CSIRO

Period Friendly Lab Coats

Problem

Most STEM jobs are dominated by men, so the CSIRO wanted to demonstrate their commitment to diversity and show their support for women in STEM.

Insight

The white lab coat hasn’t changed since the 1800s. Designed for men, its colour poses problems for women during their periods. Most of us women find ways to avoid wearing white to work when it’s our time of the month so we don’t risk blood leaking onto our clothing, however women in STEM can’t avoid wearing the white lab coat to work.

Idea

To show our support for women in STEM, we transformed the lab coat to make it period friendly, so women could wear it confidently, without fear of spillage during their periods. Using the same materials as those found in THINX underwear, the lab coat was designed to absorb menstrual blood without leaving a trace, alleviating the stress of wearing white to work entirely.