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Women's workwear: When proper fit becomes a safety issue

DW English · Apr 27, 2026, 5:10 PM

Key takeaways

  • With limited options, many women in trades and industry have to wear men's workwear.
  • As a shunting attendant at DB Cargo, a subsidiary of German railway giant Deutsche Bahn, she checks brakes, inspects undercarriages and couples and uncouples freight cars.
  • Her work clothes have to move with her every step: bending, climbing, turning and walking kilometers on uneven ground.

Why this matters: an international story with cross-border implications worth tracking.

With limited options, many women in trades and industry have to wear men's workwear. But a poor fit causes discomfort and can compromise safety. Now, some firms are stepping up to design safer, better-fitting gear.

https://p.dw.com/p/5C9LIIn many occupations, special protective clothing must be worn by men and women for safety reasons, it should also fit properly Image: Anne Großmann Fotografie Advertisement Jennifer Herb spends a lot of time alongside railway tracks in all kinds of weather.

As a shunting attendant at DB Cargo, a subsidiary of German railway giant Deutsche Bahn, she checks brakes, inspects undercarriages and couples and uncouples freight cars.

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