Designed and tested by women at work,
Helly Hansen’s Workwear apparel gets put to the test by Manitoba Women in Construction (MWC).
On brand for Helly Hansen’s Workwear line, they are redefining women’s apparel offering job site built to conquer real work solutions that meet the demands of women in the trades. When Helly Hansen asked us to test out their new apparel from the Workwear collection— designed and crafted by women – for women in the trades— we knew exactly where to go.
Since 2014, Manitoba Women in Construction (MWC) has been building the long-term success of women in Manitoba’s construction industry. In this collaborative Product Review, members of MWC join us to test two Helly Hansen products designed for maximum safety, durability, and comfort. Samantha Lewis, Red-Seal Carpenter and expecting mom, and Kelsey Lapointe, Skilled Labourer from Bockstael Construction share their thoughts and feedback on the Manchester Construction Pant and the Alta Hi Vis Jacket and Pant combo.
Manchester Construction Pant
Lightweight durability and mobility are at the core of the Manchester Construction Pant.
Reviewed by:
Samantha Lewis
Red-Seal Carpenter | Bockstael Construction
Winnipeg, Manitoba
I received the pants when I was 19 weeks pregnant, so had ordered a size much bigger than I would normally wear. Even though they were a bit loose for that first week, I was able to wear a belt and be comfortable. Now at 24 weeks pregnant I am still wearing the pants very comfortably with the help of hi-vis suspenders!
When I first felt the material of the pants, I was concerned it was too thin and would rip easily, but they have held up very well on my dusty jobsite enviroment, that has exposure to equipment/materials that can snag/tear.
Pros:
- Comfortable/movable material.
- The fit was accurate to the size guide and is working well for my expanding belly.
- Thin material is very durable, washes well.
Needs improvement but not dealbreakers:
- Only one utility pocket. I really need/love a hammer loop, and a spot for pencil. The pocket that is there, is hard to slip a utility knife into the designated section without it falling into the big pocket.
- No double layer at the knee.
Alta Winter Hi Vis Jacket & Pant
Stay dry, warm and safe in the Alta Winter Jacket and Pant with CSA striping, a high collar for neck protection and a removable hood.
Reviewed by:
Kelsey Lapointe
Skilled Labourer | Bockstael Construction Winnipeg, Manitoba
It is winter so I wore it as long as I could with our fantastic winterpeg weather! Come spring, early summer, rain days and fall this Hi Vis combo together for flagging is perfect.
Being able to just wear the Hi Vis pants with a Hi Vis t-shirt is great! The pants are also great for the muddy weather when operating machinery.
Pros: Alta Hi Vis Jacket
- Very comfortable
- Radio Holders (each shoulder)
- Outside covered pockets
- Adjustable sleeve cuffs
- Strings on all zippers
- Removable hood
(hate having a hood all the time) - Pretty wind proof
(did wear in -20 weather with 20km winds!) - Easy to clean
Needs improvement but not dealbreakers:
- No inside pockets
Pros: Alta Hi Vis Pants
- Comfortable
- Wind proof
- Easy to clean
- Adjustable legs (by boots)
Needs improvement but not dealbreakers:
- No pockets
Stay protected in the world’s harshest environments in Helly Hansen, trusted by professionals since 1877.
About Manitoba Women in Construction (MWC)
We are a group of people working within Manitoba’s construction industry who share a common goal of supporting, educating and mentoring women in construction.