WHY WOMEN'S WORKWEAR IS FINALLY CATCHING UP WITH THE TRADES
- Charlotte Bolt
- Aug 3
- 2 min read
Female tradies have spent decades making do with workwear designed for men, but that's finally beginning to change.
Women are joining Australia's trades in record numbers, yet one everyday challenge has remained largely overlooked: finding workwear that actually fits.
For years, many female tradies have worn men's clothing that was too loose, restrictive or uncomfortable, often compromising both safety and confidence on the job.
Now, Australian workwear brand Green Hip is part of a growing movement designing clothing specifically for women, reflecting the changing face of the trades.
Women's workwear is no longer an afterthought
Green Hip founder Olivia Thwaites said the issue goes beyond comfort.
"As more women entered the trades, it became clear that properly fitting workwear wasn't a luxury. It was something every worker should expect," she said.
Women now make up about 14 per cent of Australia's trade workforce, up from around 10 per cent in 2010, but workwear has been slow to evolve alongside that growth.
Rather than simply resizing men's garments, Green Hip works directly with female tradies to develop clothing that reflects how women move and work on site.
Feedback from tradeswomen has influenced everything from pocket placement and fabric choice to fit and durability.
Designed by women, tested on worksites
Thwaites said every garment is trialled by women working in real trade environments before reaching the market.
The goal is to create workwear that supports safety, comfort and performance throughout long days on site.
The business also credits the LIFTWOMEN crowdfunding initiative with helping turn the concept into a growing Australian brand by providing mentoring, guidance and a network of female entrepreneurs.
As more women build careers in construction, electrical, plumbing, and other skilled trades, workwear designed specifically for them is increasingly the expectation rather than the exception.
