reimagining workwear

I’ve always admired men’s workwear in Michigan—heavy-duty denim jeans, durable work vests, and thick insulated boots that are both practical and effortlessly stylish no-nonsense way. Whenever I stepped into the local Carhartt store, I felt a deep appreciation for this Detroit-based brand, only to be disappointed by the women’s section. Instead of the rugged, functional pieces I loved, I found fluorescent colors, spandex leggings, and overly tapered vests designed to accentuate curves rather than provide utility. Who was designing this? And more importantly, is this really what women and AFAB people want to wear?

Frustrated by the lack of options, I set out to create workwear that actually fits AFAB body types—without forcing femininity into the design. I focused on straight-cut pants, boxy cropped jackets, and a quilted chore coat, embracing silhouettes that prioritize function over form-fitting aesthetics. Each piece was designed, sewn, and constructed in my Michigan apartment, a response to the gap in the market for workwear that truly works for all bodies.