Building site clothes!

30 replies

Questionsquestions23 · 12/08/2025 07:14

I am a older woman who has just got a job labouring on a building site!! Whoop whoop! Now I have the site trousers with all the pockets - I can’t wear a belt as so uncomfortable when I bend over all day and my top rides up a bit at the back and I really don’t want a builders bum! So please any tops that would work - considering a body top but would it give an uncomfortable feeling? And long t shirts? And suggestions please with a link if possible - I have quite a long body xxx thanks in advance no boobage either please xxx

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Paaseitjes · 12/08/2025 08:45

I would get some long line maybe mens sports/running tops. The dirt will wash out better and they'll be much less sweaty than cotton, and won't be so cold if you get a bit damp when it rains. I would also recommend some sports bras to keep everything in place and stop chafing and sweat patches.

Original poster

Questionsquestions23 · 12/08/2025 09:20

Newyeargymwanker · 12/08/2025 08:21

Currently my fav subject!
I also work in construction and spend way too much time trying to find the perfect outfits (I’m a bit of a girly girl but also a 45yr old carpenter)

I’d reconsider the belt? under armour make a stretchy one that is very comfortable. I have currently four pairs of work trousers all of which give me builders bum by the end of the day without the belt.

I’m convinced that most companies take the male clothing label off and stick a women’s on, the fit is terrible for a waist and hips. So try different brands? The best fit I have are Scruffs, the comfiest are regatta, and site fall in the middle.
Theres an Australian brand called BAD that look really well designed but expensive. And delivery times are long - they ship from Australia (but don’t mention that on the website). I had some amazing safety glasses from them.
I have a long line hoodie from them that is brilliant, water resistant and warm. Also bright pink. Thought I looked the business in it, but then our site colour is yellow and I wasn’t allowed to wear it.

If you have a way of stopping hair from snapping while wearing a hard had I’d be grateful if you could share? I tried putting a satin scarf in it and again wasn’t allowed as it wasn’t fastened in.

Oh wow thanks so much! I’m quite girly too! I went for site king trousers and already had my steel toe caps when I did my course - my hard hat is white - I don’t think they’ll be too struck on tops within reason but I’ll report back - I’ve got a bright yellow vest I’ve got to wear - they gave me 3 Coll definitely let you know about hair- I see my hairdresser in a couple of weeks - she might have some suggestions! You really are an expert xxx

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Original poster

Questionsquestions23 · 12/08/2025 09:21

Paaseitjes · 12/08/2025 08:45

Edited

thats A brilliant reply thanks for all your ideas - I’ve 2 sports bras but will reinvest today xxx

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Original poster

Questionsquestions23 · 12/08/2025 09:23

dogcatkitten · 12/08/2025 08:27

I used to just wear jeans, with a belt and tee shirts in the summer, you may have to wear a hi-vi jacket or vest over the top no matter how hot! Good working gloves also essential, toe protector shoes a bit easier on the feet than proper toe protector boots if they allow, and toe protector wellies if its really muddy if you don't want to get covered. Be prepared for winter, building sites in freezing temperatures or driving snow are a bit rough! Have fun and it's a good way to keep fit without the gym fees.

Thank you! It’s going to be hot for sure! And then cold in the winter but it’s a challenge and I’m super excited- thanks so much for all this! Brilliant x

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Original poster

Questionsquestions23 · 12/08/2025 09:26

SkankingWombat · 12/08/2025 08:27

I wear a mix of unisex polo shirts in a size bigger than I'd choose to wear normally and DH's old T-shirts. I like roomy so they don't cling or ride up as I move (think fixing things above your head, not just bum coverage as you bend down). The polos look smarter, but the heavy duty poly cotton blend is very hot in summer. DH's cotton T-shirts are much nicer this time of year.
It can be worth trying out different brands of trousers too to avoid builder's bum. Specific women's versions are much more readily available than they were 20-odd years ago, but I still prefer men's. I find the women's are too tightly tailored to be practical (although they are much more flattering!) and make crawling around in tight spaces impossible as the fabric doesn't have enough give. However, because men's fit understandably doesn't take into account our wider hips and bum, I find I need to go up a size. This in turn means they can sit very low resulting in a builder's bum and/or splitting the crotch when crouching... With much trial and error, I found some men's pairs that both get over my hips and sit on my waist properly, but it took years to find the right pair!

I hope you enjoy the work, it is a rare choice for women but even more so at an older age. I have a trade, but would be sent to work with the labourers for odd weeks as an apprentice depending on where help was needed within the small general building company I was with. It gave a good overview of different stages of the build that I otherwise wouldn't have been much involved in, I enjoyed a lot of the physicality and the added variety was welcome, but it was a tough job even as a young adult. The weeks in Winter spent digging footings by hand were particularly grim. At 41, I am already planning my exit off the tools as my body is beginning to feel it.

I’m excited but nervous the company is all older chaps so the work rate won’t be that fast they said so Hoping I can pull
my weight!!! Wish I’d started younger though! Xx

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