Portwest WX2 Eco Hi-Vis Women's Class 1 Stretch

The Portwest WX2 Eco Hi-Vis Women's Stretch Trouser Class 1 delivers certified high-visibility protection in a garment specifically designed for the female form. Part of Portwest's environmentally-conscious WX2 Eco collection, these trousers address the long-standing issue of women being forced to wear ill-fitting unisex workwear by providing a purpose-designed women's fit that doesn't compromise on safety standards or professional functionality.

For too long, women in high-visibility work environments have had to choose between compliant safety garments that don't fit properly and comfort that comes at the expense of safety certification. The WX2 Eco Hi-Vis Women's Stretch Trouser eliminates this compromise, delivering EN ISO 20471 Class 1 compliance in a garment that fits women's body proportions correctly while maintaining all the stretch comfort and eco-credentials of the WX2 Eco range.

Key Features

EN ISO 20471 Class 1 High-Visibility – Women's Specific Design Certified to EN ISO 20471 Class 1 for high-visibility warning clothing, these trousers provide compliant lower body hi-vis protection without forcing women to wear oversized unisex garments. The fluorescent fabric and retro-reflective tape are positioned correctly on a women's fit pattern, ensuring the hi-vis elements work as intended rather than sitting incorrectly due to poor garment fit.

Purpose-Designed Women's Fit Unlike unisex or men's trousers that women are often expected to wear, these trousers are cut specifically for women's body proportions. The fit accounts for differences in hip-to-waist ratio, leg shape, and rise, delivering a garment that sits correctly and looks professional. A proper fit isn't just about comfort – it's about safety, as ill-fitting workwear can create trip hazards and restrict movement.

4-Way Stretch Technology Advanced 4-way stretch fabric technology delivers flexibility in all directions for unrestricted movement. The stretch construction moves naturally with the body during active work, reducing fatigue and preventing the restriction that can occur with traditional rigid workwear fabrics. This is particularly important in a women's garment where proper fit and stretch work together to provide genuine comfort.

Innovative Stretch Panelling Strategic placement of stretch panels in key movement areas enhances comfort and flexibility throughout the working day. The stretch panelling in areas like the knee and rear ensures the trousers accommodate natural movement patterns without pulling or restriction.

GRS Certified Recycled Materials Manufactured from Global Recycled Standard certified fabrics, these trousers demonstrate genuine environmental responsibility. The primary fabric uses 93% recycled polyester with 7% elastane in a lightweight stretch construction, while contrast panels feature 65% polyester with 35% cotton. The use of recycled materials doesn't compromise performance – these are professional-grade work trousers that happen to be made sustainably.

Functional 4-Pocket Design The 4-pocket configuration provides excellent storage capacity without adding bulk to the garment – an important consideration in a women's fit garment where unnecessary bulk can compromise both appearance and fit. Pockets are positioned to be accessible and functional when worn by women, rather than being placed according to men's proportions.

Pre-Bent Knee Construction Pre-bent knees allow for increased freedom of movement, particularly during tasks that require bending or kneeling. This ergonomic design feature reduces fabric pull when in these positions, improving comfort and extending garment life by reducing stress on seams.

Side Elastic Waistband The side elastic waistband provides a secure, comfortable fit that adapts to movement throughout long working days. This feature is particularly valuable in a women's garment, accommodating the natural shape differences that can make fixed waistbands uncomfortable.

Adjustable Hem System The adjustable hem system converts from regular to long leg length by removing the drop-down hem stitching, ensuring a proper fit for different heights. Correct leg length is essential for safety – trousers that are too long create trip hazards, while those too short may not provide adequate coverage.

UPF 40+ UV Protection The fabric provides UPF 40+ protection, blocking 98% of harmful UV rays. This offers essential sun protection during extended outdoor work without requiring additional protective measures.

Lightweight Construction The lightweight fabric construction (195g/6oz) provides comfort during extended wear without compromising durability. Lighter weight fabric is particularly appreciated during warmer months or in physically demanding roles where heat build-up is a concern.

