The Professional Clothing Bank as Evidence-Based Practice

Abstract

Little research exists linking interview-appropriate attire to improved employment outcomes for women. Thus, it appears that the professional clothing bank has not been investigated as evidence-based practice. To provide preliminary evidence for clothing banks, in this article the author synthesizes findings from existing research on the provision of a professional clothing bank as a means for offering interview-appropriate attire to poor women in job readiness programming. For context, job readiness programs are explored and a case study of one program operating a professional clothing bank is presented. Finally, preliminary considerations for planning and implementing clothing banks based on this literature review are given.

Keywords::

• Women
• employment
• job readiness programs
• clothing banks
• evidence-based practice

Notes

^1. Homelessness is defined here as whether staying with friends or family, living in a homeless or domestic violence shelter, or living in transitional housing due to addiction or incarceration.

^2. Though the term “fat” is often associated with judgment and bias, the author has chosen to use the word in a descriptive manner as is encouraged by the fat acceptance movement and the National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance (National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance, 2013).