Women's summer workwear is not the same as men's. The fit is different. The safety needs are different. And for too long, women have been handed kit that wasn't built for them. This guide cuts through that. For a full overview of staying safe in the heat, see our Complete Guide to Summer Workwear.
Why standard PPE doesn't fit women — and why that matters
Most PPE starts as a men's pattern. Then it gets scaled down. That sounds fine, but it isn't.
Women have a different shape — broader hips, narrower shoulders, a shorter torso. A shrunken men's garment doesn't account for any of that. You get excess fabric around the arms and legs. That fabric can catch on machinery. It can trap hot air instead of letting it out. It can pull across the chest when you reach up. These aren't comfort problems. They are safety problems.
A 2016 survey by the TUC and Prospect found that 57% of women said their PPE sometimes or significantly hampered their work. That's more than half. And according to the ONS, 15.8% of the UK construction workforce were women as of mid-2023. That's over 300,000 people going to work in kit that often wasn't made for them.
What does the law say about women's PPE?
The law is clear. Under the Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992, employers must provide PPE that is suitable for the individual. HSE guidance (L25, 4th edition 2022) states that PPE must fit correctly and not restrict movement. If a women's-fit option exists and is needed for safe use, an employer should provide it — free of charge.
Since April 2022, the PPER 2022 extended these duties to limb (b) workers — that includes gig workers and contractors. So it's not just employed staff who are covered. If you're sending someone on site, the fit of their PPE is your responsibility. BSI is also developing BS 30417, a new guide covering inclusive PPE provision. It signals that women's-fit workwear is now an industry priority, not an option.
The coolest fabrics for summer workwear
In summer, fabric choice makes or breaks your day. Heavy cotton holds sweat against your skin. It gets heavier as the day goes on. It takes ages to dry. Avoid it for outdoor or physical work in warm weather.
What to look for instead:
- Moisture-wicking polyester — pulls sweat away from your skin and lets it evaporate fast
- Mesh-vented panels — open weave sections under the arms or down the sides that let hot air out
- Lightweight ripstop — a tight grid weave that stays light even when tough
- EcoViz and recycled fabrics — breathable performance fabrics made from recycled materials, used in several hi-vis ranges
A 65/35 polyester-cotton blend is lighter than 100% cotton. But for maximum breathability on a hot day, look for 100% polyester performance fabrics with wicking treatment. The difference after four hours outdoors is significant.
Women's hi-vis for summer: what to look for
Hi-vis has to be compliant. In the UK, the standard is EN ISO 20471. There are three classes:
- Class 1 — lowest level, suits lower-risk environments
- Class 2 — needed for many road and site roles
- Class 3 — required near fast-moving traffic or high-risk sites
Look for the EN ISO 20471 label inside the garment. That label tells you the class and the colour. Only yellow, orange, and red count as compliant hi-vis colours. The old EN 471 standard was replaced in 2013. If you're still wearing garments certified to EN 471, they're no longer compliant.
The good news: women's-fit hi-vis now exists at Class 2 and Class 3. You don't have to choose between being visible and being comfortable. Look for polo shirts and fitted jackets in breathable fabrics rather than oversized jackets built on a men's pattern. Browse our full range of hi-vis polo shirts, or see our guide to the best breathable hi-vis t-shirts for summer work.
Leo Pippacott Hi Vis Womens Polo Shirt EcoViz Class 2
Leo Barricane Hi Vis Long Sleeve Polo Shirt Class 3 Yellow or Railway Orange
Pulsar Protect Women's Hi Vis Orange Polo Shirt RIS-3279-TOM Railway
Summer work trousers for women
Standard work trousers are cut for a man's build. Narrow hips, straight waist, long rise. Put them on a woman and you get one of two problems: they're tight across the hips or too loose at the waist. Either way, you're adjusting all day.
Women's-cut work trousers use a different pattern. The hip-to-waist ratio is wider. The rise is shorter. Pockets are placed for a woman's reach, not a man's. In summer, look for stretch fabric. It moves with you and doesn't trap heat the way rigid canvas does. For hi-vis roles, women's-fit hi-vis trousers are now available with stretch panels and proper sizing — not just a relabelled men's pair.
