What if the gear meant to save your life could put you in danger instead? That is the reality for many women in construction who are handed “standard” PPE that was never designed for their bodies. The National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) knows that on a jobsite, a bad fit is more than uncomfortable; it is a liability. That’s why the organization advocates for gender-specific Personal Protection Equipment (PPE). 

Ill-fitting PPE may not protect the wearer as intended. According to a report from The Safety Rack, one in five women have been injured on the job due to ill-fitting PPE, and two in five have experienced near misses related to poor fit. These incidents are not caused by carelessness. They are caused by equipment that was never made for female workers. 

Why Is PPE Fit an Issue for Women? 

How can a woman tell if PPE is ill-fitting? Safety glasses should protect without significant gaps. Hard hats must stay in place. Gloves should fit securely and allow dexterity. Boots need to provide a stable fit, and workwear should not snag, droop, or restrict movement. 

Other issues are less obvious but just as important. Something as simple as pockets matters. Many men’s work pants come with tool-ready pockets, while women’s versions often do not. This forces women to carry gear in their hands instead of placing it in pockets or tabs, which limits balance and increases the risk of slips or falls. When gear is not suited to the job, it has safety repercussions, making every task riskier. 

The Limits of “One Size Fits Most” 

Women on jobsites are more common than ever, but the industry has not always acknowledged that men and women are built differently. Creating well-fitting PPE requires more than producing scaled-down versions of men’s gear. 

Flame-resistant (FR) clothing is a clear example. FR garments were initially designed for men in the oil and gas industry, with cuts for broader shoulders, straighter hips, and longer limbs. When women in construction use this gear, sleeves hang, pant legs bunch or need to be tucked in, and jackets gape or pull in the wrong places. 

More importantly, when it comes to FR protection, poor fit is not just uncomfortable; it can compromise performance. Extra fabric can snag or ignite more easily, while tight areas can restrict movement and increase the chance of exposure. FR clothing for women must be designed with women’s proportions in mind, allowing correct layering, mobility, and full coverage so the garment can function when it matters most. With this type of PPE, tailoring the protection to the body is critical to safety. 

The Rise of Women-Focused PPE 

The NAWIC is seeing signs that change is happening. Many brands offering PPE for women in construction are women-owned, and large manufacturers are expanding their lines to include inclusive sizing and better proportions. These companies understand that gear should not only meet safety standards, but actually fit the workers wearing it. 

Employers Have a Responsibility 

For teams responsible for procurement, training, or worker safety, PPE fit should be a priority. Properly fitted PPE prevents injuries and reduces liability for contractors and subcontractors. Ill-fitting equipment compromises OSHA compliance and increases risk. 

Employers can support safety by: 

Sourcing PPE for women in construction from brands with inclusive sizing 

• Offering multiple fit options during onboarding and training 

• Asking for feedback from women in the field before bulk purchasing 

• Avoiding “just size down” as a solution 

• Including women in gear evaluations and safety committees 

• A proactive approach keeps workers safe, improves retention, and protects companies from unnecessary risk. 

Tips to Ensure Proper Fit for PPE for Women in Construction 

To make sure PPE works as intended, follow these guidelines: 

1. Prioritize fit testing.
   Gloves, boots, eyewear, harnesses, and FR clothing should be tried on and tested for fit with movement. Do not assume fit without trying on the gear.
2. Look for real adjustability.
   Gear should include strap, waist, and closure adjustments to create a secure and comfortable fit for women of all body types.
3. Do not alter gear to make it work.
   Workers should not fold sleeves, tape gloves, or double socks to force equipment to fit. These workarounds reduce safety performance and compromise certification standards.
4. Reevaluate regularly.
   As roles, weather, and gear change, so should fit. Layers, weight, and movement affect sizing, so PPE needs reassessment over time.
5. Encourage reporting.
   Women should feel safe speaking up when PPE does not fit. A strong safety culture depends on honest communication.

Improved Safety Requires Industry-Wide Effort 

The NAWIC is continuing to advocate for protection, compliance, and respect for women in construction, and that includes proper PPE. When gear fits properly, women can work with confidence, avoid preventable injuries, and stay focused on the job. Employers also benefit, experiencing fewer incidents, reduced liability, and increased productivity.  

While the industry becomes more inclusive, it’s not there yet. NAWIC encourages women to speak up about poorly fitting PPE. It’s also working with employers to consistently accommodate a range of body types, and works with leading PPE manufacturers to accelerate product development. When all parts of the industry work together, every body is safer.