Women in Construction: 5 Essential Women’s Workwear Pieces

There’s no such thing as a “man’s industry” or “woman’s industry,” and the many awesome female construction workers around the world prove it every day! Although women still hold just 11 percent of construction industry jobs, their work speaks for itself. Ahead, we’ll look at the state of the construction industry for women workers and how women are taking a bigger role on today’s construction projects. Plus, don’t miss our preview of five awesome pieces of women’s workwear for the modern lady on the job site!

Women Workers in the Post-COVID Construction Recovery

First, some encouraging news: According to the Center for American Progress, more women work in construction now than did before the COVID pandemic. Women have taken the opportunities presented by a hot labor market and used it to continue their steady push into the construction industry. In addition, it’s clear that mentorship and community support programs for women in construction are making a difference. Some states are seeing strong results in women’s participation in construction apprenticeship programs, for example.

Organizations like the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) offer resources such as scholarships and networking to help women build a career in construction (no pun intended). Here’s another thing that the construction industry can be proud of: The gender pay gap in construction is much smaller than in other industries, according to NAWIC. That’s huge, especially when the gender pay gap is still very much present in almost every other sector!

How the Construction Industry Can Recruit More Women Workers

Women have long been excluded from the construction labor pool, and there’s no better time to fix that than right now. In fact, recruiting women could potentially play a big part in how some construction companies navigate the construction labor shortage! What are the most important things that the construction industry can do to attract women workers?

• Taking a zero-tolerance approach to harassment and discrimination
• Creating opportunities for women’s advancement and professional development
• Working with organizations like NAWIC, local trade unions and community colleges to create a pathway to employment for female construction workers
• Purchasing well-made women’s workwear designed specifically for women, such as reflective clothing in women’s sizes

HiVis Supply is here to help with that last part. Read on for five awesome suggestions for high visibility women’s workwear!

Five Must-Have Pieces of Women’s Workwear

1. Radians ST21W Women’s Class 3 Max-Dri Long Sleeve T-Shirt

This ANSI Class 3 long-sleeve tee is an awesome choice for any woman who needs a cost-effective, all-season work shirt. The Max-Dri birdseye mesh fabric wicks away moisture, making this a perfect base layer in cold weather or a comfy top layer in more moderate temps.

2. Kishigo JS144 Black Series Class 3 Hi Vis Ladies Softshell Jacket

Hard-working women will love this ANSI Class 3 softshell jacket for its athletic design, superior flexibility and reflective performance. Built-in underarm vents keep you cool while the sleek black accents and reflective piping create a garment that’s built to keep you safe, seen and stylish.

3. Kishigo S5021/S5022 HiVis Class 2 Women's Black Series Heavy Duty Surveyors Safety Vest

This ANSI Class 2 surveyor’s vest is the perfect utility vest for women who need superior visibility and tons of storage. The surveyor vest design brings an abundance of pockets into play, and the mesh design is both comfy enough for long days and durable enough for getting your hands dirty.

4. GSS Safety 5125 Class 2 Hi Vis Lime/Pink Ladies Short Sleeve Safety T-Shirt

A breathable hi vis work shirt is a must-have on a lot of job sites, which is why we recommend this economically priced ANSI Class 2 ladies’ safety t-shirt. Its unique pink side stripe offers a pop of extra contrast to improve visibility further, and its polyester mesh design allows air to circulate freely for improved comfort.

5. Radians SV6W Class 2 HiVis Women’s Surveyor Safety Vest

Get the female-first design and expanded functionality that you want from a women’s surveyor vest, all at an affordable price point! Its ANSI Class 2 visibility performance is perfect for keeping a woman safe and seen on the job site.

HiVis Supply offers a full line of women’s workwear selected from the industry’s top brands. Shop all of our women’s workwear now, or read our guide to women’s workwear to learn why it’s so important for women in construction to have hi vis gear that’s designed specifically for them!