The best singlets for shearers — what actually works in the shed

Not all singlets are made equal. If you've spent any time on the board, you already know that. The wrong singlet rides up, lets the cold in through the back and falls apart after half a season. The right one disappears — you stop thinking about it and just get on with the work.

We've put together this guide based on what shearers actually tell us — what works, what doesn't, and what to look for when you're buying your next lot. Whether you're kitting yourself out or ordering for a team, here's what matters.

Why the long back matters more than anything else

Ask any shearer what they hate most in a singlet and you'll hear the same answer: it rides up. The moment you're bent over with a sheep between your legs, a standard-length singlet is already creeping north — leaving a cold strip of back exposed and a bunch of fabric working its way into places it shouldn't be.

A long-back cut solves this completely. Extra length at the rear stays tucked through the full range of movement you need in the shed — no riding up, no adjusting mid-pen, no cold draughts killing your rhythm.

All Just Shear singlets are cut long in the back specifically for this reason. It's the one feature we'd never compromise on.

Cotton vs performance fabric — which is right for you?

This comes down to personal preference and the conditions you're working in. Here's how the two compare:

Cotton singlets

• Soft straight out of the bag — comfortable against the skin from day one

• Breathable in heat — good for summer shearing or warm woolsheds

• Easy to wash, holds colour well

• The classic choice — most shearers grew up in cotton and stick with it

Performance singlets

• Moisture-wicking — pulls sweat away during high-output work

• Lighter and more flexible — good for fast shearers who run hot

• Dries faster after washing — useful on the road between runs

• Popular with younger shearers and anyone doing big tallies in warmer conditions

Both work. It's worth trying both if you haven't. A lot of shearers run cotton in cooler months and switch to performance when the shed heats up through summer.

What to look for in the fit

Beyond the long back, there are a few other things worth paying attention to when you're buying singlets for shed work:

• Armhole cut — needs to be generous enough not to restrict your shoulder movement through the full shearing stroke. A tight armhole will fatigue your shoulder faster than you'd think.

• Neck opening — not too tight. You're pulling this on and off multiple times a day and you don't want it stretching out of shape.

• Seam placement — flat seams sit better under the handpiece than bulky overlocked seams. Less friction, less irritation over a long day.

• Sizing — go true to size or slightly looser. A singlet that's too tight across the chest will restrict your movement and wear out faster at stress points.

Women on the board — getting the fit right

Women make up a growing part of the shearing workforce and they've been wearing poorly-fitting men's cuts for too long. The same rules apply — long back, good armhole, not too tight — but sizing and cut matter more when the standard patterns weren't designed for you.

Just Shear stocks singlets sized and cut for women on the board. If you've been grabbing whatever fits closest from the men's range, it's worth trying something made for your shape — you'll notice the difference in a long pen.

Custom singlets for your shearing team

If you run a shearing gang or contracting business, getting your team in matching custom-printed singlets is one of the best things you can do for crew morale and your business profile. It looks sharp at the saleyards, photos well on social media, and your crew actually wants to wear it — because the base singlet is quality gear they'd buy themselves.

Just Shear does custom printing on our full singlet range with no minimum order. Bring your logo or design idea and we'll sort the rest. Get in touch for a quote.

The bottom line

The best singlet for shearing is the one that stays where it's supposed to, doesn't slow you down, and holds up through a full season of hard use. Long back is non-negotiable. Everything else — cotton vs performance, colour, fit — comes down to what works for you.

Browse Just Shear's full singlet range — cotton and performance, long-back cuts, sized for men and women. Custom printing available for teams with no minimums.