How to find workwear specific for women – what to think about and what to look for.
When you work in an office, it's crucial to dress in smart clothes that are appropriate for your role. For doctors, wearing scrubs is a necessary part of the job. No matter the workplace, some types of clothes are appropriate, and some are not.
Historically, the more physically demanding jobs have been conducted by men. As a result, it can be difficult for women to find uniforms created for these jobs that are appropriate for them.
However, wearing suitable workwear is essential for an individual's safety and comfort. When looking for workwear that's designed for women, here are a few things to consider:
- Consider fit and comfort
Clothing must fit well and be comfortable to allow individuals to do their job without hindrance. Women's bodies are different to mens. Therefore, their clothing needs differ significantly, meaning workwear which fits male colleagues may not be the most comfortable, appropriate or even safest choice for female team members. Women's workwear designed for manual labour and physically intense jobs needs to be adapted so that it's appropriate for a woman's build.
It's also important to consider what environments the individual will work in. For example, if it's a cold environment, you will want to consider providing multiple layers of women's workwear, where food stuffs are being handled, such as in food manufacturing facilities, hair nets and food manufacturing coats are a must.
- Safety is the priority
Above everything else, safety is of the utmost importance when choosing suitable workwear for female workers. This means you will need to consider the material of the garments provided.
Individuals that are exposed to fire hazards in their work environment - such as electricity and flammable chemical - will need to wear flame-resistant (FR) clothing.
Workers that operate heavy machinery should be dressed in good quality clothing that's wear-resistant to reduce the risk of threads getting caught.
- Remember footwear!
No outfit would be complete without footwear. In the workplace, the choice of work boots or shoes is important for optimising performance. Ill-fitting footwear can cause painful issues that can inhibit an individual's productivity. Since females have smaller and narrower feet than men, you should look to source women-specific footwear.
The type of shoe you decide on will depend on the specific work environment. Steel toe-capped shoes are popular for the protection they afford, especially on construction sites. In warehouses, shoes need to be slip-resistant.
While finding women-specific workwear for manual jobs can be challenging, putting the work in to get it right is vital for the safety and well-being of your female staff. Wearwell is proud to have a workwear collection designed specifically for women. We also offer bespoke design in our state-of-the-art manufacturing facility, so please get in touch to discuss your needs.
