Indera Mills: A Century of Warmth, Integrity, and Innovation 14 Apr 2025, 3:17 pm

For over a century, Indera Mills has been a staple in the thermal underwear and base layer apparel industry. Founded in 1914 and still family-owned four generations later, the company’s reputation has been built on integrity, adaptability, and a commitment to quality that continues to set it apart today.

With a product line that spans men’s, women’s, and youth base layers, Indera Mills offers the most extensive thermal underwear selection in the market. From small-town retailers to major national chains like Dick’s Sporting Goods and Tractor Supply, their reach is wide—and every customer, no matter the size, is treated with equal respect and priority.

What truly differentiates the company is its vertically integrated manufacturing. From raw yarn to finished product, Indera Mills controls every step of the process. “That level of oversight ensures quality and allows us to respond to our customers’ needs quickly,” explains Christian Turner, Vice President of Sales. “Our nearshoring model, powered by the Central America Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA), gives us a unique edge in speed and service.”

Throughout its 111-year history, Indera Mills has kept pace with a changing world. From its roots as a knitwear manufacturer to its current standing as a leader in thermal apparel, the company has embraced innovation without losing sight of its founding principles. “We’ve always believed that to be successful, you must give the customer more than they expect—at a very competitive price,” says Turner.

Looking ahead, the company is planning to broaden its horizons. While thermal underwear and base layers remain its specialty, Indera Mills is gearing up to expand into uniform outerwear and workwear, complementing its existing strengths. “There’s more to come,” Turner teases, hinting at future developments that will continue to align with the company’s high standards and customer-focused philosophy.

As a proud member of the NAUMD network, Indera Mills continues to connect with industry professionals who value heritage, service, and consistent product excellence.

To learn more about Indera Mills, contact Christian Turner, Vice President of Sales, at 800-336-4440 ext. 700 or cturner@inderamills.com, or visit www.inderamills.com and www.coldpruf.com.

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Galls® acquires Her Bluewear™, expands offerings for female first responders 14 Apr 2025, 3:10 pm

GALLS® last week announced the acquisition of Her BlueWear Uniforms. This acquisition marks a significant step in GALLS® commitment to female first responders, providing them greater access to uniforms tailored for their unique needs.

GALLS ‘ purchase of Her BlueWear provides product scalability and increases accessibility for women in public safety to experience uniforms that enhance performance, comfort, and safety.  Her BlueWear Uniforms started with uniform pants.  As the largest distributor in the public safety industry, GALLS® resources will augment the brand/product line by adding tailored uniform shirts.  Full uniforms will be available to order at a department level first, with individual ordering capabilities coming later this year.

Mike Fadden, CEO of GALLS®, stated, “For the past five years, every time I talk to a female police chief, they ask me when we will fix the issue of women’s uniforms not fitting. I took on the challenge personally and am proud to bring Her BlueWear TM into the GALLS® portfolio of brands to provide female officers with tailored uniforms that fit.  Because GALLS® is relentless with our focus on the customer, this partnership will give female officers greater access to uniforms that are made for their specific needs.”    

Her BlueWear was founded in 2007 by Denise Czack to solve a long-overlooked issue: the lack of properly fitting uniform pants for women in law enforcement and public safety. Traditionally, female officers were forced to wear uniforms designed for men, leading to discomfort, mobility issues, and even safety concerns. Her BlueWear’s tailored designs offer three distinct fits – Balanced Fit, Defined Fit, and Streamlined Fit – accommodating sizes 0 to 24.

Her BlueWearTM Founder, Denise Czack, expressed her appreciation of GALLS® commitment to expanding access to the product line. “Her BlueWear began at a happy hour with my sister, a police officer, after yet another uniform failure. That moment sparked a fire in me; women in public safety deserved better. Her BlueWearTM is entering a new and exciting chapter in the mission to deliver safe, functional, and confidence-building uniforms to the women who serve. Seeing a woman light up when she puts on a Her BlueWearTM uniform for the first time is what drives us.”

