Workwear is clothing originally made for working in, whether you are working in a factory, forest or a mine, but some pieces can also be a part of modern men’s and women’s wardrobes. It’s a purposeful type of clothing because everything on it was added for a reason, from the fabric to the zips and pockets. It’s hardy and functional and you can easily style it and take care of it.
Simply put, workwear doesn’t need to have any protective qualities besides being durable and protective. Depending on the industry you are working in, there may be a need for PPE clothing. This type of clothing is designed to protect you from more than just daily wear and tear, including flame-resistant items or high visibility clothing.
A Brief History of Work Wear
Blue-collar workers have always been a large part of the industrial backbone and fashion brands around the world have creatively adopted elements of their style. What started as safety clothing for manual labourers is now a utility wear trend. Workwear is usually made from materials such as cotton, polyester or blended fabrics that are durable, washable and long-lasting.
Functional workwear items have been fashion statements since the late 1990s and these days they are appearing on the high street and in department stores. Fashion has a thing for technical clothing of all kinds these days and the following are some of the key work wear pieces you can find out there.
Overshirts
Flannel overshirts are some of the most recognisable workwear pieces. You can pair them with raw denim jeans or cotton trousers and if you want to soften the look, avoid work boots. Also, denim shirts have been a favourite of blue-collar blokes and railroad workers since the 1800s, thanks to their tough and hard-wearing construction. You can pair a denim shirt with work boots or try the double denim look, in which case make sure you opt for contrasting shades.
Trousers
Dating back to the late 1800s factory workers wore denim to protect them from injury. Thick work pants are water-resistant and can withstand harsh weather and erosion from intensive labour. They suggest an action-intensive and industrial look and often have a baggy appearance. Modern workwear pants are quite structured, unlike light-wash baggy denim.
Also, cargo trousers re-entered wardrobes recently and there is a good reason for it. Maybe you’ve never thought that you would want the nineties comeback, but a pair of trousers cut from robust cotton, with or without pockets on the legs seems like is here to stay. They should be loose-fitting and hemmed up slightly and if you are going for a more laid-back look, pair them with sneakers, but if you are going for a more tough look, then it’s a good idea to pair them with work boots.
Jackets and Vests
A jacket with a rugged design and structured shape can easily become your wardrobe staple. It bridges the gap between formal and dressed down and can be worn all year round. In the summer, you can wear it over a t-shirt or sweatshirt, while in the winter you can layer it under a wool coat. Workwear jackets have manoeuvrability and safety in their design, with clean lines and an untailored waist.
Workwear vests are made of the same sturdy fabric as workwear jackets and serve the same purpose in insulation and durability.
Worker Boots
Everybody needs a pair of work boots, especially for the winter months when you need sturdy footwear that can withstand rain and snow. Originally, they were intended as safety boots made of sturdy materials that repel rain, mud and chemicals and many of them feature built-in steel caps over the toes to protect construction workers from hard falling objects. Work boots are usually paired with denim jeans and a heavy coat, but you can look for a slightly more polished pair if you want to add an elegant touch to your outfit.
Accessories
Workwear accessories include hats, beanies, gloves, belts, socks, and more. Interestingly, but out of them all, workwear hats play a big role in mainstream fashion.
Tips on Styling Your Workwear
Today, both men and women mix elements of workwear including wide-legged pants, work boots and utility jackets into their style. The best thing about workwear is its ageless quality and versatility. However, you need to be careful not to overdo the look. Workwear is more about authenticity than a trend, so it works very well with wardrobe classics, but not with big logos or any heavily printed pieces.
Choose Colours Carefully
Neutral shades such as sand, green, navy and brown are dominant in workwear clothing and all of them can work well when worn tonally as part of a more streamlined look. Pops of colour can help you break up the workwear palette and make you look distinctive and different, but not too much.
Choose Quality Workwear Pieces
High quality working wardrobe staples such as shirts, trousers, jackets and boots are an important part of your look. It’s always a good idea to spend money on quality garments that are fitted and will make you look and feel great, but also will last longer, so you won’t have to change your workwear essentials very often.
