Trends in fashion come and go. Some styles return for a season, while others stay with no signs of leaving anytime soon. One such trend that never seems to go away is workwear fashion. You may have seen it manifest through lace-up work and men’s boots, denim overalls or cargo trousers worn by people of all ages, including young professionals.
With fashion quickly evolving and preferences frequently changing, it’s a wonder how the workwear trend still stands strong. There are reasons for its timeless appeal and why many insist on keeping their favourite pieces in their wardrobes. Take a look at why workwear fashion will stay on the radar for a long time:
1. Comfort
Before modern ventilation and air-conditioning, many workplaces were humid and stuffy. Thus, the workers needed breathable clothing to wear comfortably until the end of their shifts. Classic workwear was initially designed to provide comfort to people who performed manual labour jobs, so their clothes were either loose or just the right fit.
This desire for comfort translated its way to contemporary casual fashion. Hence, you’ll see denim jeans in various styles or work boots for men incorporated into daily wear, even if the job doesn’t require wearing such dress codes. Unlike tight-fitting tops or stiff, formal shoes, workwear allows ease and freedom of mobility. Most people nowadays prefer a balance of style and comfort, which modern workwear gives.
2. Utility
There’s a reason why people who don’t bring bags adore workwear outfits. Many overalls and denim jeans have wide, deep pockets originally as storage for work tools. At present, they’re perfect for carrying phones, wallets and other objects, especially if you’re not bringing a bag with you.
Practicality makes workwear indispensable pieces in anyone’s closet. In fact, most fashion-forward individuals now consider denim pants and jean jackets as wardrobe essentials.
What other types of clothing provide extra storage for your valuables? Cargo trousers and chore jackets might even be as good as a small clutch to secure your loose coins.
3. Cost
Unlike designer brands, workwear fashion is relatively cheap. It has to be since blue-collar jobs, sadly, don’t always promise high pay. Of course, you’ll encounter some pieces here and there that seems to be a bit pricey. But often, you’ll find affordable ones in department stores that you can wear every day without worrying about how much you paid to get them.
Since workwear pieces are generally accessible, nearly anyone can afford a pair of denim jeans or a beanie. Flannels, another closet staple, are inexpensive clothing you can easily spot in thrift stores and second-hand shops.
The affordability of workwear fashion allows anyone with a limited budget and lots of creativity in second-hand styling to create dozens of different outfits for a small price.
4. Durability
Workwear is meant to withstand hard labour, scuffs and scratches. The durability of the clothing is what protects the wearer from injury, after all. While you’re not likely to exert much physical effort on a regular day, you’re assured your leather or denim clothes won’t suddenly rip or tear up while you’re doing errands.
Heavy-duty workwear pieces can last almost a lifetime compared to other types of clothing. It’s not just based on trends but also quality. Work boots and jackets are durable enough to survive years of use and still look considerably decent. Some people might even see the wear-and-tear on the fabrics appealing.
Hence, getting rid of some workwear pieces is almost impossible, especially if they’re still in good condition.
5. Versatility
While it’s true that specific eras brought upon us both fashionable and questionable styles, there’s no denying the 80s and 90s made a significant mark. The hip-hop scene from these two decades popularised the use of workwear in everyday fashion, mixing rugged denim with designer jewellery. During this time, baggy outfits became a must-have in nearly everyone’s wardrobe.
There are currently plenty of ways to mix and match your workwear pieces into your daily outfits. Ladies can pair their cargo pants with crop tops, while men can wear their padded gilets over flannels and formal shoes.
Neutral colours are very common with workwear clothes, such as indigo, brown and green. These colours make it easy to pair with other clothes. So, even with a capsule wardrobe, you can create multiple outfits using limited pieces.
Conclusion
Everyone has a personal style. One may have a jean jacket or leather work boots in the closet. It’s important to learn how to mix and match various items for more comfortable and stylish workwear. Choosing the right clothes for work has become such an integral element of everyone’s lives.
People from all walks of life are likely to have one workwear piece they can mix and match with their other clothes. And as fashion evolves, so do people’s tastes. But they’re not likely to get rid of their workwear clothing anytime soon if they can still incorporate them with the new trends.
