For decades, Canada's military had no combat uniforms designed for women. That's about to change

More than 30 years after Canada's military allowed women to serve in combat roles, it's now specifically designing uniforms and body armour to fit their bodies.

For decades, female soldiers have been wearing uniforms designed primarily for men and some say it has made their jobs harder, contributed to injuries and hurt morale.

Retired major Sandra Perron became the country's first female infantry officer in 1990 and remembers being handed an extra-small men's uniform.

Her parachute, straps, uniform, helmet, boots — none of it fit, but she made it work, she said. 

"It sends a message that you are an afterthought," said Perron. 

"It's unfortunate because that means we've had a lot of injuries. We've had a lot of women who have left the military because of that."

Now as the military tries to modernize and address its staffing shortage, its overhauling the Canadian Army and the Royal Canadian Air Force's combat clothing system with gendered cuts for the first time.

Officials hope this will help recruit and retain more women so they make up 25 per cent of the forces by 2026. Despite recruiting a decade-high number of women in 2024-25, the military also saw its highest female attrition rate in 10 years. Women that year made up almost 17 per cent of the military.

As part of this work, merino wool base layers are rolling out at all bases over the next year with contour cuts specifically designed for women and maternity wear. 

New combat uniforms in camouflage are also expected to debut in 2027 with a straight cut based on men's bodies and a contoured cut to fit women's chests, shoulders, hips and waists.

The first body armour system with darting around the chest, shorter plates, and tapering for women is coming in 2026 for the army's light forces. Plans are also underway, officials said, to procure more female-specific personal protective equipment.

Emma Moon, the human factors support cell lead at the Defence Department, said this initiative is the first time these items are being specifically designed from the start based on the morphology of women's bodies.

"This is the first time this has happened for operational clothing," said Moon. "It's a huge statement of support. It's a huge win."

Moon said one female officer at CFB Petawawa was moved to tears that these changes are coming out in her service career after years struggling with the standard body armour.