It could be said that not much has changed for women when it comes to the selection and availability of flame-resistant clothing. However, one designer is challenging the status quo by transforming safety apparel for women. For too long, women in the oil and gas industry have worked in hazardous environments with workwear and personal protective equipment (PPE) that has been ill-fitting, uncomfortable and, at times, causing them to be walking hazards on the jobsite. Seraphina Safety Apparel is changing this narrative, emerging from a deep commitment to empower women through thoughtful design and innovation.
The story of Seraphina Safety Apparel is as much about timing as it is about vision. Founder Kelly Franko, a seasoned professional with more than 25 years’ experience in healthcare, post-mastectomy, and undergarments, was already well-versed in designing clothing with functionality and comfort being considered. It wasn’t until a chance encounter at the Performance Racing Industry (PRI) trade show that the idea for Seraphina truly took flight. A conversation about the possibility of creating a flame-resistant bra for women in motorsports sparked a new path, one that would eventually lead to a brand dedicated to protecting women across multiple industrial sectors. This pivotal moment was more than just a new business opportunity; it was a call to action.
“When I realized how limited the options were for women in safety apparel, I knew we had to do better,” says Franko. “For too long, women working in traditionally male-populated industries have had to compromise on one or the other, in the limited offerings they have been presented. Seraphina is built on the idea that safety and comfort should never be mutually exclusive.”
With a design approach that’s both scientific and empathetic, Franko uses anthropometric data to create garments that fit the diverse shapes and sizes of women while addressing the challenges they face in the field.
“Thermal hazards are a daily risk and often not a matter of “if but when” will something happen. Burn injuries can heal but they cannot be undone,” Franko emphasizes, “so ensuring that adequate protective apparel is available and accessible to women on the job is important to us.”
With inherently flame-resistant, non-toxic fabrics that are soft against the skin, these garments offer essential protection from thermal hazards without sacrificing comfort. Thoughtful design elements, like strategic seam placement and flat FR-rated elastic ensure that Seraphina’s clothing supports and protects, providing comfort throughout long, demanding shifts.
While many FR garments on the market focus solely on meeting minimum safety standards, Seraphina takes a more holistic approach. Franko says, “Seraphina Safety Apparel is about more than just meeting safety standards; it’s about creating garments that fit like a second skin, offering women the protection they deserve without sacrificing comfort or style.”
Take for instance, the Active Fit Safety bra, which has been awarded a Utility Patent. It’s a testament to the brand’s innovative spirit. This garment is designed to accommodate more than 90 sizes, ensuring that women of all shapes and sizes have access to a bra that fits and supports them throughout their day.
At the core of Seraphina Safety Apparel is a commitment to inclusivity and empowerment. The brand recognizes that women in industries like oil and gas have long been underrepresented and underserved. Seraphina seeks to change that by not only providing protective gear tailored to women’s needs but also by advocating for their right to safety and comfort on the job.
As Seraphina Safety Apparel looks to the future, the brand remains committed to its mission of supporting
women in hazardous work environments. This means not only continuing to innovate in the realm of flame-resistant fabrics and garment design, but also staying connected to the needs of the women who wear their products. The brand is also keeping a close eye on advancements in fabric technology, always seeking ways to make their garments lighter, more comfortable, and even more protective.
Seraphina Safety Apparel isn’t just a clothing brand; it’s a movement dedicated to ensuring that women in oil and gas, and any industry that requires PPE, have the protection they deserve to do their jobs safely and with confidence. By blending safety, comfort and style, Seraphina is not just meeting the needs of women in the workforce, it’s raising the bar for what protective apparel can be. In doing so, Seraphina is not just clothing women; it’s empowering them, one garment at a time.
Amy Roosa is the founder of The Safety Rack, an organization dedicated to closing the personal protective equipment (PPE) equity gap for women through education, research and advocacy. With over 20 years of experience as a safety professional across industries such as construction and general industry, Roosa has become a recognized leader in advancing safety standards and fostering inclusivity.
In addition to her work with The Safety Rack, Roosa cofounded the Midwest Women in Safety Conference, providing women in the safety profession with valuable educational and networking opportunities. She is also a sought-after speaker, sharing her expertise on topics ranging from training strategies to leadership. Roosa’s unwavering dedication to women’s safety and equity continues to inspire meaningful change in workplaces across the country.
- Amy Roosahttps://energiesmedia.com/author/amy-roosa/
- Amy Roosahttps://energiesmedia.com/author/amy-roosa/
- Amy Roosahttps://energiesmedia.com/author/amy-roosa/
- Amy Roosahttps://energiesmedia.com/author/amy-roosa/
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