Preventing Overproduction

At COgear, we avoid overproduction by focusing on products our customers specifically request. When we receive a new request, we first test if the product is genuinely needed or if we can improve an existing solution. We then gather input from the women who want the product, asking questions like how they wear it and what their current frustrations are. This process often takes time.

For instance, when we began redesigning our maternity range, we held a workshop in Moranbah with women who had been or were currently pregnant on-site. Although we didn't have a clear path forward by the end of the workshop, we gained a valuable understanding of what women didn't want. This insight was crucial.

To find the best solutions, we dive deep and listen to real feedback, even when it feels challenging. After Moranbah, we brainstormed and delivered the first round of samples to women across Queensland, including Blackwater, Dysart, Mackay, and Brisbane. The feedback was more optimistic, and six months later, we had happy pregnant women wearing well-fitting, flattering hi-vis workwear. This success was a highlight for the COgear team, proving that we could deliver what some had deemed impossible.

Focused on innovation and creating add-ons

We prioritise designing for women's needs over industry norms and easy solutions. Our founder, Kym, who forged her own path since leaving school at 15, shapes our approach. By integrating innovative solutions like HMZ's tear-away hems and creating extension pieces for maternity fits, we ensure our products meet real needs and adapt to women's fluctuating bodies. This also streamlines our backend operations: our warehouse stocks only high-sell-through garments, reducing excess inventory and minimising waste.

Eliminating Plastics

Plastic bags often harm wildlife, such as turtles that mistake them for jellyfish, and microplastics—tiny particles from products made with recycled plastic bottles—are increasingly found in unexpected places, including human bodies. To mitigate this impact, we’ve removed as much plastic from our packaging as possible. Our warehouse now stores products neatly folded and secured with cardboard wraps. Additionally, we’ve eliminated unnecessary swing tags in favour of QR codes, and our standard procedure for shipping stock involves repurposing packaging whenever possible.

Embracing Simplicity

Simplicity is often the toughest goal for any business to achieve, and we've embraced it as a key to staying at the forefront of women's workwear. We take pride in tackling tough challenges, which we believe keeps us leading the way. Kym is frequently told by major brands that she is the only one they closely watch in the industry— an impressive compliment. Our purpose is straightforward: we never want women to feel uncomfortable at work.

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