As the only uniform company solely dedicated to designing for women, Her BlueWearTM led the way in providing female officers with apparel that fits, functions, and empowers. Now, with GALLS® resources and a relentless focus on the customer, the ability to serve women in public safety has never been greater. Visit HerBlueWear.com to learn more about Her BlueWearTM uniforms, sizing, and more.

About GALLS®:
GALLS® proudly serves America’s Public Safety and Military professionals with the broadest selection of uniforms, equipment, and solutions along with relentless service. Founded in 1967, GALLS® is trusted by over one million Law Enforcement, Firefighting, Emergency Medical, Federal, Military, Corrections, Security, Postal, Public Transportation, and other essential workers to be their service provider.  Learn more at www.galls.com.

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Protect U® Launches New Scrub Lines for India and UAE Markets 14 Apr 2025, 3:07 pm

ID Overseas Private Limited, a NAUMD member based in Bangalore, India, has announced the launch of two new medical scrub ranges under its Protect U® brand. The Premium Plus and Ultimo collections will roll out across the Indian and UAE markets on May 12, 2025. Each range includes two styles of tops and bottoms, manufactured locally and designed to meet performance standards comparable to those in the U.S. and EU.

ID Overseas, headquartered at 106/138 Nagawara Main Road, Bangalore 560045, develops workwear solutions across healthcare, industrial, and corporate categories. With these new launches, the company is aiming to provide a regionally made alternative to imported medical uniforms, offering features that meet both clinical requirements and wearer expectations.

Product Construction and Features

Both ranges use a polyester-rayon-spandex blend designed for 4-way stretch and wrinkle resistance. The fabric has a micro-sanded finish for softness, antimicrobial properties, and moisture-wicking capability. Garments are reinforced with bartacks at stress points, and seams are sewn with poly-core and poly-wrap threads to maintain stretch and mobility.

Protect U® confirms the garments have been tested to meet ASTM standards for medical scrubs. Design development was informed by feedback from healthcare professionals in India and abroad, with focus on comfort during long shifts, ease of movement, and utility—such as added functional pockets.

Local Manufacturing and Market Position

Unlike many products in the Indian scrub market, which use imported fabrics or replicate international styles, the Premium Plus and Ultimo ranges are designed and produced entirely in India. According to the company, the fabric used is the same type employed by several leading American scrub brands.

By manufacturing locally, ID Overseas aims to reduce delivery timelines, stabilize supply chains, and offer competitive pricing without sacrificing quality. These offerings are targeted at hospitals, clinics, and procurement teams seeking high-performance uniforms aligned with modern workwear standards.

Sustainability

In line with current industry trends, both product lines are packaged using compostable and eco-friendly materials.

Colors and Future Availability

Initial color options include Navy, Ash Grey, Black, Teal, Island Blue, Burgundy, Icy Turquoise, Ceil Blue, Desert Sage, and Hunter Green. Additional colors are scheduled for release in early 2026.

Industry Context

The introduction of Premium Plus and Ultimo reflects a broader shift within the Indian and Middle Eastern healthcare sectors, where institutions are seeking higher quality and more sustainable alternatives to imported medical apparel. As a NAUMD network member, ID Overseas is leveraging its position to expand regional access to performance medical workwear made to global standards.

Distributors and institutional buyers will be able to access the new collections starting mid-May.

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Hohenstein supports Global Textile Scheme Initiative for structured data exchange 14 Apr 2025, 3:03 pm

Global testing and research laboratory Hohenstein has acquired shares in Global Textile Scheme GmbH (GTS). The GTS initiative aims to create an international standard for handling structured product data in the textile and apparel industry. Hohenstein will support GTS in harmonizing and automating data exchange along the supply chain.

