For a long time, women who entered the trade industry in Australia faced an immediate, though frustrating, barrier before they could even step foot on the job site. This was because women could only access workwear designed for men, which meant they had to roll up excessively long pants, wear wide belts, and swim in excessively large high-visibility shirts. Good news, though, because the industry is finally waking up to the fact that there are increasing numbers of women in the trade industry, which means there are now workwear brands designed specifically for women.
Leaving Oversized Men’s Gear in the Past
The “shrink it and pink it” approach to women’s workwear is a thing of the past. Female tradies no longer have to settle for men’s workwear that is merely shrunk to fit. Clothing companies are finally investing in real, female-specific tailoring for workwear. This means women can finally get women’s tradie pants that fit around their hips and waists, instead of flapping loosely, as well as shirts that accommodate their bust measurements without compromising their range of motion.
Proper fitting means women can work without the danger of their clothing flapping into machinery, which could cause serious injury. It also means women can work freely, bending their bodies to get the job done, without having to worry about their clothing.
Meeting Australian Job Site Safety Standards
Working in Australia means dealing with extreme weather conditions, from the scorching summer sun to the rain. It is an environment that demands the best in workwear, which means functional design combined with strict safety standards is absolutely essential. Female workwear needs to meet the exact same safety ratings for high-visibility and fire protection as men’s clothing. Providing women with workwear that meets safety standards means female electricians, carpenters, plumbers, and other tradies can work in safety, without their safety compromised because they could not find an appropriate-sized work uniform.
Top Features to Look for in Trade Workwear
When searching for new site gear, there are a number of features that are a necessity. Reinforced stitching, for example, is a fundamental requirement for long-lasting workwear, especially in the knees and crotch, where blowouts are incredibly common. With Australian summers being as hot as they are, breathable fabrics are a necessity. Moisture-wicking fabrics are a great way to keep your body temperature in check for long, physically active days in the field.
Pockets are also a consideration that requires a bit of thought. Women require deep, practical pockets that are designed for optimal accessibility. Pockets need to be reinforced so that sharp tools don’t puncture the fabric. Fortunately, manufacturers are designing workwear for women by working directly with female workers.
Building Confidence and Industry Representation
Being professional not only affects how others perceive you, but also how you feel as a person. Workwear that fits well gives a person a tremendous sense of confidence. It tells everyone around you that you are a professional and that you are meant to be there. As more and more women don workwear designed specifically for them, it helps normalise the presence of women in male-dominated industries. It shows the next generation of young women that if they are interested in a trade, they will be supported and have the right gear for the task.
Gearing Up for the Future
The development of female work wear is an important milestone in the progress of the Australian trade industry. The push for better fits, stronger materials, and practical designs is helping shape the future of work wear for tradespeople. Invest in work wear that honours your profession and your body!
