Safety first: Key features to look for in women’s trade workwear

In today’s evolving workforce, women are increasingly taking on roles in trade jobs — fields traditionally dominated by men.

Ensuring safety on the job site is paramount, and choosing the right workwear plays a crucial role in that regard.

This article aims to guide you through the essential features to look for when selecting women’s trade workwear, from durability and fit to specialised safety components.

1. Durability

Durability is a non-negotiable aspect when it comes to selecting workwear for trade jobs.

In environments where you’re exposed to rigorous activities and challenging conditions, the resilience of your attire directly impacts your safety and job performance.

When it comes to durability, here’s what you need to consider:

• Canvas: Commonly used in work jackets and pants, canvas offers a blend of comfort and durability that few materials can match.
• Jeans: Known for its long-standing presence in workwear, denim combines toughness with ease of movement, making it an ideal choice for a variety of roles.
• Ripstop: Characterised by its unique crosshatch pattern, ripstop nylon or polyester effectively prevents the propagation of tears. This is especially useful in professions where the workwear is susceptible to snags and rips.

These materials not only withstand the challenging conditions of trade jobs but also offer a long-lasting solution for women in the workforce.

2. Fit And comfort

The significance of fit and comfort in workwear can’t be overstated, especially when it comes to ensuring safety and ease of movement on the job.

Ill-fitting attire not only restricts your mobility but can also become a safety hazard. Tripping over baggy pants or getting caught in machinery due to loose clothing are risks no one can afford to take.

For this reason, many professionals turn to options like Womens Work Pants by WWH. These are specifically designed to offer an ideal fit without sacrificing comfort or durability.

One feature to look for in such work pants, or any piece of workwear, is adjustable straps. These allow you to tailor the fit to your body shape, thereby eliminating the dangers associated with loose or tight clothing.

Elastic waistbands are another feature that can enhance comfort and fit. They ensure that the pants adapt to your movements rather than inhibit them. This is particularly beneficial during tasks that require bending, stretching, or lifting.

3. Functionality

When it comes to trade work, functionality is as critical as durability and comfort.

Your workwear should serve as a practical toolkit, offering easy access to essential tools and supplies without hampering your mobility. One way to ensure this is by selecting garments with multiple pockets and loops.

Pockets are invaluable for holding smaller tools, fasteners, or personal items like phones and notepads. These compartments should be strategically placed for quick access and reinforced for added durability.

Some work pants and jackets also come with specialised pockets for specific tools, such as rulers or screwdrivers, enhancing job efficiency.

Loops serve a different but equally crucial function. Hammer loops, for example, allow for easy and secure storage of hammers or other similar tools. They free your hands and minimise the risk associated with placing tools on high or unstable surfaces.

Similarly, utility hooks can be incredibly beneficial for carrying items like tape measures or electrical and double-sided tape, which are often essential on job sites. These are usually made from durable materials that can withstand the weight and abuse of daily use.

4. Breathability

Breathable fabrics help regulate body temperature and wick away moisture, allowing for better focus and overall wellbeing during long working hours.

Consider the following:

• Cotton blends: They combine the natural breathability of cotton with the durability and stretch of synthetic materials like polyester or spandex. This fusion not only provides a comfortable fit but also aids in moisture management, keeping you dry throughout your work day.
• Moisture-wicking fabrics: These are specially engineered textiles designed to pull moisture away from the skin, distributing it across the surface for rapid evaporation. In turn, this helps keep you cool and dry, even in intense working conditions, reducing the risk of heat-related illnesses and enhancing your overall comfort.

Breathable fabrics shouldn’t be overlooked when selecting workwear for trade jobs. They offer a vital means of temperature and moisture control, adding an extra layer of comfort and safety to your daily routine.

5. Safety features

Safety features in workwear are more than just add-ons; they’re crucial components that could make the difference between a close call and a catastrophic event.

Here are some examples of safety features:

• High-visibility colours: Shades like neon yellow or bright orange serve to differentiate you from your surroundings, particularly in low-light or busy settings, enhancing your safety manifold.
• Reflective strips: They’re designed to bounce back light from sources like headlights or lamps, making you visible even in poor lighting conditions. These strips are strategically placed on various parts of the workwear — commonly on arms and legs — to ensure visibility from multiple angles.
• Flame-resistant material: These fabrics are specially treated or inherently designed to resist ignition, contain flames, and self-extinguish once the fire source is removed.
• Waterproof material: Workwear made from waterproof fabrics prevents moisture penetration, keeping you dry and reducing the risk of cold-related illnesses. It also provides an added layer of protection against liquid-based hazards, which could be crucial in various trade jobs.

These elements provide a multifaceted approach to your safety, mitigating risks and enhancing your wellbeing on the job.

Invest in high-quality workwear

Selecting the right workwear is an essential step for women engaged in trade professions.

Prioritising features like durability, proper fit, and safety can significantly enhance your work performance.

Investing in high-quality workwear that embodies these features isn’t just a wise choice — it’s a necessity. Your safety and efficiency are worth that investment.