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Workwear for women in construction

Workwear for women in construction

5 minute read

In the UK, women make up around 15% of the construction workforce. That number continues to grow.

However, workwear designed specifically for women is still harder to find than standard ranges.

Many garments on the market are designed around male body shapes. This can lead to poor fit, reduced comfort, and in some cases, lower levels of protection.

Providing properly fitting workwear helps keep everyone safe, comfortable, and able to work effectively.

This guide covers the key workwear essentials for women in construction and explains why fit matters.

Workwear Required on Construction Sites

Construction environments present a wide range of hazards. Because of this, most sites require workers to wear specific protective clothing and PPE.

Correct workwear helps protect workers from injury while also improving visibility and identification on site.

Common requirements include:

Eye & face protection
Safety boots or other protective footwear
Safety helmets and other head protection
Hearing protection, such as ear defenders
Hi-vis clothing, such as jackets and trousers

You can also explore our construction workwear buying guide for more information on choosing the right PPE for your team.

However, even when workplaces follow standard PPE checklists, the specific needs of women are sometimes overlooked. This can lead to workwear that does not fit correctly.

Why Women Need Workwear Made for Women

Most construction workwear is traditionally designed around male body measurements.

This includes factors such as:

Height
Arm and leg length
Average foot size and shape

When women are issued the same garments, the fit can often be poor.

Trousers may be too long or loose. Jackets may restrict movement. Harnesses, coveralls, and hi-vis garments may not sit correctly around the chest or waist.

Poor fit does more than cause discomfort. It can also affect safety.

Loose clothing can catch on equipment. Oversized gloves can reduce grip. Ill-fitting footwear can increase fatigue or the risk of slips.

Providing workwear designed specifically for women helps improve:

Freedom of movement
Overall PPE compliance
Comfort during long shifts
Correct positioning of protective features

When clothing fits properly, it is far more likely to be worn correctly.

Our Quality Workwear for Women in Construction

SMI supplies a wide range of women’s workwear suitable for construction environments.

These garments are designed to provide a better fit while still meeting the same safety and durability standards expected on site.

Below are some examples from our range.

WOMEN'S WORKWEAR

Ladies' work trousers - Available in sizes 6 to 32.
ROKWEAR® Arford ladies cargo trousers - Available in sizes 6 to 30.
Ladies spun dyed sustainable polo shirt - Available in sizes XS to 2XL.

Stock Up on Construction Workwear for Women at SMI

SMI supplies workwear and PPE designed to support a diverse workforce.

Our women’s ranges help ensure every member of your team has access to properly fitting protective clothing.

You can also manage your workwear ordering through the MY-SMI® portal, making it easier to keep teams stocked with the right garments.

With a MY-SMI® account, you get:

97% stock availability
Easy access to women’s workwear ranges
Support from our specialist workwear team

If you would like advice on selecting workwear for women in construction, our team is always happy to help.

FAQs

How to adjust your workwear?

If workwear does not fit correctly, adjustments may be possible depending on the garment.

Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions provided with the clothing. This ensures the garment remains safe and compliant with its protective standards.

Where to get workwear for women in construction?

Right here at SMI! We stock a full workwear ladies range for women in the construction, waste management, and logistics sectors.

What’s the best workwear for women in construction?

The best workwear depends on the role and site hazards.

However, properly fitting clothing designed for women can improve comfort and support safe working practices.

This includes:

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