As an internationally recognized knowledge partner, Hohenstein is expanding its expertise in data standardization and transparency in the textile sector. “The demand for reliable, structured and machine-readable data along the textile value chain is rising rapidly,” explains Dr. Stefan Droste, CEO of Hohenstein. “We want to support our customers and are committed to close collaboration with GTS.”

Additionally, Hohenstein will leverage its global network to promote the adoption of the GTS standard worldwide. The goal is to facilitate access to standardized data structures for companies—a key requirement for recycling, circularity and more sustainable production. These topics are also increasingly important for new regulatory requirements, such as the Digital Product Passport.

“The Global Textile Scheme initiative offers a pragmatic solution for efficiently managing complex data without an excessive increase of manual processes,” emphasizes Dr. Stefan Droste. “Data is becoming the backbone of the circular economy, and we are excited to actively shape this development with GTS.”

About Hohenstein
Hohenstein has more than 75 years of experience in testing, certification and applied research. With roots in the textile sector, the Hohenstein testing portfolio now includes softlines, hardlines and medical devices. Around the globe, about 1,500 employees work to improve the human-product-environment interaction with offerings such as testing for harmful substances, performance and fit. They develop science-based methods and standards that consider the user in real life, not just in the lab. 

Through standard or customized testing, and interpretation of the results, Hohenstein experts solve problems, verify claims and help partners bring better, safer products to market – more sustainably. Hohenstein is a founding member and leading provider of OEKO-TEX® services and is certified by the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission as a third-party, independent laboratory for CPSIA compliance verification. Hohenstein.US

About GTS
Global Textile Scheme GmbH (GTS) is developing and establishing an international standard for the handling of structured product data in the textile and clothing industry as part of the “GTS Industry Initiative”. The aim is to harmonize and automate the exchange of data along the entire supply chain, from fibre to recycling, thereby creating the basis for a functioning circular economy. By developing standardized criteria and an open, collaborative platform, GTS facilitates access to certified information and strengthens trust in sustainable textile products worldwide. www.globaltextilescheme.org

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The Uniform Chronicles – Trust, Timing, and Transparency: Keys to Client Relationships 14 Apr 2025, 3:01 pm

Over the years, I have collaborated with clients of all sizes; from small businesses to Fortune 500 companies. Regardless of the scale, one thing remains consistent: the foundation of a successful relationship is built on honesty, trust, and consistency. This is especially critical when launching a new design or updating an existing uniform program.

Clear communication is non-negotiable. Clients need to feel informed every step of the way. One tool I rely on is a shared project tracking document. This is a simple, transparent way to outline key milestones: design sample approvals, production timelines, and delivery schedules. It helps build trust and, most importantly, limits surprises.

Another critical step is setting expectations early. Be upfront about production lead times, pricing, and customization capabilities. Do not promise what you cannot realistically deliver, especially around timing. I have seen teams bend under the pressure of unrealistic timelines, only to fall short. It is not worth it. Overpromising may win short-term approval, but it always leads to long-term damage.

Proactivity is everything. One of the fastest ways to build trust is to spot potential problems before they become real ones. Flag possible delays or production challenges early. Clients appreciate foresight, it shows professionalism and respect for their planning process.

Just as important is understanding how your client operates. The more you know about their internal processes, their brand, and their pain points, the better you can align your service to their needs. The result? A smoother, more collaborative rollout.

Still, no matter how well things run, you will sometimes have to deliver bad news. How you manage those conversations can either damage the relationship or strengthen it. Here’s what I have learned:

• Be honest and direct. Do not sugarcoat or stall. Get to the point with clarity and respect.
• Take ownership. Even if the issue was not entirely on your side, own your part. Avoiding blame builds trust.
• Bring a solution. Never just share a problem. Offer a solution, a workaround, or the next best option.
• Stay calm and empathetic. Acknowledge the impact but stay purposeful. Your tone sets the tone.
• Pick up the phone. Whenever possible, deliver difficult updates in person or over a call, not just by email. It shows accountability and care.
• Follow up in writing. Document what happened, what’s being done, and next steps. It keeps everyone aligned and accountable.

