Built for Her: The Journey of Workwear Designed for Tradeswomen
When I first started working in the trades, I quickly realized there was a major gap in the workwear available for women. As I was putting on baggy pants and oversized jackets that were meant for men, I began to wonder: Why isn’t there workwear designed for women who actually work in these fields? The truth is, for a long time, women in trades were either overlooked or expected to wear ill-fitting gear that didn’t meet their needs. But over the years, the landscape has started to shift, and brands like Konstellation are leading the way toward a future where tradeswomen have gear that works for them.
A Historical Look at Workwear for Women in the Trades
Historically, women in trades were few and far between. In fact, working in construction, plumbing, or carpentry was considered a man’s job—something women didn’t belong in. As more women started breaking into these fields, they were met with the reality that the workwear available to them wasn’t designed with their bodies in mind. When women were allowed into the workforce during periods like World War II, for example, they were expected to wear men's gear, which wasn’t just uncomfortable—it wasn’t built for the kind of hard work they were doing.
Even as women began to enter the trades in greater numbers in the 1970s and 80s, there was little progress in the world of workwear. Women were often forced to wear oversized, ill-fitting clothing designed for men, or there were just very few options available. These early steps were important, but there was still a long way to go.
The Turning Point: More Women Entering the Trades
It wasn’t until the late 20th century and into the early 2000s that things really began to change. More women entered traditionally male-dominated fields like construction, plumbing, and electrical work, and they started demanding better options for their workwear. Slowly but surely, the industry began to recognize the need for workwear that was designed to fit women’s bodies, perform well, and offer the durability needed to tackle tough jobs.
But the workwear options available were still limited. Small brands began to offer slightly better fits, but women’s workwear was still considered niche. It was clear that there was a market, but the mainstream didn’t quite catch up yet.
The Rise of Women-Centered Workwear Brands
Today, things are looking much different. Now, as more women take on skilled trades, there’s finally a bigger focus on providing gear that fits their unique needs. And that’s where Konstellation comes in. We’re a brand created by women who understand the struggles tradeswomen face—because we’ve lived it. We’re committed to creating workwear that blends durability, comfort, and functionality, specifically for women in the trades.
At Konstellation, we design workwear that fits the female body, not the standard male body. We’ve all been there—trying to work in pants that are too big in the waist or jackets that restrict movement. That’s why we focus on designs that allow for flexibility, provide a better fit, and offer a more tailored approach to tradeswomen’s clothing. Women don’t have to make do with ill-fitting workwear anymore—we’re giving you the gear you actually need.
But it’s not just about fit. It’s about practicality. I’ve learned firsthand that workwear needs to withstand long hours and tough conditions. Whether it's reinforced knees, moisture-wicking fabrics, or utility pockets to keep your tools close, the workwear needs to keep up with the demands of the job. And that’s exactly what we’ve prioritized in our designs.
The Future of Workwear for Tradeswomen
We’re only at the beginning of this journey, and there’s so much more to come. The future of workwear for women in the trades looks incredibly promising. With more women entering skilled trades every day, the need for better, more inclusive workwear is growing—and brands like Konstellation are here to meet that need head-on.
It’s an exciting time to be part of this change, and I’m so proud of the role we’re playing in shaping the future of women’s workwear. We want all tradeswomen to feel empowered, confident, and supported in their work, and the right gear is an essential part of that.
The story of women’s workwear in the trades is one of persistence, resilience, and progress. From being overlooked to finally getting the attention it deserves, this evolution reflects the broader cultural shift happening in the workforce. With Konstellation leading the way, we’re shaping a more inclusive, functional, and stylish future for women in the trades.
I’d love to hear from you! What part of this evolution stands out most to you? Have you felt the change in your own career? Let’s continue the conversation on Instagram and TikTok—follow us for updates, new product drops, and empowering stories from tradeswomen around the world. Don’t forget to tag us in your photos—let’s see how you wear Konstellation on the job!