With summer approaching, it’s important for pregnant construction workers to access clothing that not only keeps them safe but is comfortable and adapts to a changing body. While the construction apparel manufacturing industry at large still doesn’t offer a wide range of options for pregnant women, some companies have answered the call.
Also, the July 19, 2023 U.S. Department of Labor announcement of proposed rulemaking to clarify the personal protective equipment (PPE) standard for the construction industry as the current standard does not state clearly that PPE must fit each affected employee properly as does the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's general industry and maritime standards has created potential for more options for pregnant women.
Brands Making Summer Maternity Clothes
COGear notes it has taken into account feedback from working pregnant women to create maternity workwear for jobs in heavy industry, providing safe and comfortable workwear to meet their needs throughout the maternity journey. The workwear has been designed to look like everyday gear and is available in sizes 4 -26.
The Sue Hi Vis Over Tummy Maternity Work Cargo Pants are made with cotton fabric and features elastic side panels enabling unrestricted movement. The tummy band attached to the cargo pants is designed to be highly flexible and takes shape as the wearer’s body grows. Leg length is tailored with a cut-to-fit design. Segmented under knee reflective tape offers visibility for added safety.
For optimal visibility, the pants can be paired with the Mae Hi Vis Maternity Work Shirt, made from fire-resistant fabric and featuring adjustable gusset cuffs, double chest pockets, a sun collar, and segmented tape. The company offer two choices of under tummy maternity work cargo pants: the Anna Hi-Vis FR CAT 2 and the Suzie Hi-Vis.
The company suggests pairing the Anna pants with the Olive Hi Vis FR PPE2 Maternity Work Shirt, which offers similar features as the Mae. The Maternity Jacket and Vest Extension is designed to offer expectant mothers a customized and adaptable fit throughout a pregnancy with the CO502 Nora 4-in-1 Hi Visibility Jacket with Removable Vest. Two detachable middle extension pieces are designed to easily zip into both the jacket and the vest. The jacket can be partially opened for added comfort using the snaps.
Dovetail Workwear – a company run by women for women needing appropriate workwear – offers the Maven maternity line of workwear pants. The pants are constructed of heavy-duty 12-ounce power stretch denim, the Dovetail Workwear custom Beyond Bellyband design, integrated elastic waist inserts, and a gusseted crotch. The pants also feature a hidden elastic back waistband, Maven slim style, 10 functional pockets, a tool loop, double-front thigh panels, and a hip slot to hang or clip.
Maternity Work Pants
National Safety Apparel offers women's UltraSoft flame resistant (FR) maternity work pants. They feature a CAT 2 rating, and an arc rating of 12 cal/cm². The Westex Ultrasoft FR fabric is designed to not melt, drip, or ignite. The pants are dual certified to protect against flash fire and arc flash hazards and meet NFPA 70E and ASTM F1506 standards.
The pants feature a covered front fly closure; reinforced front, back and hip pockets, and leg openings made to fit over work boots. The pants include a rib knit panel for extra comfort that will grow with the wearer during pregnancy. The National Safety Apparel company advises those shopping for maternity work wear through its website to go up one size in its FR women’s shirts to accommodate a changing body when expecting.
Blacklader offers maternity service pants with stretch. The scratch-free service pants are crafted from two-way stretch fabric and are designed with four-way stretch panels on the rear, crotch, and knees. The pants have magnetic buttons and concealed features with loops at the waist for a belt so an optional nail pocket can be added.
The pants are 63 percent polyester, 33 percent cotton and four percent elastolefin. Other details include straps; an extended waistband back; a high cuff at the waist with elastic at the top, and a D-ring.
Other features: leg pockets with bellow; a pen and knife pocket with hidden magnetic buttons and flap; inner knee protection pockets; inner telephone pocket, an inner ruler pocket, and an extension feature at the bottom.