At the end of the day, strong client relationships do not happen by accident. They are built with intention, through clear communication, realistic commitments, and consistent delivery. And when things go off track, it is how you show up that defines the partnership.

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Aileen’s Uniform Atlas: Innovations in healthcare have increased since the pandemic 14 Apr 2025, 2:58 pm

The pandemic has been in the past for a few years now, but some companies are still dealing with its impact today. The time when the healthcare sector was working overtime and there was a constant shortage of masks, gloves, and protective suits also made businesses start to think. And from that, some interesting innovations and initiatives have emerged in the workwear and PPE sectors.

Improved protective fabrics

Although fabric development never stands still, the pandemic led to a deeper focus on how materials react to bacteria and how they can protect us. For example, during the first wave of the pandemic, Carrington Textiles supplied 10 million meters of specialized fabric for medical workwear, for which they also received an award. But they didn’t stop there—they’ve continued to work on improving their fabrics. In August 2020, they launched Antiviral Finished Fabrics, which met the ISO 18184:2019 standard.

3D technology for custom-made masks

Another company that recently received funding for an innovation is Mask Logic. This company was founded when a group of scientists, engineers, and medical experts saw how uncomfortable masks were for healthcare workers during the pandemic. They joined forces to develop advanced 3D printing and scanning technology to create reusable gas masks tailored to the individual. With this, they not only aimed to support healthcare professionals but also other industries where gas masks are commonly used.

The Scottish startup has now raised a total of £780,000 in grants and funding.

Sustainability is becoming increasingly important

Lastly, sustainability is playing a bigger role than ever. Today, environmentally friendly materials such as plant-based fabrics are being used, and there’s a growing awareness about reducing plastic packaging and the use of disposable PPE and clothing. And that’s crucial—it’s estimated that U.S. healthcare facilities alone use 44 million disposable PPE items annually.

But one of the most important takeaways from the pandemic might just be the realization of how vital it is to help each other. And thankfully, that didn’t stop when the lockdowns ended. Careismatic Brands, a supplier of medical workwear, has continued donating to charitable causes in recent years. In 2024 alone, they donated over $5 million worth of medical uniforms and equipment to aid projects in Africa, among others.

And rightly so—because we all need care. Not just here, but everywhere.

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Air New Zealand unveils new uniform designed by Emilia Wickstead 14 Apr 2025, 2:55 pm

Air New Zealand is proud to reveal its highly anticipated new uniform. This collection embodies the airline’s profound sense of pride in Aotearoa and strong cultural heritage. The bold print, colour, and exquisite design showcase the very best of Aotearoa to the world.

Designed by the world-renowned Emilia Wickstead, with bespoke hand painted prints from tā moko artist Te Rangitu Netana, the uniform marks the beginning of a new era for Air New Zealand. The collection shines a light on what makes New Zealand unique creating a designs that are anything but uniform.

Worn by 6,000 Air New Zealanders around the world, Air New Zealand’s uniforms have always been a core part of its identity. The airline’s uniforms are known for being bold, creative, and instantly recognisable, a tradition Emilia and Te Rangitu’s design continues.

Key pieces in the collection, include ‘The Fine Print – Dress’, which showcases Emilia’s mastery of her craft, featuring the intricate and meaningful kōwhai print, ‘The Collective Thread – Shirt’, which features striking purapura whetū patterns, designed to be worn by any cabin crew or ground staff, highlighting the versatility of the collection.

The Ie Faitaga to be trialled by Pasifika team members supports the airline’s commitment to inclusivity. New designs for pilots include a bold pinstripe suit, with a kiwi feather lining, symbolising leadership and prestige.

