Why a women's cut and not a men's cut in a smaller size
A woman's figure differs from a man's not only in size, but in proportions. The women's cut has a higher waist, more room in the hips and a narrower waistline, while the shoulders and sleeves are shorter and narrower. With a smaller size of the men's model, at least one of these is always wrong: trousers slide down when squatting, and the waistband cuts into the hips.
Uncomfortable clothing is not just a matter of appearance. Anyone who has to keep adjusting their clothes all day, pulling up their trousers or rolling up their sleeves, works more slowly and tires more quickly. A loose item of clothing can also get caught in machinery. That is why a women's cut is part of safety, not an optional extra.
Women's work trousers: what to consider
Trousers are the item where the cut matters most. When choosing, check:
- Stretch material. Twill with a few percent elastane follows movement when squatting, climbing and kneeling.
- A higher waistband that stays in place when bending, with a stretch section for comfort throughout the day.
- Reinforcements at the knees and other stress points where trousers wear out first.
- Practical pockets: a side pocket for a phone, a pocket for a tape measure and small tools, and a rear pocket with closure.
- Reflective details, for work in poor light or near traffic.
An example of such a model is the LADY NO LIMITS women's work trousers: stretch twill, 250 g/m², with 65% polyester, 33% cotton and 2% elastane, six pockets, rivet reinforcements and reflective details, in sizes 38 to 48. All women's-fit models can be found on the women's work trousers page.
Jackets, fleece and T-shirts
For upper garments, the most important factors are sleeve length and waist shape. A women's jacket is shorter and more fitted, so it does not get in the way when working at a desk or a machine, and the sleeves do not extend over the hands.
- Women's work jacket for outdoor work and cooler indoor spaces.
- Women's fleece jacket as a mid layer in winter or worn alone during transitional seasons.
- Women's polo shirts and women's T-shirts for production, sales and customer reception roles.
- Women's shirt for office, management and customer-facing roles.
Most women's models have a men's counterpart in the same colour. This way, the team looks consistent, while everyone wears the cut that suits them best.
Safety footwear in women's sizes
Women's sizes in safety footwear are not simply smaller men's shoes. The women's last is narrower at the heel and lower at the instep, so the foot does not slide inside the shoe. For work in production and warehousing, lightweight knitted models such as the FLYTEX S1P SR are popular, available in sizes 36 to 42, with a composite toe cap and anti-penetration insole.
The protection class for women's models is the same as for men's, so the same selection criteria apply based on the working environment. An explanation of classes S1, S2 and S3 can be found in the article safety footwear: classes S1, S1P, S2, S3. For healthcare and care settings, anatomical clogs and medical footwear are more suitable.
How to order for a mixed team
The easiest way to prepare an order is by job role rather than by gender. For each job role, select a model, then choose the cut and size for each person.
- For each job role, determine the type of clothing and protection class.
- Select the men's and women's model in the same colour.
- Collect the sizes. Women's trousers run from size 38 to 48, while upper garments start from size S upwards.
- If you would like a logo, add it to all items at once so the embroidery is consistent. Read more in the article embroidery or printing of a logo.
Items with a listed price can be added directly to your order in the online shop. Items without a published price can be added to the same order as an enquiry, and you will receive a quotation with prices within 48 hours.
A women's cut is not an extra, but a requirement for comfortable and safe work. The biggest difference is in trousers, so choose a higher waist, stretch fabric and reinforced knees. For a uniform look, choose the men's and women's models in the same colour and order by job role.