Women in skilled trades are no longer the exception, they’re on site every day, from landscaping and groundworks through to roofing, fabrication and site management.
These are professionals shaping the environments we live and work in across Europe, the Middle East and Africa – and they need kit that performs accordingly.
Launched today (7 May) is workwear aiming to do just that. Global premium workwear brand Carhartt has introduced Women’s Steel Pants, designed to meet recognised European standards across safety, comfort and on-site performance.
Certified to Oeko‑Tex Standard 100, the fabrics have been tested for harmful substances to ensure they’re safe against the skin during long working days. They also comply with EN ISO 13688:2013, the core benchmark for protective workwear design, covering everything from fit and ergonomics to durability and labelling.
The pants are certified to EN 14404-4:2024 Type 2, so are approved for use with integrated knee pad systems – offering reliable protection and comfort for trades that spend extended time working at ground level.
Although numbers of women working in landscaping is difficult to quantify currently, they represent around 9 to 10% of the construction workforce across Europe, with steady growth continuing year on year, Carhartt states.
“This shift is being driven by the industry’s increasing reliance on a broader, more diverse and skilled workforce, particularly as labour shortages persist.” Against this backdrop, providing durable, well-fitting workwear designed specifically for women “isn’t just a response to demand”, it adds, but “a clear opportunity to support a growing segment of the market while strengthening long-term business performance”.
Key characteristics
At the core is an 8 oz stretch ripstop fabric, engineered to move with the body while holding its shape over time. The blend combines cotton for durability, polyester for structure and elastane for controlled stretch, to “deliver comfort without compromising resilience”.
“In high-wear areas, the trousers are reinforced with Cordura™ fabric, precisely where it’s needed most, including pockets, seams and key tool contact points.”
Mobility is built into the construction; a gusseted crotch reduces tension when kneeling or stepping up, while the Comfortflex waistband provides support without restriction. “The overall fit is designed to allow full freedom of movement without unnecessary bulk.”
Finally, the pocket system is shaped around real on-site use, offering practical storage, easy access and balanced distribution to support productivity throughout the day.
Carhartt has been developing durable products for workers on and off the job since its foundation in Detroit, Michigan in 1889 and is known for their rugged construction, innovative designs, exceptional quality standards, sturdiness and comfort.
Under the motto, ‘Honest value for an honest dollar’, the iconic Carhartt bib overall was created and rapidly evolved into the standard for quality workwear.
Since 2000, the brand has been brought to workers in Europe from Carhartt EMEA in Amsterdam. From there, the company distributes and manages all its business in more than 20 countries in Europe.
Carhartt workwear spans tough, comfortable work trousers, rugged, durable work jackets and stain wicking and odour fighting work T-shirts and certified safety shoes and work boots.
Go to www.carhartt.com for more information and click here for the Carhartt brand video.
