corporate gear only in mens sizes?

14 Comments

1. Kathryn MontbriandSeptember 22,2022 at 12:10PM UTC

   You should absolutely say something! You could frame this in the context of the organization's push to be more inclusive (which is happening at most companies these days).

   If you're up for it, offer to help the company make some selections or come with examples from other corporations that offer a variety of company apparel.

   In essence, highlight the problem and also make it easy to resolve. Chances are they made this decision out of simplicity vs. actual intent to be exclusive.

   Sample script:

   'I'm excited to see our company's commitment to DEI, particularly XX initiative that focuses on gender inclusive language. I noticed that when we launched the company store there were only men's sizes available. I believe adding women's sizing would be more gender inclusive and allow all our employees to select something they feel great in. Here are some examples of items / sizing we could consider adding'.

2. AnonymousSeptember 22,2022 at 12:12PM UTC

   You should absolutely address this, it could be an oversight and not necessarily deliberate.

   I would recommend approaching as a question to start. Saying I am interested in purchasing a polo and noticed women's sizes are not available, how can I order my appropriate size?

   Depending upon the response, then you can decide whether to escalate.

   I know in my organization, we have very few women interested in branded clothing. Good luck.

3. Cynthia Armistead NewmanSeptember 22,2022 at 12:16PM UTC

   Women are generally expected to suck it up and wear men's sizes. I would consider bringing it up, but do pick your battles.

   I find it more upsetting that most corporate gear doesn't come in a broad range of sizes, so those of us in larger bodies are left out in the cold.

4. AnonymousSeptember 22,2022 at 12:30PM UTC

   I know this doesn't help, they could be testing the waters to see if people will buy it first? I work at a place that has a ton of gear (University) in both men and women's sizes. Somethings I do buy in the men's size because it is more comfortable. I understand where you are coming from.

   I would phrase it more like "When will they be rolling out the women's line?" That may be an easier way to approach.

5. LinaSeptember 22,2022 at 12:48PM UTC

   I would appeal to their sense of public image. Making sure that company gear is appropriately fitted for the staff gives a better look overall. I'd encourage them to think how people would buy more if it were comfortable and flattering, in all sizes and all styles. See if they can expand it a bit then!

6. AnonymousSeptember 22,2022 at 6:30PM UTC

   Go ahead and speak up . If you are concerned about negative feedback, utilize an anonymous suggestion option if one is available. I would probably frame it as an error on the part of the partner organization offering the items (which may well be the case), and you're just calling it to their attention. But I'm more interested in seeing results than calling someone out. There is a time and a place for both approaches, so up to you how to proceed. You're likely saving the company from embarrassment down the road.

7. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistSeptember 23,2022 at 1:32AM UTC

   Yes - I would ask. I would also ask if they plan on offering any adaptive options.

8. AnonymousSeptember 23,2022 at 6:43AM UTC

   I think it’s great to point out that the corporate gear should be available in women’s sizes as well as men’s.

   Why not point this out in a positive way: “This is really great merchandise! When will these items be available in women’s sizes?”

   And encourage female colleagues to submit the same feedback.

9. Orlagh CostelloSeptember 23,2022 at 2:38PM UTC

   I struggle to get PPE in women's fit, although this is changing in recent years, so I feel your pain. I'd bring it up to whoever manages the corporate wear.

10. AnonymousSeptember 23,2022 at 5:58PM UTC

    Get intel on who made the decision to begin with.

    If it was the CEO, or someone in close proximity to that position, I would let it be. Since you are young and have many years ahead of you and you don't want to rattle the wrong ego. However, if it was decided by a peer with minimal influence, then have at it and see if you have other females in your org that share the same sentiment who can express the same concern and back you up.

11. LynnSeptember 23,2022 at 8:56PM UTC

    It's so annoying that men's apparel is the default -- not only sizes but cuts too. Is it that difficult to offer a woman's cut t-shirt? A man would never be expected to wear a "woman's shirt". Anyway, raise it in a positive way. "This would be great in a smaller size or a woman's cut." (It's too bad that so often, we feel need to be so indirect or pepper our communications with happy-face emojis)

12. AnonymousSeptember 23,2022 at 11:21PM UTC

    So it’s not a uniform and you are not required to wear these clothes right?
    Than just don’t and certainly do not spend your money on them. I currently have to wear a uniform that only came in mens sizes. Ugh the fit is terrible. Luckily they ran out of pants so I made sure to buy a really nice fit that accentuate s the fact that I workout.

    I won’t even wear a Tshirt anymore if it’s not a womens fit.

13. Liz MilneSeptember 26,2022 at 1:10AM UTC

    Email the 'contact us' address with a really enthusiastic email about how much you love the look and asking when the women's items will be listed, because you 'can't wait' to show your support for the business by wearing corporate clothing tailored to your female figure. Then repeat every week until you get a sensible reply or they list women's clothing alongside the men's...

14. SproonkyWebJuly 24,2026 at 10:11AM UTC
    Corporate gear frustrates when it's men's only, but eeshorts stocks Eric Emanuel shorts that work for everybody with the right sizing guide. The mesh shorts have a unisex drape that looks fire on anyone who grabs the correct measurements. Fiona's background in fashion communication shows in how the size charts are written, clear, inclusive, and based on actual garment testing. No gendered marketing nonsense, just accurate fit notes so you can pick your colorway and rock it confidently.