The Evolution of Workwear Made for Women: Function Meets Fit

Women's workwear, the quintessential for women working across various industries, job roles, and professions. Workwear is not only a sign of professionalism, but it’s also symbolic of their choice to work and excel in any industry they choose.  

A few decades ago, certain labour-intensive jobs such as plumbing, construction, and gardening etc., were only assigned to men, considering their physical strength and adaptability. However, there has been a shift in the last decades. More women are participating in trade jobs, be it construction, plumbing or any other labour-intensive jobs.  

Evolution of Women's Workwear 

As women’s roles in the workforce have transitioned over the years, their workwear has evolved too. In the early 20th century, when women were mostly working in factories or on farms, the workwear was usually an ankle-length skirt and blouse made of cotton and wool. During the period, the focus was neither on comfort nor functionality, but rather it was on creating a modest outfit for women.  

But with the First World War, a transition came. Women were then stepping into roles that were traditionally reserved for men. It was during this period that women started wearing trousers for the first time. However, workwear made for women was still far from being comfortable and safe during this time.  

During the Second World War, the role of women across different work fields continued to grow. During this period, pants and jackets became a part of women working in factories due to their agility and robustness.  

New Era: Where Form Meets Function  

We are in a new era where brands and manufacturers are realizing that creating women's clothes simply does not mean shrinking men's clothes and colouring them pink. Instead, it is about understanding the day-to-day needs of tradeswomen, understanding their movement, and creating a design that accommodates their activities.  

Workwear made for women has been completely reimagined. Women's workwear is now being created keeping in mind the long working hours and the necessity for comfortable, flexible, tear-proof clothes and fabrics that not only allow comfort but also keep women safe in a rough environment and unfavourable weather conditions.  

Why Functional Workwear Matters 

Having access to proper workwear that fits and is functional should not be a luxury for women. With thousands of women working in trade jobs, it has become an absolute necessity. Women in trade today need workwear that works with them, not against them. A functional workwear gives women: 

To women, workwear is not barely a uniform or a style statement, but rather it represents their freedom of choice to work shoulder to shoulder in any field.  

Zadie: Revolutionizing Workwear for Women 

At Zadie, we took on ourselves responsibility to change workwear made for women. We create workwear pants, shorts, overalls, and t-shirts without compromising comfort, functionality and fit. Each stitch, seam, and silhouette is crafted keeping diverse women's bodies in mind.  

We create a blend of durability and comfort for women working in construction and other labour-intensive fields. Our workwear range comes with reinforced pockets that fit all the tools required for the job, making things more handy for women.