Dakota Farmer

Top picks for women’s workwearTop picks for women’s workwear

With more options than ever for female operators, find your next go-to gear here.

Sarah McNaughton-Peterson, Senior Editor

November 21, 2024

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THE PERFECT FIT: Women fill many roles on the farm or ranch, and finding the perfect items to handle the job without sacrificing fit and even style is a thing of the past. We’ve put together some of our top-tested gear options for the women who do it all on the operation and at home. Sarah McNaughton

Women are all too familiar with the struggles of finding the perfect fit, whether in a pair of jeans or a canvas jacket. Add in the need for functionality on the farm, and you’ll see even more difficulties with finding the perfect piece of workwear that fits and is a little flattering.

Women might find themselves reaching for different items based on the job and season, so Farm Progress put some popular women’s work brands and items to the ultimate test: farm and ranch work.

Now, some of you reading this might have to battle the frozen tundra to feed cattle, and some might tend to a garden in the South. This list will have a little something for everyone on the weather spectrum.

Start with a good base

Whether you’re trying to wick away sweat in the summer or stay warm in the winter, a good base layer is essential. Opting for a Merino wool version can help with sweat management, temperature regulation and odor-resistance to boot.

Smartwool makes some great base layers, and with straight or plus sizes, you can find the perfect fit for your outfit of the day. Selections also can be made based on temperatures, ensuring your items will keep you warm or cool depending on preferences.

Layer up

Once you’ve got a good base, layering up is the next item on the to-do list — something that balances functionality, warmth and maybe a bit of style. Whether a tough hoodie or a denim overshirt, Carhartt and Dovetail provide two options. Coming in a hooded or quarter-zip version, this Carhartt midweight sweatshirt features a cotton-blend fabric to stay warm, with rib-knit waist and cuffs to keep the chill out.

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The Dovetail Zeller DX work shirt has plenty of pockets, including a secure zip pocket on the chest for keeping your phone safe from harm. Pearl snaps add some style to functionality, and the shoulder and back darts help keep it flattering and functional.

Top it off

For those truly cold days, an overcoat is essential. Whether you want rugged canvas or a waterproof shell, these two coat options bring different benefits for whoever wears them.

The STS Ranchwear Brazos LL features a zip and snap closure as well as a 100% water-resistant shell. With two exterior hand-warming pockets and six exterior pockets, you’ll have room to bring anything you need along with you. A packable hood in the collar serves as extra rain protection if you’re caught in unexpected weather.

The Dovetail Old School Trucker jacket features the beloved design of the classic canvas jacket — with a twist. Made and tested by women for women, four total pockets mean you’ll have spacious storage space for years, with reinforced elbows and a durable design.

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Need even more coverage? Meet the overall lineup from Durnin Farm and Ranch Wear. Created by farmer and rancher Michelle Durnin, the overalls feature a thigh cellphone pocket and a chest pocket with syringe holders, among even more storage space. The canvas outer shell combined with a polyester interior keeps the wearer warm and dry with durability. Overalls in this collection come with a reinforced crotch gusset, elastic straps, buckles that won’t come undone on their own and heavy-duty side zippers. They also come in an unlined version for warmer days.

Don’t forget about feet

Many women can agree that if their feet get cold or wet, they get cold. From socks to boots, ensuring feet stay warm and dry in all conditions should be a top priority. Starting with a good woolen sock will give many of the same benefits of a woolen base layer.

But what type of boots can work in all climates, from red mud in the South to snow in the Northern Plains? Muck Boots. For those who work from the saddle, Muck Boots’ new release is ready to roll. With the same sturdy materials we know and love comes a square toe option that can go from a muddy feedlot to pasture checks in the saddle with ease.

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Want even more protection from snow and other conditions? Try the Arctic Ice Tall Boot. This all-terrain outsole provides extra traction even on ice, featuring an 8 mm neoprene inner boot with fleece lining. The stretch-fit top of the boot keeps snow and the cold air out of your socks.

Finally, everyone’s choice of work pants can differ widely, but we’ll leave one suggestion here for you. The Cowgirl Tuff Work Hard, Play Hard pant aren’t jeans but also aren’t leggings. The pull-on style features front and back pockets as well as belt loops for the perfect fit every time. Wind, water and cold resistant, they can easily be worn under coveralls or alone for chores or riding on warmer days.

While women-specific workwear might’ve been forgotten in the past, there are now more options than ever that offer functionality, the proper fit and even a little bit of style.

About the Author

Sarah McNaughton-Peterson

Senior Editor, Dakota Farmer

Sarah McNaughton-Peterson of Bismarck, N.D., has been editor of Dakota Farmer since 2021. Before working at Farm Progress, she was an NDSU 4-H Extension agent in Cass County, N.D. Prior to that, she was a farm and ranch reporter at KFGO Radio in Fargo.

She is a graduate of North Dakota State University, with a bachelor’s degree in ag communications and a master’s in Extension education and youth development.

She is involved in agriculture in both her professional and personal life, as a member of North Dakota Agri-Women, Agriculture Communicators Network, Sigma Alpha Professional Agriculture Sorority Alumni and Professional Women in Agri-business. As a life-long 4-H’er, she is a regular volunteer for North Dakota 4-H programs and events.

In her free time, she and her husband are avid backpackers and hikers, and can be found most summer weekends at rodeos around the Midwest.

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