What’s the image that comes to you when hearing the term ‘workwear’? Probably something that exudes masculine energy, boxy fit, but durable enough? Because that is what has been followed across industries for decades. Apparel designed with the male body in consideration had to be worn by women entering the landscape. They are forced into this cycle of sartorial compromise
Thankfully, the modern era evolved from this illusion of workplace compromise for women. Women entering the global workforce are now changing the narrative of workwear, putting great emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Industrial apparel and women’s corporate workwear are not just a fashion statement; they also stand as a symbol of professional equity, productivity, and safety efforts.
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The illusion of “unisex” workwear
Workwear from the past was a stark example of open bias against working women. This biased opinion was covered up using the term ‘unisex’ sizing. That is why, when you analyze the work garments in sectors such as utilities, construction, manufacturing, and skilled trades, you will notice a similar pattern engineered solely for male anthropometry, meaning longer torso, broader shoulders, and narrower hips.
Compared to a female body, these measurements are bound to be ill-fitting. In a work setting, these poorly-fitted uniforms are not only uncomfortable, but also pose danger. Longer pants can cause tripping hazards, baggy sleeves could get stuck in machines, and inaccessible pockets are useless. The one-size-fits-all notion reflected an unwelcoming message to women in the industry.
But times have changed for the better. Industries and corporate sectors are now openly welcoming women to join the workforce, offering diverse job roles. In response to this demographic shift and advocacy, the demand for inclusive workwear sizing is steadily growing. The logical reason for this demand is that women want work safety while building a powerful market force and enforcing a DEI imperative.
A genuine workwear inclusivity indicates accommodating a diverse range of sizes that fit every female body type, whether tall, petite, curvy, or plus-sized. Organizations providing inclusive workwear ensure that every member of their workforce has access to PPE and uniforms that fit them.
The inclusive design revolution for the female form
The growing working women’s demographic initiated evolution beyond just smaller garment sizes. According to statistics, skilled trades workers in Western countries now comprise 10-15% women, and the number of which is steadily rising. They catalyze the new generation of technical workwear. Following the trend, many brands now create corporate workwear and industrial gear, especially catering to women’s bodies and work functionality, incorporating the principle of equity for the user’s reality.
This revolution is particularly stark in the industrial sector. Brands like Zadie Workwear and Bisley Workwear in Australia (a heritage brand with a dedicated women’s line) have discarded the “pink-it-and-shrink-it” model in favor of truly innovative women’s workwear. Their special designs for women in trades encompass:
- Anatomically fitted cuts: Strategically placed cuts to accommodate hips and waists without compromising flexibility and comfortable mobility. They also feature shorter torso lengths, adjusted armholes, and contoured knees. Beyond the concept of aesthetics, it also reduces excess material usage.
- Strategic reinforcements: Placement of abrasion-resistant materials in areas specific to women’s posture and movement during kneeling or lifting.
- Functional pockets: Easily accessible tool pockets positioned for natural reach when worn by a female. These pockets typically have added security features (zippers) to prevent tools from falling out.
- Fabric innovation: Moving away from traditional fabrics, they use advanced stretch blends, such as cotton-spandex or high-tenacity polyester with elastane. This makes the apparel flexible to any movement, breathable, and durable.
This design philosophy highlights how workwear that fits perfectly makes workers feel safer, more confident, and perform at their peak. It’s a tangible investment for organizations to retain female talent.
Corporate apparel – Professional, comfortable, and inclusive
The workwear revolution is not limited to industries or the skilled trades sector. This much-needed, vibrant integration of inclusivity is transparent in corporate environments, too, reflecting a DEI-driven shift in workplace culture. The growing demand for diverse and comfortable professional apparel has prompted companies to move away from restrictive suits and limited availability to comfortable, stretchable, and inclusive sizing corporate workwear.
The new age women’s corporate workwear delivers the perfect mix of professionalism and unprecedented comfort, allowing wearers to be more focused, engaged, and physically at ease.
Key factors that define this new workwear trend are:
- Stretchable fabrics: Mechanical stretch materials are used to design blazers, trousers, skirts, and even dress shirts. This fabric creates a polished, structured look without restricting movements, even when worn for long hours and engaging in varied postures.
- Ergonomic tailoring: Special darts and seams are strategically placed to enable a full range of motion. Workers can wear this throughout the day, when commuting, presenting, or collaborating across spaces. Ergonomic tailoring supports the wearer, not against them.
- Versatile, inclusive systems: The trend of the “capsule wardrobe” uniform is inherently inclusive. This includes mix-and-match pieces in comprehensive sizings, empowering employees of all body types to create looks that feel authentic, professional, and personally cohesive.
- Diverse aesthetics: While the masculine-inspired suit is still the standard, progressive corporate workwear collections now incorporate modern components, including tunics, tailored dresses, elegant knit sets, and wide-leg silhouettes. This expansion of choices acknowledges that professionalism should not be one-sided; instead, it should allow women to match their work attire with their personal preferences, thereby cultivating a sense of belonging and authenticity.
Final words
Organizations across industries and the business landscape are following this workwear revolution. However, this emergence of purposefully designed workwear and corporate apparel for women is just the starting point for a larger movement. The more discreet goal of the new age workforce is to break down the systemic biases that exist even in today’s modern workplace.
Ranging from the factory floor to the boardroom, this revolution demands intentional recognition of equity. Therefore, it’s high time for organizations to recover from this false sense of neutrality or unisex workwear and embrace truly inclusive designs to outfit their workforce and beyond.
