Former and serving federal politicians have donated some of their own clothes to a Canberra community service that helps women in need return to, or break into, the workforce.

The Communities@Work program provides the women with free clothing, shoes and accessories for job interviews, work experience and other events. It also gives advice on job applications and practical offerings such as bus tickets and taxi vouchers.

Communities@Work chief executive Lynne Harwood said the program targeted women from ''vulnerable and difficult backgrounds'' such as those escaping domestic violence, teenage mothers who might have missed schooling, those who do not have the resources to finance a return to work and those who have to attend court or other formal gatherings.

The program helps 15 to 20 women a week in Tuggeranong and Gungahlin.

''We provide the framework and confidence and self-esteem to get them into the workforce,'' Ms Harwood said.

Canberra MP Gai Brodtmann handed over 60 items from former and serving federal colleagues to the service on Friday, with labels including Armani, MaxMara, George Gross, Carla Zampatti, Bianca Spender, Nicola Finetti and Alannah Hill among the haul.

Ms Brodtmann was coy on exactly which jacket belonged to which politician but said most of the six female MPs who retired at the last election donated items - that would be former prime minister Julia Gillard, former attorney-general Nicola Roxon, Liberal MPs Judi Moylan and Joanna Gash and Labor MPs Sharon Grierson and Kirsten Livermore. An item or two from the wardrobe of serving MPs such as Deputy Opposition Leader Tanya Plibersek may be among the racks.

'''We received 60 pieces and they were very into it,'' Ms Brodtmann said. ''Once the word got out, it took off. And they were all glad it was going to a Canberra community organisation.''

We have it on good authority that Ms Gillard donated items and a black striped pants suit by Carla Zampatti might just have come from her wardrobe.

Communities@Work is launching an equivalent men's service soon.

Maree Miller, of Isabella Plains, is a former client of the program and, from next week, will work as a volunteer. On Friday, she was wearing an outfit from the service. ''I went through some hard times, as everyone does, and sometimes you have to put your hand up,'' she said.

Communities@Work is staging a Best Dressed Weekend - to sell off excess women's corporate clothing donated to the service - from February 21 to 23 at the Tuggeranong Community Centre in Cowlishaw Street, Greenway. A VIP first-dibs night will be held on February 21 from 5.30pm to 7pm and pre-purchased tickets cost $35. The general sale is on February 22 from 10am to 3pm and costs $5. The sale on February 23 is from 10am to noon with gold coin entry. For more details, call 6293 6500 or visit commsatwork.org/bestdressed.