Canada’s military is taking a significant step forward by designing uniforms and body armor tailored specifically for women, more than three decades after allowing women to serve in combat roles. Previously, female soldiers had to wear uniforms primarily designed for men, leading to challenges in performing their duties, increased injuries, and lowered morale.
Retired major Sandra Perron, the first female infantry officer in Canada in 1990, recalled being given an extra-small men’s uniform that did not fit her properly. Despite the ill-fitting gear, Perron persevered, highlighting the message it sent that women were an afterthought in the military.
In an effort to modernize and address staffing shortages, the Canadian Army and the Royal Canadian Air Force are revamping their combat clothing system with gender-specific cuts for the first time. This initiative aims to recruit and retain more women, with a target of having women comprise 25 percent of the forces by 2026.
As part of the modernization efforts, new combat uniforms and body armor are being developed to accommodate women’s bodies more effectively. Merino wool base layers with contour cuts designed for women and maternity wear are being introduced, along with combat uniforms featuring straight cuts based on men’s bodies and contoured cuts to fit women’s chests, shoulders, hips, and waists.
Furthermore, the military plans to introduce the first body armor system with tailored features such as darting around the chest, shorter plates, and tapering for women in 2026. Efforts are also underway to procure more female-specific personal protective equipment.
Emma Moon, the lead of the Defense Department’s human factors support cell, emphasized that this is the first time such items are being specifically designed based on the morphology of women’s bodies, marking a significant step forward in supporting female military members.
While some argue that these changes should have been implemented sooner, the push for gender-specific cuts in operational clothing reflects a positive shift towards inclusivity and operational readiness within the Canadian military. The modernization initiative, backed by significant funding, aims to enhance the comfort, effectiveness, and safety of all service members, emphasizing the importance of tailored equipment for women in combat roles.