“For us, this is more than just a uniform. It is a celebration of our people, our culture, and our values. Air New Zealand has never been about standing still or blending in. We have a tradition of being bold, showcasing what makes us unique, and celebrating our team members. Our new uniform encapsulates everything we stand for – a combination of innovation, rich cultural heritage, and a deep sense of pride and belonging.”- Air New Zealand Chief Executive Greg Foran

“Designing the Air New Zealand uniform has been an incredibly personal project for me. At the heart of it was a deep respect for the heritage and the unique identity of New Zealand’s people and land. It was essential to me that this uniform tells a meaningful story about Aotearoa. I wanted to create a uniform that empowers individuals and inspires pride in all who wear it and see it. For me, good design should always evoke a sense of pride and occasion, and I believe this uniform will do just that.” – Emilia Wickstead, Founder & Creative Director

Air New Zealand is excited to share this new uniform with the world, beginning with the uniform reveal ahead of onboard wearer trial, commencing in May 2025. Following a period of testing and feedback from uniform wearers across the airline, the new uniform will be rolled out across Air New Zealand’s network, with it rolling out across the workforce and team members proudly wearing it from 2026.

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Behind the Seams: How Bodi.Me Is Changing Uniforms, One Fit at a Time 7 Apr 2025, 5:06 pm

Uniforms are rarely the headline in innovation stories. But behind the scenes, they’re undergoing a quiet transformation—one led by a London-based startup that’s found its stride in an unexpected place. Bodi.Me, co-founded by Lara Mazzoni, is helping reshape how uniforms are designed, fitted, and delivered. And it all started with a simple but stubborn problem: how do you get a great fit for people you’ve never met? 

From High Fashion to Hospital Scrubs 

Before she was helping the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) overhaul its uniform system, Lara Mazzoni was deep in the world of luxury tech—combining high-end design with cutting-edge craftsmanship. With a background in product design and manufacturing, Mazzoni had long been drawn to the challenge of making products both beautiful and functional. But it was the rise of e-commerce that steered her toward a question few in fashion were asking at the time: How do you get the right fit for people you never see? 

She explored body scanning technologies, searching for non-invasive ways to measure people remotely. Yet the fashion industry wasn’t interested. “We were knocking on every door of every fashion house in Europe,” she said, “and there was just no appetite for it.” 

Then came an unexpected opportunity: an Australian uniform company needed a cost-effective way to size hospital staff. “That’s when we pivoted,” Mazzoni recalls. “We realized we were chasing customers who didn’t want us. But uniform companies did.” 

Breaking into a Hidden Industry

Uiforms weren’t glamorous—but they were full of potential. At first, Mazzoni and her team didn’t know where to begin. “There’s no book on uniform companies,” she said. “No guide, no industry map. It was a hidden world.” 

What they discovered, however, was a space ripe for innovation. Unlike fashion retail, where aesthetics dominate, uniforms are all about function, durability, and fit. But beyond practicality, Mazzoni recognized that the uniform industry was a high-performing, operationally driven sector, where precision and consistency are non-negotiable. Uniforms are often critical tools for professionals—whether healthcare staff, transport workers, or retail teams—so getting the fit right isn’t just about comfort; it’s about enabling performance and maintaining brand standards. 

The industry had its own unique challenges—especially around sizing, mass coordination, and cost control at scale. The company’s early work involved integrating large, expensive body scanners into sizing systems. But it soon became clear that scalability required a simpler, more accessible approach. Over time, Bodi.Me evolved its tech to require nothing more than a short questionnaire—no photos, no scans, no measuring tapes.  

Bodi.Me saw an opportunity to reimagine the process using AI, machine learning, and user-centric design—ultimately reshaping how organizations outfit thousands of individuals efficiently, accurately, and sustainably 

Designing for Every Body 

Bodi.Me’s technology needed to reflect the complexity of real bodies. Clients had different approaches to sizing: some used traditional male/female blocks, others tried to save costs by merging patterns into unisex designs. For Bodi.Me, that meant building a flexible system that could adjust for any method. 