Slim Fit Design The slim fit design delivers a contemporary, professional appearance while maintaining full functionality. This modern silhouette ensures women can look professional on site rather than being swamped in oversized unisex garments.

Technical Specifications

Standards & Certifications

• EN ISO 20471 Class 1 – High-visibility warning clothing
• GRS Certified – Global Recycled Standard materials
• CE certified
• UKCA marked

Available Options

Colours: Yellow/Black, Orange/Black

Sizes: Available in a comprehensive range of women's sizes with adjustable hem for leg length customisation

Why Women's Specific Workwear Matters

The provision of properly fitting workwear isn't simply a matter of comfort or appearance – it's a safety issue and a matter of professional respect:

Safety Implications: Ill-fitting workwear creates genuine hazards. Trousers that are too long cause trip risks. Garments that are too loose can catch on equipment or restrict visibility of limbs. Hi-vis elements positioned for men's proportions may not provide optimal visibility when worn by women.

Professional Standards: Requiring women to wear ill-fitting unisex garments sends a clear message about their place in the workforce. Providing properly designed women's workwear demonstrates that female workers are valued professionals, not afterthoughts.

Retention and Recruitment: Industries struggling to attract and retain women often overlook the role workwear plays. Requiring women to wear uncomfortable, unflattering, ill-fitting garments contributes to the perception that these industries aren't welcoming to female workers.

Comfort and Performance: Workers who are comfortable perform better. Women fighting with ill-fitting trousers throughout the day are distracted from their work. Properly fitting workwear removes this distraction.

The WX2 Eco Collection

The WX2 Eco range represents Portwest's commitment to sustainable workwear development without compromising on professional performance. All products in the collection are manufactured using GRS certified recycled fabrics, demonstrating that environmental responsibility and professional functionality aren't mutually exclusive.

The collection includes both men's and women's specific garments, recognising that a truly inclusive workwear range must address the needs of all workers rather than expecting women to make do with scaled-down versions of men's designs.

Ideal Applications

• Construction sites requiring hi-vis lower body protection
• Highway and road maintenance operations
• Utilities and infrastructure maintenance
• Warehousing and logistics with hi-vis requirements
• Civil engineering and groundworks
• Site supervision and management roles
• Any role where women require properly fitting hi-vis compliance
• Organisations demonstrating commitment to gender equality in PPE provision
• Companies with environmental sustainability commitments

Understanding Hi-Vis Classification for Trousers

EN ISO 20471 Class 1 is the appropriate certification level for lower body garments. Hi-vis classification is determined by the minimum area of fluorescent and reflective material:

• Class 1 (minimum 0.14m² fluorescent, 0.10m² reflective): Typical for hi-vis trousers
• Class 2 (minimum 0.50m² fluorescent, 0.13m² reflective): Typical for hi-vis jackets/vests
• Class 3 (minimum 0.80m² fluorescent, 0.20m² reflective): Full-body or combined garments

When worn with a Class 2 or Class 3 upper body garment, Class 1 trousers contribute to overall body coverage and can help achieve higher combined protection levels.

Why Choose the WX2 Eco Hi-Vis Women's Stretch Trouser Class 1?

The WX2 Eco Hi-Vis Women's Stretch Trouser Class 1 represents a significant step forward in inclusive workwear provision. These aren't simply men's trousers available in smaller sizes – they're purpose-designed garments that acknowledge women have different proportions and deserve workwear that fits properly.

The combination of certified hi-vis compliance, genuine women's fit, advanced stretch comfort, and GRS certified sustainable materials makes these trousers an outstanding choice for organisations serious about supporting female workers. They deliver everything women in hi-vis environments need: safety compliance, professional appearance, comfortable fit, and the knowledge that their employer has invested in proper PPE provision.

For women tired of fighting with ill-fitting unisex workwear, and for employers committed to genuine equality in their PPE provision, the WX2 Eco Hi-Vis Women's Stretch Trouser Class 1 provides the solution.