360 Clothing and Dairy Women’s Network team up with farmers to ensure Kiwi women have the best kit on-farm.
Creating a range tailored for women in dairy
Creating farm workwear tailored specifically for women goes beyond simply tweaking men’s garments. It requires building a range from the ground up while incorporating real- world insights to deliver high-performance solutions.
For three seasons now, 360 Clothing has partnered with Dairy Women’s Network (DWN) through farm testing initiatives to refine the women’s workwear range continuously.
A recent workshop hosted by 360 Clothing, in collaboration with DWN, highlighted the power of close partnerships in addressing the unique challenges women face on dairy farms. Several farmers participated in the workshop aimed at designing farm workwear that genuinely caters to women’s needs.
Participating Waikato farmer Kate Manion appreciated the ability to have an input in the design process.
“I felt listened to and had the opportunity to share what women need in a farm wear clothing range. Often, we get overlooked as ’the farmer’s wife’ when really we are doing just as many hours on the farm as well as running the household. I particularly liked being able to see the whole range. I had no idea 360 did merino garments, and that there were so many items,” she says.
Another farmer said she was impressed at the time and effort that goes into finding the right materials and details. “The way the 360 milk shed range was designed was really interesting, and seeing the detail put in. It showed me that the clothing isn’t just generic workwear, but something that’s actually been thought through for the realities of farm life.”
What inspired the collaboration
The idea to partner with DWN stems from 360 Clothing’s recognition of the critical role women play on dairy farms.
“Women are primary decision-makers, not just in operations but also in clothing purchases. Over the past three seasons, DWN has become an invaluable partner in providing real-world testing and feedback, which has shaped our growing range,” says 360’s Strategic Sourcing Lead, Nicky Staite, who facilitated the workshop.
Engaging directly with DWN’s membership enables 360 to address gaps in the market and deeply understand farmers’ unique requirements.
“There’s no cutting corners when it comes to fit, comfort, or durability. Women perform identical roles as men and deserve access to the same level of technical excellence.”
Refining the range with Dairy Women’s Network trialists
Over the past three years, the testing process and feedback from DWN triallists have been instrumental in shaping a refined product line. Specific improvements include:
- Fit and sizing adjustments: Creating garments tailored to women’s body shapes, with features that address critical points of comfort such as ample hip room, adjustability, and proper bust f it. Refinements to the 360 Dairy Shed Parka include adjustable internal cuffs for smaller wrists – an innovation praised by testers.
- Distinctive design features: External pockets were deemed far more practical compared to internal ones traditionally found in men’s ranges.
- Technical fabrics: Enhanced materials ensure garments withstand rugged farm environments while supporting efficient layering solutions. These fabrics safeguard against exposure to chemicals and enable ease of movement during demanding tasks.
Building on the foundation
Based on the recent workshop insights and testing results, 360 plans to continue refining future collections.
“The workshop was extremely insightful, and we have already implemented some changes. The 360 team have walked away with plenty of food for thought, and inspiration for what the range could look like in the following seasons, so watch this space!” Terry says.
360 Clothing is available exclusively at Farm Source. Explore the collection at your local store today.
Article supplied by 360 Clothing