From Small Idea to Big Impact: The Evolution of COgear's Inclusive Workwear Range

Eleven years ago, Kym O’Leary, embarked on a journey into workwear innovation with a simple mission: to create a solution for pregnant women who needed to wear hi-vis gear. Little did she know that this initial idea would evolve into a comprehensive range of inclusive workwear for women's fluctuating bodies.

At the time, the concept of a women's hi-vis maternity shirt may have appeared small, but to her, it represented a significant leap forward. Inspiration stemmed from first hand experience while observing her pregnant manager struggling with ill-fitting workwear at Foxleigh mine in Central Queensland.

Despite facing challenges such as limited fabric choices and design constraints to remain compliant with AS/NZS standards, she remained determined to find a solution. As she persisted, the vision expanded, and began to recognise the broader impact it could have on women in traditionally male-dominated industries.

Today, looking back on this journey and taking pride in the progress Kym and COgear has achieved, it serves as a testament to the fact that even the smallest ideas can lead to profound change when approached with unwavering determination and an open-minded perspective.

From humble beginnings, Kym's commitment to creating inclusive workwear has grown into a core aspect of COgear’s brand identity. The company continues to push boundaries and challenge norms, striving to provide women with workwear that not only fits well but also empowers them to feel comfortable and confident in any environment.

As we celebrate these achievements, COgear remains dedicated to driving further innovation and fostering inclusivity within the workwear industry. Together, we can continue to make a meaningful difference in the lives of women everywhere.