The professional clothing bank as evidence-based practice

Area of Science:

• Social Science
• Economics
• Sociology

Background:

• Limited research connects professional attire to women's employment success.
• Professional clothing banks are under-researched as an evidence-based practice.
• Job readiness programs aim to improve employment outcomes for participants.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize existing research on professional clothing banks.
• To provide preliminary evidence for clothing banks as an evidence-based practice.
• To explore the role of clothing banks in job readiness programming for low-income women.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of existing research on clothing banks.
• Synthesis of findings related to interview-appropriate attire and employment.
• Case study analysis of a professional clothing bank within a job readiness program.

Main Results:

• Professional clothing banks provide essential interview attire.
• The provision of professional clothing is a key component of job readiness support.
• Preliminary evidence suggests clothing banks can positively impact employment outcomes.

Conclusions:

• Clothing banks warrant further investigation as an evidence-based practice.
• Planning and implementation considerations for clothing banks are outlined.
• Professional attire support is crucial for women's successful re-entry into the workforce.