What Exactly Is Workwear In 2023?
Workwear isn’t immune to fashion trends, it’s popularity and influence ebbs and flows much like many other trends. However, we feel garments that fall into a workwear category are timeless. In fact many garments that are workwear are as popular today as they have ever been, chore jackets are a great example of this.
However, that doesn’t mean that workwear hasn’t changed over the years. Fashion constantly evolves and changes as styles, trends and influences develop over time. The workwear outfits of today aren’t completely alien from the workwear outfits of decades ago, some items such as denim jackets have hardly changed. Some changes are very subtle but they do differ to the original, unless you are looking at a brand whose sole purpose is to recreate vintage garments as new ones.
Understanding these differences can help you decide what types of styles and products you want to incorporate into your wardrobe.
So, what is the current state of workwear in 2023?
How Has Workwear Changed?
Workwear started out as clothing that was worn while working, hence the name, and it was generally labour intensive jobs such as construction or jobs that required a durable and functional garment. Heavy-duty boots, durable jeans and sturdy jackets are just a few examples of workwear.
This is why jeans made of resilient denim are so popular among workwear enthusiasts. Denim jeans and other articles of clothing made of denim were frequently worn by everyday workers due to denim’s tough and long-lasting qualities.
Over the years people began to wear workwear outside of working environments because it became more comfortable over time and had a “lived in” feel to it. People have always gravitated towards workwear for its hard-wearing nature.
An important thing about workwear as a whole is that it’s typically not as ‘in your face’ as some other types of fashion trends. It is less about the logo and more about the materials and functionality. Of course there are iconic Workwear brands that people know and love, but also there are smaller or more obscure brands that people will be attracted to purely because they produce Workwear style clothing. People who aren’t interested in streetwear or brand names might not notice when you wear a workwear outfit, but those in the know will appreciate your discerning choices.
One of the most noticeable differences in workwear fashion today when compared to workwear of the past is that today’s garments are less rigid. It’s less about channelling that hardened worker and more about finding stylish clothing that is durable and practical. Of course, you can still find the super rigid stuff if you are an enthusiast that is into those styles. The beauty of workwear is there is so many different variations to suit every persons needs.
When thinking of Workwear from the 90s, it was a bit more relaxed, and oversized, which helped to open the style up to a larger audience of fashion enthusiasts. Popular artists and musicians from all genres and geographical locations helped get workwear into the mainstream, and now a wide group of people enjoy this style. Just think about the huge popularity of Timberland Boots, traditionally a Workwear boot that was worn by Hip-Hop artists and ushered into the mainstream, becoming a fashion item.
Furthermore, this evolution has helped workwear to cross the gender barrier as well. Workwear, in general, and historically, was typically more focused on menswear styles, but that has changed a lot especially in recent years. People of all genders and ages are seeking out Workwear for its high quality and utilitarian design. A number of workwear brands are embracing more inclusive design and expanding their ranges and colour palettes. We love this!
How Can I Wear And Style My Own Workwear Outfits?
As you put together your own workwear look, you may want to consider the following:
Comfort And Casual Fits. As mentioned above, workwear is less rigid these days and we always encourage comfort as a major factor when putting an outfit together. Relaxed fits and oversized silhouettes are very much on trend at the moment. Certain fabrics such as denim may start off rigid but become softer with wear and washing this is worth keeping in mind. We very much operate in a casual fashion space more than a smart/suiting space. This is not to say you can’t create a smart look from workwear that can be worn to more formal occasions.
Footwear. Anyone passionate about streetwear will tell you that the right pair of shoes can seriously bring an entire outfit together. The problem with this is that many people don’t have a massive wardrobe of footwear to choose from, so creating an outfit and then selecting the perfect shoes afterwards can be tricky.
If Footwear is something you often consider last, try to shake things up, you can choose your shoes first and then build your outfit around them. Consider your selected pair of shoes’ style, colours, materials and general vibe as you build out the outfit.
Shoes associated with workwear looks are often strong types of footwear, such as boots or sturdy canvas sneakers.
Mixing Workwear And Non-Workwear. Whenever you’re putting together an outfit, it’s vital to keep one thing in mind - fashion should be heavily centred on uniqueness and self-expression. Not every look has to consist of only workwear clothing items, so why not change things up? Consider mixing workwear with non-workwear clothes.
For example, you could pair your favourite stylish graphic tee with your best denim workwear jeans. Or, you could wear a rough workwear jacket with your favourite tailored trousers.
Don’t be afraid to mix things up; you might discover a new way of styling you love. Personal style is a journey not a destination.
Where Can I Get Workwear Fashion Clothing For My Wardrobe?
Interested in workwear or streetwear in general? Come and see our collection of high quality, unique clothing at Indigo & Provisions. You can start your personal style journey right with help from us.
We’re proud to have a large selection of excellent products made of quality materials from our hand-picked list of brands. We have sourced everything with durability and functionality in mind.
Do you have any questions for us? Call our team at (03) 925 9434 to get in touch. We’d love to help you get into our product range.
Indigo & Provisions is your one-stop-workwear-fashion destination.
