Women in construction have long battled challenges beyond the job site—one of the most overlooked being properly fitting workwear. For years, female tradespeople have had to make do with scaled-down versions of men’s gear, often sacrificing safety and comfort in the process.
During Women in Construction Week 2025, we had the opportunity to speak with Dianne Finnigan, founder of The Dirty Seahorse, about how her brand is transforming women’s workwear and creating a safer, more inclusive industry.
The Inspiration Behind The Dirty Seahorse
Dianne Finnigan’s journey to launching The Dirty Seahorse was deeply personal. The inspiration? Watching her own daughter struggle to find workwear that fit properly.
“What inspired me to start The Dirty Seahorse was watching my daughter struggling to find proper fitting workwear,” she shares. This experience highlighted a widespread issue that many women in trades face daily: the lack of workwear designed specifically for their bodies.
The Challenges of Finding Proper Workwear
Many companies claim to sell women’s workwear, but according to Finnigan, the reality is far from ideal.
“The biggest challenge women face when finding workwear is that companies are selling a scaled-down version of men’s gear, and the proportions are all wrong,” she explains.
This poor fit can result in serious safety hazards. “Women have to deal with their crotch hanging to their knees or dangling arms and feet, putting them at risk of serious injuries.” When clothing doesn’t fit properly, it creates unnecessary obstacles in an already demanding profession.
How The Dirty Seahorse is Changing the Game
Rather than simply adjusting men’s designs, The Dirty Seahorse creates workwear tailored to a woman’s body. Finnigan emphasizes that the brand focuses on fit, function, and safety by involving female tradespeople in the design process.
“We ensure proper fit based on a woman’s profile and involve women in the trades to choose the features they want and need,” she says. “We have apprentices test the gear in the field for functionality and make necessary readjustments to ensure it is safe and works properly.”
This hands-on approach ensures that every piece of workwear meets the demands of real job sites—without compromise.
What Women in Trades Are Saying
The feedback from female tradesworkers has been overwhelmingly positive. Many women are shocked that they can finally get workwear that doesn’t require constant adjustments throughout their shifts.
“Women in trades are in disbelief that they can get properly fitting workwear without having to adjust it for 8-10 hours a day—and be comfortable and safe,” Finnigan shares.
What’s Next?
The Dirty Seahorse isn’t stopping anytime soon. Finnigan and her team are continuously developing innovative new products to meet the evolving needs of women in the trades.
“We are constantly working on developing new innovative products,” she says, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to empowering women in construction.
Celebrating Women in Construction
As we celebrate Women in Construction Week 2025, it’s clear that industry leaders like Dianne Finnigan are making a lasting impact. By challenging outdated norms and providing practical solutions, The Dirty Seahorse is ensuring that women in trades no longer have to settle for workwear that wasn’t made with them in mind.
Learn more about The Dirty Seahorse and support women in trades by visiting their website.