“A pattern designed for a man won’t fit a woman properly,” Mazzoni said. “So we created fitting technology that accounts for gendered and non-gendered designs. Same size, same product, but two different fit algorithms.” 

This commitment to accuracy extended into physical testing. Bodi.Me frequently conducts in-person try-ons and works closely with clients to understand the challenges of each design and refine the system for optimal fit and its performances. When you have solid size-tech it’s not just about technology—it’s about listening. 

Another challenge was sizing increments—standard grading systems often don’t reflect how bodies change at different sizes. “When you get into plus sizes, companies just add inches,” Mazzoni said. “It covers you, but it doesn’t fit you. That’s not just uncomfortable—it can be unsafe.” 

A New Approach for the NHS 

In many ways, the NHS project was a culmination of Bodi.Me’s journey. The health service needed to outfit over 600,000 workers with 16 million scrubs over seven years—effectively measuring and dressing two million people, accounting for turnover. 

The sizing system was inconsistent, the fit outdated, and labeling was confusing. Hospitals were ordering independently, leading to inefficiencies and rising costs. The NHS wanted a unified, inclusive, and more cost-effective approach. 

Bodi.Me responded with Size-Me 4.0, a virtual fit solution built specifically for the NHS. It allowed users to visualize fit using a 3D avatar and receive personalized size recommendations without body scans or selfies. Over 70% of NHS staff adopted the tool voluntarily. 

“It had to be user-centric, but simple,” said Mazzoni. “If it’s not easy to use, it won’t get used.” 

The system achieved a 98.7% accuracy rate during testing, reducing return rates and helping streamline the rollout. It also aligned with new EU sustainability regulations, offering an environmentally responsible solution by minimizing waste. 

Looking Ahead 

Bodi.Me now has its sights on expanding into the U.S. and pushing its solution even earlier into the product development cycle. By gathering data at the measurement stage and feeding it back into design and manufacturing, the company hopes to reduce waste and overproduction.   

“It’s not just about fit—it’s about using the data to optimize the entire process,” Mazzoni said. “Fit will keep improving, but what we really want is to help manufacturers build smarter from the start.” 

For Mazzoni, the path into uniforms was unexpected, but it’s where she sees some of the biggest opportunities for innovation. “Uniforms have to fit everyone,” she said. “That makes them the most inclusive clothing there is.” 

And while the fashion world may not have answered the door, the uniform world did—and it turns out it had plenty to say. 

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The Uniform Chronicles: Fit for the Job – How Uniforms Got an Upgrade! 7 Apr 2025, 5:01 pm

Let’s be honest, if your clothes do not fit right, you feel it all day. And when it comes to uniforms, that discomfort can have a real impact. For years, uniforms had a bad reputation for being stiff, boxy, and downright unflattering. Why? Because they were mass-produced with a “one size fits all” mindset. It was less expensive, faster, and kept everyone looking the same. Uniformity was the goal, even if it meant sacrificing comfort.

But over time, companies realized something important: how a uniform fit does matter just as much as how durable it is. When someone feels uncomfortable in what they are wearing, it affects their mood, focus, and even how they do their job. A shirt that rides up or pants that constantly need adjusting are not just annoying, they are a distraction.

In the ’80s and ’90s, the uniform world was ruled by a “one size fits all” mentality. Consider loose, boxy styles that look good on hangers but not on people.  Gender-neutral designs were common, but they were built on male sizing blocks, leaving women in the workplace wearing clothes that did not fit their bodies. Comfort and confidence were not a priority back then. The focus was on durability and consistency, not personal fit.

The early 2000s started to change that. We saw the introduction of gender-specific fits, especially in uniforms for industries like police, military, and skilled trades. Stretch fabrics made uniforms more wearable, while ergonomic paneling gave workers a better range of motion.

