Designing Protective Clothing That Works for Women

Across industrial sectors in Europe, including the United Kingdom, protective clothing has historically been designed around male body shapes and sizing systems. Women entering utilities, infrastructure, manufacturing, energy and transport roles have often been issued garments that were simply scaled down versions of men’s designs. The result has been inconsistent fit, restricted movement and, in some cases, compromised safety.

Protective clothing is not standard apparel. It must sit correctly on the body to perform as intended. Poorly fitted jackets can ride up during overhead work, exposing the lower back. Trousers that are too long create trip hazards. Oversized sleeves interfere with tools and equipment. Incorrect chest or hip proportions affect comfort, mobility and layering. In flame resistant and arc rated garments, excessive looseness or tension in the wrong areas may alter the way energy is transferred across the fabric surface.

Women working in industrial environments have reported common issues. Gaps at the waist when bending, pressure points across the chest, restricted hip movement, and limited size availability are frequent concerns. Maternity considerations are rarely addressed in standard PPE procurement. Many organisations have improved representation at workforce level, yet uniform provision has not always kept pace with this shift.

A move towards women specific design is not about aesthetics. It is about safety, ergonomics and dignity at work. Garments should reflect real anthropometric data, not assumptions. Pattern blocks must be developed for female body proportions rather than adapted from male templates. Placement of pockets, reinforcement panels and reflective trims should align with posture and task requirements. Size grading should be inclusive, covering a realistic range of body shapes.

In the European and British markets, regulatory compliance remains central. Any design adaptation must continue to meet applicable standards for flame resistance, arc protection, high visibility and antistatic performance. The challenge is to integrate fit refinement without compromising certification requirements. This requires collaboration between material engineers, garment technologists and the women who wear the clothing daily.

Dobtho is actively working with women across industrial roles to develop protective uniforms that fit correctly and perform reliably. The programme focuses on structured feedback, prototype trials and iterative design improvement. Rather than assuming what works, we are gathering direct insight from professionals in the field. This includes reviewing movement patterns, layering requirements, comfort during long shifts.

Prototype garments are being engineered using compliant fabrics and construction methods aligned with regulated environments. Adjustments to shaping, seam placement and garment balance are tested in real working conditions. The objective is clear: deliver protective clothing developed with a women first approach, designed around female body proportions from the outset, supporting performance in the field while meeting the same measurable standards as certified PPE.

We recognise that meaningful improvement requires industry participation. Women working in utilities, infrastructure, rail, energy, manufacturing and related sectors across Europe and the United Kingdom are invited to contribute to this development programme. Participants will have the opportunity to receive prototype uniforms, provide structured feedback and influence future production ranges.

Protective clothing should not require compromise. As workforce demographics evolve, uniform design must evolve with them. Organisations that invest in fit, function and inclusion strengthen both safety culture and workforce retention.

If you are interested in participating in the programme or receiving prototype garments for evaluation, we encourage you to contact Dobtho.