Is Your Company’s Workwear Inclusive? It Should Be

By Gilly Blackburn, Procurement Framework Director at Banner UK

At Banner, I work with businesses of every shape and size to help them meet the workwear and PPE needs of their workforce, and in my opinion, inclusive workwear should be the standard, not the exception. We’re talking about workwear that fits real bodies across shapes, genders, stages of life, and accessibility needs.

In this blog, I’ll dive into why most workwear isn’t inclusive, why it’s important, what it looks like, and where you can find it.

How is most workwear currently not inclusive?
From conversations I’ve had across all the industries we serve in the public and private sectors, one of the key issues that continues to come up is ‘unisex’ PPE. In other words, PPE that is really just tailored for men. I strongly believe that this is not just inconvenient – it’s a huge barrier to safety and inclusion.

For example, Women’s Engineering Society reported that just 26% of women think their PPE is comfortable, compared to 60% of men. Alarmingly, the same study also reported that 61% of pregnant women say they haven’t been provided with suitable PPE for their needs.

In a campaign to raise awareness of these issues, NAWIC Yorkshire reported that 59.6% of women end up wearing clothing originally designed for men, describing how this “impacts self-confidence, perceived professionalism, as well as health and safety hazards, despite the products being available on the market.”

This issue isn’t just affecting women. Inclusive workwear is just as vital for people at different life stages and with different needs, such as those going through menopause, people with disabilities, or employees who use mobility aids or prosthetics. If safety equipment doesn’t account for an individual’s physical requirements, it simply can’t do its job. For someone who already faces barriers to employment, this lack of consideration can be especially discouraging.

This isn’t just about statistics, it’s about real people. In my job, I often hear from people who trip over oversized trousers, who struggle to work efficiently in stiff or baggy garments, and who feel uncomfortable and unsafe in workwear clearly not designed with them in mind. Some of these people sadly have to leave their roles altogether because the message is clear – this environment wasn’t built with them in mind.

I believe this is something every business has the responsibility to change.

Why is inclusive workwear so important?

1. Safety and compliance
   Well-fitting PPE is essential for safety and comfort. When safety clothing fits well, it helps prevent accidents like sleeves catching in machinery or trips caused by oversized trousers. UK PPE Regulations make it clear that employers must provide properly fitting protective equipment for everyone, which not only keeps things legal but also decreases workplace injuries.
2. Wellbeing and performance
   When people feel uncomfortable in their clothing, it can also affect their performance. We have found that when employees feel comfortable in their workwear, they can concentrate better on their tasks instead of fussing with ill-fitting equipment.

3. DEI and brand reputation
   Inclusive workwear is a cultural issue, and by supplying it you will send a clear signal that your business values everyone equally. In sectors facing recruitment challenges, showing a commitment to equity and inclusion helps you attract and retain underrepresented talent. It also strengthens your reputation among clients, stakeholders and procurement frameworks that now prioritise DEI credentials.

What types of inclusive workwear exist?
I advise clients daily on how inclusive workwear can be used to support the full spectrum of people who show up to work every day. This involves working hard to identify and offer ranges that do just that.

• Women-Specific PPE
  Tailored hi-vis jackets and safety boots sized and ergonomically designed for women.
• Maternity & Menopause Ranges
  Adjustable overalls, stretch panels, breathable fabric designed for changing bodies.
• Gender-Neutral & Plus-Size Clothing
  Extended sizes and flexible cuts that suit varied body shapes.
• Adaptive & Specialist Options
  PPE accommodating prosthetics, medical devices, or accessibility needs.

Banner delivers a curated range including:

• Banner women’s hi‑vis jacket – tailored seams, ergonomic cut
• Banner maternity stretch trousers – adjustable waist, breathable fabric
• Banner plus‑size stretch coveralls – four-way stretch panels

Where can you find inclusive workwear?
Inclusive workwear isn’t a trend for us, it’s part of how we do business. We provide inclusive workwear that reflects the diversity of the UK workforce. In my view, providing the right equipment is about respecting your team and getting the job done safely.

Our inclusive workwear solutions include:

• Expert-led consultation to understand your workforce needs
• Specialised training and fitting services to ensure every employee knows how to correctly use their PPE
• Recycling services that help promote a zero-waste to landfill policy