Tailored for Safety
The Hidden Dangers of Ill-Fitting Gear for Women Arborist
In an industry where safety is paramount and every movement counts, ill-fitting gear can mean more than discomfort — it can pose serious risks. For women arborists, finding personal protective equipment (PPE) and workwear that actually fits is a persistent challenge. And despite growing numbers of women entering tree care roles, the industry still sees a deficit in gear designed with them in mind.
Emily Allison, a new subcontractor tree surgeon working part-time with Rockleigh, is among the many women trying to break into the tree care industry while fighting an uphill battle for functional, properly sized equipment.
“I had to source my own uniform because I’m an extra small,” she shared. “The only arbor wear tops I found in that size were from Treehog.”
While she expressed gratitude for companies like Treehog and its parent brand, Arbortec, which have started producing smaller fits, she emphasized this is about more than appearance.
“It’s not because I want to look good,” Allison explained. “It’s because I don’t want to get dragged into the chipper.”
Loose-fitting clothing is a major safety hazard in arboriculture. It can snag on equipment, get pulled into chippers, or hinder movement during high-stakes climbing and cutting.
“One of the rules on my chainsaw course was no loose clothing. But I had to wear my own gear, and none of it was high-vis or regulation-safe,” Allison said. “I’m grateful the top fits okay — but women shouldn’t have to piece together safety gear like this.”
Lack of Sizing Means Lack of Safety
Boots are another struggle. With feet that fit a U.K. size 3 (U.S. size 5 or smaller), Allison found only one pair of chainsaw boots that fit—by Husqvarna. “Arbortec had a beautiful pair, but they stopped making a size 3,” she recalled.
Multiple arborist supply reps confirmed: there was “no point” in continuing to make smaller sizes.
“That’s not just disappointing—it’s dangerous,” the tree surgeon shared. “Chainsaw boots need to go up high for protection. But if they’re too big or the wrong shape, that protective layer doesn’t sit where it’s supposed to. We need women’s fit boots, not just smaller men’s boots.”
Chainsaw trousers are another pain point. Arbortec’s Breatheflex Pro women’s chainsaw trousers are among the only options with a proper fit.
“They fit well,” Allison stated. “But they’re £260. There are no other women’s options that I’ve found. The unisex ones from an other manufacturer chafe like anything — I wore them once and never again.”
Cost is a recurring theme in the conversation. With limited choices, women often must pay more for the few well-fitting options available.
“To be safe, warm, and dry, I’ve got to spend hundreds on a coat that’s going to get ruined within weeks,” she said. “That’s a big reason I kept my office job — I need the salary just to afford PPE.”
Harnesses, Helmets, and Gloves: A Critical Fit
When it comes to climbing harnesses, the situation is even bleaker. Allison looked into a women’s harness — the Gemini by Komet — but says feedback in her all-female arborist group was overwhelmingly negative.
“It chafed really badly — exactly where it shouldn’t,” she explained. “It seems like it got pulled from the market.”
She currently uses the Petzl Sequoia SRT harness. While it is not designed for women, the harness is still more comfortable than others.
“It’s not perfect, but it protects what needs protecting,” she admitted. “Still, there’s a massive deficit. We’ve got female climbers in competitions and sponsorships — why aren’t there decent harnesses made for them?”
Perhaps most concerning is the issue of gloves. When training for her chainsaw certifications, Allison was required to wear safety gloves — standard protocol. The problem? The smallest size available was a men’s size 8. She wears a size 6.
“I didn’t have the dexterity I needed to be safe,” she said. “My fingertips didn’t even reach the ends. I was fumbling with everything, just trying to do the job.”
Despite raising the issue, the training company said gloves were non-negotiable for insurance purposes. But ironically, the gloves themselves compromised her safety.
Arbortec Rises to the Occasion
There are brands in the industry that are actively working to address the deficit of women’s gear in the tree care industry. Among them, Arbortec is preparing to launch its first full women’s PPE collection — a range of jackets, trousers, boots, and gloves designed specifically for women working in the arboriculture industry.
“This has been a long and thoughtful journey, with countless hours of development, fitting, and field testing,” said Camilla Brothers, marketing assistant for Arbortec. “Created by women, for women, every piece has been refined and reworked to strike the right balance between fit, comfort, and performance.”
According to Brothers, the development of Arbortec’s new female-specific line involved direct input from women across a range of tree care roles — including climbers, ground crew, trainers, consultants, and business owners. The company also partnered with women’s arborist groups and professional networks throughout the design and field-testing process.
“This was not about resizing men’s gear,” she explained. “It was about designing from the ground up — purpose-built for female-specific body shapes, movement patterns, and the unique demands of tree work. From fabric choices to pocket placement, real-world feedback shaped every detail.”
