Women's fit ranges now cover most workwear. This guide explains what to look for.
Why 'unisex' often means men's
Many unisex garments are cut on men's proportions. A woman sizing down to fit the shoulders ends up too tight at the chest or hip. Sizing up for the hip leaves sleeves hanging over the hands.
Women's fit garments are shaped through the body, with shorter sleeves, narrower shoulders and room at the chest and hip. They are not just smaller.
Fit is a safety issue
Loose cuffs and long hems can catch in machinery or on ladders. Oversized hi-vis bunches up, folding the tape so it no longer shows properly. Badly fitting gloves reduce grip. Under the PPE regulations, employers must make sure PPE fits the person wearing it, which includes women and anyone outside standard men's sizes.
Garments to get right first
These are the items where fit makes the most difference.
- Trousers: shaped waist and hip, with leg length options
- Hi-vis: tape that sits at the right height on a shorter body
- Polos and shirts: shorter sleeves and a shaped body
- Jackets: arm length and room at the chest
- Safety footwear: proper narrower and smaller sizes
Maternity and changing needs
Pregnant workers may need different sizes or styles during pregnancy, and the risk assessment should be reviewed. Looser tunics, larger outer layers or adjustable trousers can help for a period. Plan for this rather than leaving staff to make do in garments that no longer fit.
Keeping the team consistent
Choose ranges where men's and women's fits come in matching colours and fabrics. That way everyone looks part of the same team. Offer women's fit as the default for women, not something they have to ask for. Let each person choose the fit they find most comfortable.
Where to put your logo
Logos need adjusting on women's fit garments. A chest logo placed at the same point as on a men's polo can sit too low or too far out. It should be positioned to suit the shape of the garment, and on smaller sizes it may need to be slightly smaller. Your proof shows where the logo sits on each fit, so check both men's and women's versions before approving.
Ordering what this guide covers
The garments this guide talks about, such as women's workwear, women's hi-vis and women's polo shirts, can all be ordered from one piece with free logo setup. The logo price drops at 9 and again at 25 garments, and every garment with a small logo counts towards it, whatever the style or colour. Before anything is made, we embroider an actual sample of your logo and email you a photo to approve, or you can pop in to our Hull workshop to see it.
