Last week, I had the opportunity to speak at the postponed IWD Women in Energy event in Jandowae, Qld. It was a great chance to share my story about how COgear came to be and why uniforms—particularly for women—deserve more attention.
As many of you know, I didn’t start in the fashion or textiles industry. My background is in commerce and I grew up in a small fishing and farming town in North Queensland. I’d always loved fashion but didn’t think I was creative enough for design, so I chose what I thought was a “safe” option. But what I’ve learned is that creativity often looks a lot like problem solving.
The Spark for COgear
The idea for COgear came to me while working as a Management Accountant on-site at Foxleigh, Central Queensland. My manager, Steph, was seven and a half months pregnant and about to go on maternity leave. There was no replacement lined up, so I was asked to sit in on a few meetings for professional development.
I remember sitting quietly in the corner, while everyone else—mostly men—sat comfortably around the table in their uniforms. Then there was Steph, sitting in an open hi-vis shirt with a singlet underneath.
What really struck me was that this meeting was about attracting more women into mining. Yet, Steph sat there looking anything but comfortable.
And in that moment, I thought: How about we start by offering workwear that actually supports women across all life stages?
That’s when I realized that workwear for women was severely lacking—and that’s how COgear was born.
Why Uniforms Matter
Enough about me—let’s talk about the real topic: Why uniforms matter.
I want you to think about the last time you received a set of uniforms. How did you feel when you first saw them?
- Were you excited, like when a parcel from your favorite online store shows up?
- Or were you indifferent because, well, they’re just uniforms?
- Maybe you already knew they wouldn’t fit right—too tight, too loose, too long, or uncomfortable, with no other options available.
- Or worst of all, you looked at them and thought, “Great. Another trip to get these altered.”
If your uniform fit perfectly from day one, you’re one of the lucky ones. But for many, uniform fittings aren’t always so simple.
Uniforms Are More Than Just Clothing
Uniforms aren’t just about looking professional—they’re often the first thing you receive when you start a new job. They’re a signal. A signal of welcome. A signal of inclusion. A signal that you’re part of the team.
Yet, for many companies, uniforms are still an afterthought—designed for someone, but not for everyone.
Why Workwear Needs to Change
Let’s be honest: women’s bodies aren’t just scaled-down versions of men’s bodies. And yet, that's often how workwear is designed. The real difference? We fluctuate—daily.
- Hormonal shifts
- Menstruation
- Pregnancy
- Menopause
All of these factors affect how we feel in our clothes every single day.
That’s why workwear needs to adapt to us. Because we change.
What It Can Look Like
At COgear, we’re changing the way workwear is designed. Our goal isn’t just to create better uniforms, but to create workwear that fits and supports women in all aspects of their lives.
For example:
- We created a zip-in extension panel for our jacket—and soon-to-be-released coveralls—so that one style can carry someone through pregnancy and beyond.
- All our pants come with tear-away hems (HMZ), so instead of needing to take your pants to an alterations person, you can adjust the length yourself—at your desk, during crib time, or at home watching TV.
- Across just 12 sizes, we offer 60 different fit combinations. That’s 5 length options in one physical pair of pants.
- And for those bloated or fluctuating days, we added stretch waistbands that help the pants move with you—not against you.
This Isn’t About COgear—It’s About You
Whether you’re the one wearing the uniform or in a position to choose them for your team, I want you to ask yourself: Does this uniform actually fit the people who wear it?
Because when workwear is designed for bodies that move, change, and work hard, we’re not just making uniforms better. We’re making workplaces better.