Brothers emphasized that the company sees product development as an ongoing dialogue. Arbortec continues to gather feedback from its network of female ambassadors, customers, and testers, and regularly attends industry events, training sessions, and climbing competitions to hear directly from women in the field.
“We want women to feel heard, supported, and confident in what they wear,” she said. “That only happens by keeping the lines of communication open and acting on what we learn.”
As more women enter the tree care profession in both field and leadership roles, the demand for high-performance PPE designed specifically for women continues to grow. Arbortec’s upcoming release reflects this shift and aims to help close the gap in access to professional-grade gear that truly fits.
Why This Matters
In an industry built on risk mitigation, it should be unacceptable that women are expected to compromise on safety to participate. Ill-fitting gear is not just a nuisance — it is a barrier to entry, a financial burden, and a serious safety hazard.
“There aren’t a lot of us,” Allison stated. “But we still need to be catered for.”
The lack of women-specific PPE options undermines both safety and professionalism.
“I don’t want to look like I’m wearing my dad’s clothes,” she shared. “When I’m trying to stop traffic or lead a job site, I want to look like I belong.”
Women in arboriculture are not asking for pink gear or special treatment. They are asking for options — safe, affordable, well-fitting options that allow them to do their jobs without added risk.
A Call to Equip the Future
As arboriculture evolves, so too must the gear that supports its workforce. Ill-fitting PPE is not a minor inconvenience — it is a safety liability, a professional setback, and a sign that the industry has room to grow when it comes to inclusion. Women like Allison are not just asking for smaller sizes; they are asking for equal footing in a high-risk profession where proper equipment can mean the difference between safety and serious injury.
The growing presence of women in tree care demands more than acknowledgment — it requires action. That means developing gear from the ground up with women in mind, listening to their feedback, and treating fit and functionality as non-negotiables, not afterthoughts.
Innovators like Arbortec and Treehog are proving that progress is possible when companies invest in thoughtful design and meaningful consultation. But real change will come when the entire industry embraces this mindset not only as a moral imperative but as a matter of safety, professionalism, and pride.
Fitting Choices for Women’s PPE
Arbortec Breatheflex Pro Women’s Chainsaw Trousers (Lime/Black, Design A, Class 1)
The Arbortec Breatheflex Pro Women’s Chainsaw Trousers are purpose-built for female arborists, offering lightweight protection, flexibility, and a tailored fit. Featuring durable Kevlar reinforcement, stretch fabric for mobility, and certified chainsaw protection, these trousers combine performance and comfort to meet the demands of professional tree work. Designed by women, for women.
Built for wildland firefighting and rugged terrain, the HAIX Missoula 2.1 Women’s boot offers exceptional support, durability, and comfort. Designed specifically for a woman’s foot, it features heat- and slip-resistant Vibram soles, a lightweight build, and moisture-wicking lining to keep feet cool and dry. Ideal for women arborists tackling demanding work in unpredictable outdoor conditions. Built for wildland firefighting and rugged terrain, the HAIX Missoula 2.1 Women’s boot offers exceptional support, durability, and comfort. Designed specifically for a woman’s foot, it features heat- and slip-resistant Vibram soles, a lightweight build, and moisture-wicking lining to keep feet cool and dry. Ideal for women arborists tackling demanding work in unpredictable outdoor conditions.
Clogger Spider Women’s Climbing and Work Pants (Not Chainsaw Protective)
The Clogger Spider Women’s Climbing and Work Pants are lightweight, flexible, and purpose-built for female arborists. Designed for durability and comfort in non-chainsaw tasks, they feature a women’s-specific fit, four-way stretch fabric, abrasion-resistant panels, and ample pocket storage. Ideal for climbing, groundwork, and rigging, they offer maximum movement and performance for demanding days on the job.
Teufelberger treeMOTION Essential Harness
The treeMOTION Essential is a lightweight, customizable tree climbing harness designed for professional arborists. Available in three sizes, it features adjustable buckles, replaceable components, and a 10-year lifespan. Certified to major safety standards, it offers comfort and durability for daily use. Ideal for climbers seeking a reliable, adaptable harness for various tree care tasks.
Arbortec AT900 Xpert Class 0 Chainsaw Gloves
The Arbortec AT900 Xpert chainsaw gloves offer exceptional comfort and safety for women arborists. Featuring gel-filled palm pads and a pre-shaped design, they ensure a snug fit and reduce hand fatigue. The adjustable Velcro wrist closure provides a secure fit, while Class 0 protection on the left hand enhances safety during chainsaw operations. Ideal for extended use in various forestry tasks.