I work at a state park, and I am one of the few women that work here. Our uniforms are the same for the men and the women: dark green trousers and a khaki button up shirt.
At first, I was upset that they weren't going to provide me with a uniform that is made to fit a woman. Then I thought maybe it's better that way; at least I get to dress the same instead of being forced to wear some overly feminized ranger outfit. That being said though, I am still uncomfortable in the uniform. I am quite small and petite. They gave me the smallest uniform clothes they had, but they still hang off of my frame in a comically over-sized sort of way. I don't feel like I look professional at all. I usually just shove all of the extra fabric into the trousers, pull it all up with a leather belt, and try to cover it up with the unisex vest (which is also too big). We aren't allowed to have our uniforms altered either, I checked. I think the maker of the uniform even has the same shirts in a female cut, the park just hasn't purchased any.
I am not trying to look sexy or anything, but if I'm not careful, I'm going to get this ridiculous clothing caught in a helicopter or something. It also makes me feel like I can't and won't be taken seriously. The other women aren't bothered by it because they aren't nearly as petite so their stuff fits better.
So my question is: should my employer be required to accommodate female workers with a more appropriately cut uniform?
How should I go about addressing the issue without putting my job in jeopardy?
