In 2022, the Canadian military announced a switch to gender-neutral combat clothing. That decision has since proven ineffective. The debate has now shifted to new combat uniforms for women in the Canadian military, after it became clear that the existing combat gear fails to provide sufficient protection. The uniforms simply do not fit the female body properly. I already anticipated this outcome when the military first announced the decision. But why do organisations cling so stubbornly to gender-neutral solutions? And what consequences does this have for women who rely on this equipment in the field?

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Gender neutral sizing and new combat uniforms for women in the Canadian military

In 2022, the introduction of the gender-neutral uniform followed new policies on inclusion and diversity. In 2020, the Department of National Defence established the Advisory Panel on Systemic Racism and Discrimination. The panel aimed to “support Indigenous, Black and racialised people, along with the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, Two Spirit community and women.”

The Canadian Coast Guard first removed gender-specific sizing. Two years later, the Canadian Armed Forces followed suit and introduced a gender-neutral uniform. This decision stood out, especially because combat uniforms for men and women had never differed significantly. The military had largely used unisex fits, with women usually receiving smaller sizes. In some cases, tailors adjusted uniforms on an individual basis.

This situation is not unique to Canada. Around the world, women regularly alter their workwear by hand because designers do not create garments for the female body. Unisex clothing typically relies on straight lines and proportions based on the male body.

The need for alterations clearly signals a problem with fit. Instead of investing in uniforms that properly protect women, however, the Canadian military chose a different approach. In the name of diversity, it introduced gender-neutral uniforms across the board. At the same time, it eliminated gender-specific accessories, such as bowler hats for women.

The consequences of gender neutral combat uniforms for female soldiers in Canada

Since the introduction of the gender-neutral approach, its shortcomings have become increasingly clear. Women experience ongoing problems with their uniforms and personal protective equipment because these items do not fit their bodies properly.

This outcome hardly comes as a surprise. Research has shown for years that military equipment offers women less protection than it does men. Australian research, for example, found that 63 percent of women experienced discomfort while wearing body armour. Of those surveyed, 27 percent suffered chest injuries.

Former air force reservist Christine Wood experienced these issues first hand. When she joined the Canadian military in 2010, she received boots and a backpack designed for the male body. Because the equipment distributed the weight poorly, she suffered fractured feet by the end of basic training.

Sandra Perron observed similar problems. In 1990, she became Canada’s first female soldier and saw increasing numbers of women sustain injuries due to ill-fitting equipment. In an interview with CBC, she explained that these issues contributed to many women eventually leaving the military.

New combat uniforms for women in the Canadian military

To prevent further problems, the Canadian military has been allocated 440 million dollars to develop new combat uniforms for women in the Canadian military, along with properly fitted protective equipment. This budget will be used to roll out a completely new kit over a ten year period, including maternity wear.

The photo below shows the first prototypes of the new women’s uniforms. Beneath it, you can watch a CBC video in which experts, service members and specialists share their views on the new equipment.

With the new gear, and a stronger focus on recruiting and retaining women, the Canadian military hopes that women will make up around 25 percent of its forces by 2026. Whether that goal will be achieved remains uncertain, given that women accounted for just 17 percent of personnel in 2024.

It has taken 35 years, but women in the Canadian military are finally being taken seriously. Call me sceptical, but I believe this shift is largely driven by growing international tensions and the urgent need for personnel. Back in the 1990s, the Canadian military already researched the safety of equipment for women. Ultimately, nothing came of it.

Whatever the reason, change is finally happening.

Interested in how uniforms, policy and gender intersect in other countries? You may also want to read:

• New study uncovers uniform inequality for women in Ukraine’s army
• Swiss Army takes a step in the right direction with women’s underwear
• Lipstick and nail polish are no longer banned within the U.S. military
• NATO summit workers receive towels made from army uniforms

Kind regards,

Aileen