The workwear industry has historically been male-dominated, often overlooking the unique needs of women in trades and STEM fields. Unisex PPE, designed specifically for males despite being coined "unisex", has been the norm for generations. This oversight has led to challenges that impact safety, comfort, and representation.
Here’s why we need more women's workwear brands:
Safety and Fit
Ill-fitting workwear can pose huge safety risks. Clothing that is too loose or too tight can hinder movement, get caught in machinery, or fail to provide adequate protection. It's imperative for women's workwear to be designed and tailored specifically for women’s bodies, ensuring both safety and comfort.
Ill-fitting PPE isn’t just uncomfortable—it’s dangerous. Women’s workwear must provide the right fit to ensure safety on job sites. Brands like Peggy Workwear and Covergalls lead the way with gear tailored specifically to women’s bodies, from women’s work jackets to coveralls designed for industrial environments.
Empowerment and Confidence
Wearing workwear designed for women boosts confidence by showing that women are valued in the field just as much as their male counterparts.
Representation matters. By providing properly designed workwear, brands inspire younger women to explore trades without hesitation. Stories shared on The Smoko Podcast highlight these experiences, showing the power of properly fitted gear to build confidence.
Representation and Inclusion
The presence of women-specific workwear brands signifies progress toward inclusivity in industries traditionally dominated by men. It sends a message that women belong in these fields and deserve equipment and clothing designed with them in mind. Peggy Workwear exemplifies this by focusing on increasing representation through their products and community initiatives.
Each new women-focused brand is a step toward greater representation in trades and STEM. Venom Workwear, another Canadian standout just like Peggy, celebrates women in non-traditional careers with designs that combine safety, style, and inclusivity.
Community Building
Brands that cater to women in trades often foster communities where experiences and support are shared. Peggy Workwear partners with organizations like Women on Site and Reinvented Magazine to build networks that encourage women to thrive in their careers.
Workwear brands that prioritize women also create spaces for them to connect and grow. Peggy Workwear’s partnerships with groups like Women on Site encourage mentorship and community support, fostering a pipeline for more women in trades.
Inspiring the Younger Generations
By creating platforms that showcase women in non-traditional roles, these brands inspire future generations. The Smoko Podcast, sponsored by Peggy Workwear, highlights stories of women working in STEM, trades, and agriculture, providing role models for aspiring professionals.
The need for more women’s workwear brands is clear. They play a crucial role in ensuring safety, promoting confidence, fostering inclusion, building community, and inspiring future generations.
It's important to support the women workwear brands that are paving the way for future generations. Together, we can create a future where women are fully equipped to succeed.