 Retail and fashion trends also began to influence uniform design, cuts got slimmer, silhouettes sharper, and uniforms started to feel a bit more like everyday clothes.

Then the 2010s rolled in, bringing athleisure into the mix. Suddenly, people expected comfort and style, even in their workwear. Uniform brands responded by offering more fit options, classic, slim, relaxed and expanding size ranges to be more inclusive. Fit started to become less of a “nice to have” and more of a standard. People wanted uniforms that moved with them, fit their body type, and made them feel good.

Now in the 2020s, the focus has shifted even further toward inclusivity and individuality. Fit is not just about size, it’s about shape, gender identity, comfort preferences, and the ability to choose what feels right. Some companies are using technology like 3D body scanning or offering made-to-measure programs to get “the fit” right.

Uniforms are becoming more than just clothes; they are part of the company’s image. What your team wears reflects your brand. An ill-fitting uniform doesn’t just look off, it can make employees feel unseen or undervalued. Good fit, on the other hand, shows that the company cares about its people. And when employees feel confident in what they wear, they are more likely to perform with confidence too.

The Bottom Line

Fit matters more than we used to think. It is not just about getting everyone into the same style anymore. It’s about giving people options, making them feel comfortable, and helping them feel like they belong. A uniform should support the job, not get in the way of it.

The good news is we have come a long way from oversized, one-cut-fits-none workwear. The even better news is FIT will keep evolving because people will keep expecting more. And honestly, they should.

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The PPE Hijab and special Muslim work clothing are slowly gaining ground 7 Apr 2025, 4:58 pm

In recent years, we have seen more and more companies including a hijab in their workwear package. But sometimes this seems easier than it is in practice. For example, how do you deal with a hijab when the wearer also needs to wear a helmet? Several companies have now found a solution to this.

The first PPE hijab

In 2017, Leena Begum made the news with Muslim-friendly workwear and PPE.  The 22-year-old British woman worked as a coordinator for health, safety, and wellbeing on the Thames Tideway Tunnel project. Since the workwear and PPE on the construction site did not align with her religious values, she decided to design it herself.

The result was a fluorescent work coat that reached the knees and a special hijab that she could wear under her helmet. Although Begum’s idea was well received, manufacturers did not immediately adopt it. 

A few years later, in 2021, another British woman, Aminah Shafiq, also came up with a special PPE hijab. The senior water advisor was inspired by the headscarves worn by athletes, resulting in a design slightly different from Begum’s. Instead of a scarf wrapped around the head, Shafiq chose a model that could be pulled over the head, with a cut-out at the front to keep the face visible. This way, no pins were needed to keep the scarf in place, making it much safer. 

A product in development

Gradually, workwear and PPE companies are also embracing the helmet-hijab. Recently, Leo Workwear, in collaboration with TARMAC, a British company that supplies construction products, developed a PPE hijab. This resulted in a headscarf with a special fabric band on the crown to which the helmet can be attached without pulling on the hair.

The fact that there is still room for improvement is demonstrated by Beau Wangtrakuldee. The Philadelphia-based Ph.D. chemist noticed during her work in the laboratory that her workwear did not adequately protect against fire. With AmorSui, she founded a company that sells flame-resistant clothing specifically designed for laboratory use. It also includes a special, flame-resistant hijab, made of breathable material and without buttons. 

A hijab for every workplace

Where construction deals with helmet attachment and laboratories with fire hazards, other professions require other adjustments. For example, the hijab is also increasingly worn by police forces and ambulance services worldwide. There, it is equally important that the headscarf is secured without pins, mainly because the scarf can be pulled. And when that happens, there is a risk that the wearer could be strangled around the neck. Or the scarf could fall off completely, causing embarrassment for the woman in question. 

Whether it is part of PPE or a religious accessory, the hijab challenges workwear and PPE manufacturers to be creative. Because it is here and will stay. It just depends on the industry how it will be integrated. 

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