t going to hit the mark, we have a few ideas for gift inspiration to help you find the perfect present for the more practical, outdoorsy women in your life.

Ladies coveralls

Okay, we may be slightly biased, but ladies coveralls really do make for a practical and surprising Christmas gift for women. Whether their job dictates they need to be outside getting stuck in, they have horses to look after or they are green-fingered and want to be out tending to the garden in all weathers, our ladies overalls are a fabulous choice.

Quality sunglasses

Women working outdoors need to protect their eyes from the sun’s harsh rays, even in the colder months. Paying a little bit more for sunglasses that have a high level of protection against harmful UV rays and are scratch-resistant is a great idea. To really go the extra mile, consider having the arm or the case engraved.

Freezable lunch bag

If your partner is going to be outside for the majority of the day, a freezable lunch bag is an ideal present. She can pop the bag in the freezer at night and then before heading out for the day, she can remove it from the freezer and pack her lunch in it to keep it nice and cool for hours.

Our women’s workwear can be used for a variety of outdoor activities and has been specially designed by women, for women. Whether she’s outdoors for work or play, at 3 Donkeys we’re confident she’ll be thrilled to discover women’s coveralls underneath the tree on Christmas morning (especially if you choose our luxurious, recyclable gift wrapping with your order).

No, we’re not suggesting you head out onto the high street in your ladies coveralls rather than a parka this year – but staying warm and toasty while you’re getting your hands dirty is a top priority during the coldest months of the year. Luckily, coveralls are pretty well-insulated anyway, but here are our tips on staying warm in coveralls this winter.

It’s all about layering

The most important thing about coveralls is that they’re there to protect you from dirt and damage while you’re at work – so the trick is to layer clothes underneath the coveralls. Try adding a thermal layer underneath your usual clothes, and if it’s really cold, fleece-lined jumpers and bottoms should help. If you do get chilly and intend to wear a lot of layers under your coveralls, it might be best to buy coveralls a size up from your usual size – to ensure they’re not too tight once you’ve got all your winter warmers on, too.

Accessorize

Don’t be afraid to accessorise with a discreet scarf or a snood if you get a chill around your neck. Our 3 Donkeys women’s coveralls come with velcro fastening around the neck, so your scarf should remain protected as long as you tuck it in. Headbands are also a convenient way to keep your head and ears a little warmer while being easy to wash and wipe clean. And don’t forget to keep your toes toasty with thick socks inside your boots – a second pair isn’t always a bad idea in the depths of December, either.

Whatever your style, it’s possible to be both comfortable and fashionable this winter in ladies overalls. Check out our 3 Donkeys women’s workwear for specialist women’s overalls that will keep you warm all year round.

When working outdoors, it can be easy to neglect your appearance, due to the inevitable dirt that you will encounter. However, just because you don’t have the standard office environment to work in, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t wear clothes that make you feel your best. Here we explain why looking good at work can have a wealth of benefits.

Increased confidence

When you feel confident about how you look, this confidence extends to all areas of yourself. On the contrary, when you feel insecure, this can cause you to adopt a shy demeanour where you shut yourself away.

Your newfound confidence can improve your communication with clients, as you will likely want to speak to new people when you are feeling content with yourself.

Pride in what you do

As you present yourself with care, you will also treat your work in the same way. By making an effort to source practical but stylish women’s workwear, you will be making a small step which indicates to yourself and those around you that you want to make a good impression.

Whilst outdoor professionals are definitely not expected to adorn formalwear, making small adjustments can enhance your working reputation.

Increased productivity

Research has indicated that what you wear affects your attitude towards work [https://www.forbes.com/sites/ruchikatulshyan/2013/10/17/is-casual-dress-killing-your-productivity-at-work/].

You are likely to associate a particular value with a piece of clothing, that then resonates in the work environment. For example, you glance at your stained boiler suit with despair, so when you wear it to work in, you feel messy and unaccomplished.

On the other hand, when you wear new clothes, you associate this with a sense of change that can drive you to feel positive at work. This positivity can help you to focus on the job in hand and be more productive.

By establishing a specific work wardrobe, you can go a long way in enhancing your productivity.

If you work outdoors and are looking to find a feminine, flattering alternative to your women’s boilersuit, contact 3 Donkeys today. We produce high-quality ladies’ coveralls that enable you to work efficiently, all while looking great.

When it comes to buying a birthday gift for that special woman in your life, it can sometimes be tricky for men. Although flowers and chocolates are always well received, sometimes you want to come up with something unique or different that they will still love. Whether it is your wife, girlfriend, sister or mother, coming up with a gift which they will cherish but also be intrigued by is not always easy.

If you are looking for some inspiration in this area, the below should give you a great starting point.

Ladies coveralls

A great gift idea that offers something a little different along with awesome practicality is a ladies coverall. They come in handy for a wide range of uses so if you have a mum who likes to garden or a wife who looks after horses, they make the perfect present. Modern ladies overalls are both fashionable and easy to wear so you can be sure that they will love this gift.

Spa day voucher

Another really fab idea that pretty much all women will love is a voucher for a spa day. The chance to unwind from the stresses of daily life will always go down well as will the many treatments on offer to enjoy. These sorts of vouchers are also flexible so you can buy them for any amount you like.

An experience day

If you think the woman who you are buying for would like something more active, why not pay for her to attend an experience day? From a day whizzing around a racetrack to a high-end cookery lesson or a hot air balloon ride, there are lots of choices here. This makes it easy to find the one they will love the most and remember forever.

Why not let 3 Donkeys make her day really special?

If you want fashionable, comfy and practical women’s workwear for your gift, let 3 Donkeys help. Our women’s coverall is the ideal gift for any lady who spends time outdoors and needs to keep her normal clothes protected. Whether it is for work or play, it is a gift that will prove truly unique and useful. Browse our website or get in touch today for more details.