The Best Work Clothes for Women in Construction & Other Trades
Womens workwear has definitely come a long way in recent years.
Unisex clothing used to be the name of the game for women in trades, warehousing, agriculture, and other industries. We were supposed to just "make do" with something that was predominantly designed for males, but maybe could fit women too. It was frustrating to say the least.
Luckily, there has been a significant shift, and we're starting to see a much better selection of high-quality workwear for women become available. This is long overdue but very welcomed!
So, as we start to see our women's workwear range expand even further, we thought we'd put together a quick guide with some of our own recommendations to help you see all the fantastic options out there.
Our Top Picks for Your Womens Workwear Wardrobe
For us, there are a few brands really stepping up with their collection of work clothes for women. Hard Yakka is a name that immediately comes to mind, as does Ridgeline and Ariat Rebar. You’ll see them pop up throughout our picks below.
Work Jackets
First up, you need to make sure that you're covered for the colder and wetter weather conditions of the year. And that doesn't have to mean settling for a baggy, shapeless coat that feels like it belongs to someone else.
We've got a wide range of women's work jackets that offer the perfect balance of fashion and function - durable, breathable fabrics to keep you cool as you work, a great fit that looks professional, and practical features like decent pockets. And if you need a waterproof work jacket, we've got plenty of those too.
A few of our favourite styles we suggest as a starting point are:
- Ridgeline Ladies Monsoon II Waterproof Smock – A brilliant option for tackling wet weather head-on. The breathable materials mean you won't overheat or experience that clammy, uncomfy feeling.
- Ariat Rebar Women's DuraCanvas Insulated Jacket – This one’s for when the cold really kicks in. It’s insulated but still lightweight enough to wear while you’re moving about.
- Regatta Women's Uproar Softshell Jacket – A softshell with water resistance and a comfortable stretch. The neutral design pairs easily with the rest of your workwear clothes and can even be your casual wear jacket too.
You can also pick up a pair of the Dickies Women's Everyday Coveralls if you need the full-body protective clothing.
Work Hoodies & Fleeces
Next, it's all about getting that warmth. We all know how the temperature suddenly can drop, and having a good variety of layers means you don't have to worry about the cold.
A decent all-rounder fleece is always worth having on hand, and we also love a hoodie for work, especially those with full zips. They are great for putting on in the morning if it feels a bit chilly, but can be easily unzipped or removed if the sunshine does decide to make an appearance!
In our opinion, you can't go wrong with any of the following workwear options:
- Hard Yakka Women's Check Zoodie – A practical full-zip hoodie with a classic check pattern, great for layering or wearing on its own.
- Ariat Rebar Skill Set 1/2 Zip Hoodie – Built tough with a half-zip for quick adjustments. It’s as rugged as it is comfortable.
- Regatta Women's Thor III Fleece – An affordable, lightweight fleece that’s ideal for everyday wear.
Work Shirts
Moving onto your shirts, and it might be tempting to just go for your everyday t-shirt, but we suggest investing in something specifically designed for work.
What you'll usually find is these shirts come with stretch fabrics incorporated, so you've got that ease of movement you need when working. They also are designed to match the rest of your work clothing, meaning you've got plenty of outfits for rotation.
It's worth going for a few different styles, so something like these three will give you a nice mix:
- Ariat Rebar Women's Flannel Durastretch Work Shirt – Flannel shirts are perfect for work, and the stretch fabric creates optimum comfort too.
- Seeland Women's Active Short Sleeve T-Shirt – A quick-dry option for warm weather or more strenuous tasks.
- Deerhunter Lady Harriet Polo Shirt – A smart yet durable collared shirt for when you need professional attire that still can be worn for your shift.
Work Trousers
If you work in the trades or in the outdoors, you'll know the benefit of having proper work trousers. And when we say proper, we mean a pair of trousers with pockets you can actually store things in, reinforced materials for heavy-duty wear, and something that fits well with your chosen work boots.
Luckily, there are some brilliant choices for women, such as the:
- Dickies Women's Everyday Flex Trousers - These are popular with those who work in the construction industry in particular, as they've got handy pockets and space for your knee pads.
- Hard Yakka Women's Raptor Cuffed Trousers - The more slim fitting design is one of the draws here, alongside the reinforced panels and active fit waistband for all-day comfort.
- Ridgeline Womens Infinity Leggings - If you've got an active job, a great pair of work leggings is the dream. With Ridgeline, it becomes a reality!
And for the summer, you've got the Deerhunter Lady Ann Shorts, which we particularly champion because they come with zipped pockets and stretch materials built in for freedom of movement.
Work Boots
Safety boots or non-safety, we all want our work boots to fit well. Thankfully, the days of “heavy and clunky” are behind us, with plenty of lighter, more comfortable boots designed for women’s feet.
We're highlighting the three below because they tick all the boxes for us. They aren't just mens work boots resized for women, they are thoughtfully constructed to provide the support, stability, and safety that we need while working.
- Hard Yakka Women’s Banjo Elastic Gusset Safety Boot – Easy to slip on and off, but with all the safety features you need on-site.
- Ariat Womens Barnyard Twin Gore II Waterproof Boots - Working outdoors bring its challenges, as you never quite know what the weather is going to do. These waterproof work boots for women are Ariat's answer, and it's an impressive one!
- Hoggs of Fife Northumberland II Ladies Dealer Boots – Classic, stylish, and practical. These dealer boots are great for if you don't need steel toe caps.
Accessories
We talked about layers earlier on, and part of being prepared for all the seasons is having all those bits and pieces that finish off your ladies workwear.
A couple of accessories that always spring to mind whenever someone asks for recommendations are:
- Hard Yakka Womens Crew Multi Pack Work Socks - These have some real substance to them: thicker, more durable, and they actually stay up.
- Deerhunter Ladies Knitted Headband - This is fantastic for keeping your ears warm and helping to control any loose flyaway hairs that might get in your eyes.
Anyone who has spent a day slogging through mud or working on cold concrete floors knows that work socks are that cushioning barrier that really do matter. And a versatile piece of headwear is up there with an essential too. Personally, I love a headband because it's something that offers warmth, which you tend to need your hat to do, but also can be worn with any PPE that may be part of your job, i.e. a hard hat or safety glasses.
Summary
It's definitely a breath of fresh air to see so many practical, comfortable, and stylish options for women these days. We all deserve to feel good in what we wear, and our professional wardrobes should reflect that.
Hopefully this guide has given you some new must-haves to add into your own line-up, but we have a full women's workwear collection for even more choice. Take a look, as we're sure that you'll find some new favourites that fit well, look the part, and are ready for a hard day's work.
About the Author
Living on a family farm and having worked in everything from warehousing to nursing and hospitality, Sarah Holland is no stranger to hard work. She is dedicated to helping other women navigate the world of workwear, ensuring they find clothing that not only looks great and fits well, but also helps them succeed in their chosen fields. Her goal is to break down barriers and support women in every trade, making sure they feel confident and capable in their work.
