b'Look Good, Feel Better, Build Great:A HUMAN STUDY CASE STUDY Developing Better Workwear Options forUnderstanding these frustrations, brands are taking a Women in the Skilled Tradesresearch-driven, jobsite-tested approach to designing womens workwear. Rather than simply scaling down mens clothing, the design process prioritizes ergonomics, fit and durability. Direct feedback from tradeswomen played a crucial role in shaping practical solutions tailored to real jobsite demands. We took the time to be in the field and truly understand what was needed to create a full breadth of line that dressed women from head to toenot Womens participation in the skilled trades hasjust release a single item, said Nadia Sinner, steadily increased in recent years, rising from 8.9% inproduct manager at Milwaukee Tool. Every cut, 2010 to 11% today. However, this progress has notstitch and loop were meticulously intentional, come without challengesone being access toensuring that each piece addressed the real functional, durable and comfortable workwear.challenges tradeswomen face on the job. Historically, jobsite apparel has been designed with only male workers in mind, leaving tradeswomenThis approach led to key adjustments that improve with clothing that compromises fit, mobility andfunctionality and performance in demanding work overall functionality.environments. For example, a high-rise, straight-fit jogger with built-in stretch and an elastic-integrated With more women entering the trades, their voiceswaistband provides greater mobility while staying have amplified the demand for workwear that trulysecure throughout the workday. Wide waistbands supports productivity, movement and protection. Thisenhance support, while deep, durable pockets offer shift has prompted some manufacturers to rethinkconvenient storage for tools and essentials. traditional designs, ensuring that workwear keepsAdditionally, reinforced belt loops can prevent pace with the evolving workforce rather than forcingsagging when wearing tool belts, ensuring both tradeswomen to adapt to outdated standards.stability and sturdiness on the job. IDENTIFYING KEY CHALLENGES Field research plays a crucial role in understandingTo further address comfort and the realities of the jobsite and ensuring workwearwearability, hoodies can be designed with extra meets the demands of tradeswomen. By engagingroom to accommodate ponytails and longer directly with workers in the field, research teams havehairstyles. As well, shirts can be tailored with drop-gathered firsthand insights, allowing producttail hems to provide better coverage when bending development to be driven by real-world needs ratheror reaching overhead, preventing exposure and than assumptions.ensuring a more secure fit and peace of mind. These redesigns required rethinking traditional designs to Through this research, a clear pattern emerged,better support tradeswomen working in dynamic highlighting the most significant challengesenvironments without sacrificing comfort. tradeswomen face with existing workwear: Products like these are undergoing continuous field Fit and mobility issues: Work pants were often tootesting to balance comfort and performance, stiff, low-waisted or restrictive, limitingensuring that every stitch of workwear is built for movement.the realities of women working in the trades.Lack of durability: Many womens options sacrificed durability for comfort, leading to premature wear and tear on the jobsite. Limited protection features: Key elements like reinforced knees, tool storage and breathable yet durable fabrics were either missing or poorly designed for tradeswomen.(continued on page 16) 12'