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Dressing for Success in Construction: Tips and Guidelines

First of all, I’m a guy, why in the world would you listen to me on this topic? I have no business talking about this. I’m a dude, and I have no business weighing in on how a woman should dress at work. So, in order to create this blog post (because it’s a commonly searched topic on the internet), I asked an expert, Kate Schroeder. She gave me this answer, and you’re going to love it: “Whatever she wants to wear.” 

What Should a Female Construction Project Manager Wear?

So, the answer is whatever she feels comfortable with that fits within these parameters. We’re not going to decide or recommend what a female employee should wear on a construction project, but I will give you some guidelines in case you’re the one typing this into your search engine and you want some help. Kate’s got our back. I did this entire outline with her. Let’s roll.

Business Casual for Women

First, look up business casual for women. I did that the other day, and it was highly professional. With the exception of sleeveless shirts or shirts that don’t cover the entire body (which might be unsafe per OSHA regulations or whatever regulations you have in your country), business casual dress seems very appropriate. In fact, we will link you in the description below to some good references for that so you can get a good representative idea.

Comparing Guidelines with Male Attire

Kate suggested comparing it to what a male wears and then adjusting for your style and what you want to wear. Here are some parameters:

  1. Pants: They should go from the waist down to your boots, be professional, clean, and without holes.
  2. Shirt: Should have sleeves, and for men at least, a collar. It should be professional and appropriate for the work environment and sturdy enough for a construction project.
  3. Boots: Substantial leather boots that go past the ankle, steel-toed if required. Make sure they are the right boots for the job.
  4. Sleeves: At least four inches over your shoulder and arm on a construction project.
  5. No Holes: No stylish holes or ratty clothing in any part of your outfit.
  6. Professional Appearance: Ensure that your outfit fits with your personal protective equipment (PPE). This includes hairstyle, jewelry, and any other part of your outfit.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

As a female project manager, you will want to have your own hardhat, safety glasses, vest, gloves, hearing protection, and boots. Your PPE should be custom-tailored to your company, style, and sizes so that they fit properly when you’re out in the field. Whether you’re male or female, the way you wear your PPE will signal whether or not people take you seriously. Make sure your hard hats, glasses, vests, gloves, and boots are serious and well-kept.

Importance of Dressing According to Safety Standards

However you dress is up to you, but it must be within the parameters of how to dress properly and safely on a construction project. Unfortunately, dresses and skirts are not typically conducive to a construction environment as they don’t keep your skin protected. Many people keep their arms uncovered, but there’s a trend towards wearing long sleeves even in hot weather to keep most of your skin covered.

Important Reminders When Dressing for Construction

Here’s some advice for everyone. Women do not need to look sweet at work, put on makeup, or do their hair. Just like men, women should come to work looking professional but without the extra pressure to look pretty or put together. We need to provide a psychologically safe environment where men and women are treated equally.

What to Avoid Doing as a Female in Construction

As a female project manager, do not adjust the way you dress in response to men. Dress how you feel comfortable, what is professional, and according to safety standards. You should show up how you want, dress how you want, and look how you want. This should be an equal and psychologically safe environment.

Connecting with People in Construction

Dress in a way that forms a connection with the craft, workers, and foremen. Don’t base it on what men will think; base it on how you can best connect with the people on your project site. A three-piece suit or a full outfit might not be the best idea, but coming unprepared or looking scraggly isn’t either. The answer is somewhere in the middle.

Final Thoughts

If you have any questions, ask another woman in construction—they’ll be able to guide you. At the end of the day, you shouldn’t be listening to me because I’m a dude. Wear what you feel comfortable wearing.

I hope you found this blog post useful and that it respects and elevates women in construction. On we go!

If you want to learn more we have:

-Takt Virtual Training: (Click here)
-Check out our Youtube channel for more info: (Click here) 
-Listen to the Elevate Construction podcast: (Click here) 
-Check out our training programs and certifications: (Click here)
-The Takt Book: (Click here)

Discover Jason’s Expertise:

Meet Jason Schroeder, the driving force behind Elevate Construction IST. As the company’s owner and principal consultant, he’s dedicated to taking construction to new heights. With a wealth of industry experience, he’s crafted the Field Engineer Boot Camp and Superintendent Boot Camp – intensive training programs engineered to cultivate top-tier leaders capable of steering their teams towards success. Jason’s vision? To expand his training initiatives across the nation, empowering construction firms to soar to unprecedented levels of excellence.

On we go!