Browse our summer work trousers collection, or see our full guide to the best summer work trousers for more options.
Safety footwear for women in summer
Safety boots are built on a last — the mould the boot is shaped around. Most lasts are based on a men's foot. That means a wider toe box, more volume through the mid-foot, and a heavier overall build. Women's feet are narrower. The fit is wrong from the start.
In summer, boots make this worse. They're hot. Heavy boots trap heat around your feet all day. In warm weather, look for safety trainers instead of full boots. They're lighter, lower-cut, and most have mesh panels that let air through. For toe protection, look for composite caps rather than steel — composite is lighter and doesn't conduct heat the way steel does.
If you do need a boot, look for options with breathable mesh lining and a women's-specific last where available. Our breathable safety footwear range includes lighter options for warm-weather work. For a full breakdown, see our guide to women's safety trainers and our best breathable safety shoes for summer work.
Sun protection for outdoor workers
If you work outside, sun protection is part of your PPE. It's easy to overlook. UV damage builds up over years and the effects are serious. Look for garments with a UPF rating — that's the fabric equivalent of SPF. UPF 50 blocks 98% of UV rays. A standard white cotton t-shirt gives you UPF 5 to 10.
Long sleeves protect more skin but feel hotter. Modern UPF-rated fabrics are lightweight enough that a long sleeve top in summer is bearable. Short sleeves are cooler but leave your forearms exposed. The trade-off depends on your role and how much direct sun you're getting. Browse our UV workwear collection, or read our full guide: UV Protection Workwear Explained.
A note on maternity workwear
Pregnant workers still need compliant PPE. Wearing an oversized men's jacket is not the answer — excess fabric creates the same catch hazards we covered earlier, and it's not compliant if it doesn't fit correctly.
Maternity hi-vis garments do exist. Options include polo shirts with elasticated side seams that grow with the bump, and cargo trousers with over-bump waistbands. Check the ladies summer workwear collection for current availability, or speak to us directly if you need maternity-specific PPE for a team member.
Leo Workwear Hi Vis Jacket Ladies Breathable Yellow Rosemoor RIS-3279-TOM
Frequently asked questions
Do employers have to provide women's-fit PPE?
Yes, if it's needed for safe use. Under the Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 (updated 2022), employers must provide PPE that is suitable for the individual wearer. If standard unisex PPE doesn't fit correctly and affects safety, employers should provide a women's-fit alternative — free of charge. This duty now extends to limb (b) workers and contractors, not just permanent employees.
What is the best hi-vis for women in summer?
Look for a women's-fit polo shirt or short-sleeve top rated to EN ISO 20471 Class 2 or Class 3, depending on your site requirements. Fabrics with moisture-wicking polyester and mesh-vented panels keep you coolest. Avoid oversized men's jackets — they trap heat and create excess fabric around the arms. A fitted hi-vis polo is both compliant and far more comfortable in warm weather.
Are there women's safety trainers for summer work?
Yes. Safety trainers are a lighter, lower-cut alternative to full boots and suit summer work well. Look for options with composite toe caps (lighter than steel and don't conduct heat), mesh uppers for breathability, and a narrower last if you have a slim foot. Our women's safety trainers guide covers what to look for in detail.
Can pregnant workers get compliant hi-vis workwear?
Yes. Maternity hi-vis workwear is available — including polo shirts with elasticated side seams and cargo trousers with over-bump waistbands. These are designed to stay compliant with EN ISO 20471 as the garment stretches. A pregnant worker should never have to wear an oversized standard garment — excess fabric is a catch hazard and the PPE won't be correctly fitted.
What fabric is coolest for summer workwear?
Moisture-wicking polyester is the coolest option for most summer work. It pulls sweat away from your skin and lets it evaporate fast. Look for mesh-vented panels under the arms or down the sides for added airflow. Avoid heavy cotton — it holds sweat against your skin and gets heavier through the day. A 65/35 poly-cotton blend is a middle ground if you prefer a softer feel.