In an era where fast fashion dominates the closets of the masses, workwear fashion emerges as a sartorial sanctuary, offering more than mere garments—it’s a bridge to the storied past of the blue-collar brigade. Wearing workwear it’s a nod to the golden era of craftsmanship, a statement of quality and endurance in a sea of ephemeral trends. This guide is your key to unlocking the rugged charm of workwear, perfectly tailored for the ones still holding high the value of well-produced clothing.
The particularity of workwear fashion is its ability to be a constant; it has no specific starting date and does not refer to a particular historical moment; it still represents the American hip hop scene of the 1990s as much as the new generation of Japanese workwear.
As we drift further from the tactile roots of the labor-intensive past, where machines were manual and sweat was the seal of hard work, there’s a growing craving to rekindle the romance of the manual jobs.
It’s more than nostalgia; it’s about resurrecting the essence of durable fashion. As the world leans into digital realms and robotic precision, we find ourselves longing for the authenticity and robust simplicity that once defined everyday wear.
Scroll down for our workwear fashion style guide.
The Best Workwear For Men
The main value of workwear being a mainstay in fashion worldwide It’s not just about durability; it’s about looking good while you’re at it.
Generally speaking, workwear fashion is a mix of practicality and aesthetics – sturdy enough for a day on the job, but stylish enough for an evening out. Think tough fabrics, muted tones, and pieces that are perfect for layering on any given season.
The Foundation: Workwear Pants
Let’s get straight to the core: workwear pants. They’re the unsung heroes of the workwear world. We need them tough, comfortable, and with enough pockets to fit your whole bedroom furniture in. Best thing of all, nobody said they couldn’t be stylish.
From classic denim to rugged chinos, the best workwear pants are a balance of function and fashion. Find a pair that fits right, and you’ve got a wardrobe staple that’ll last you years.
Not the classic chinos that look good with a jacket and shirt, but the wide-leg ones that fall straight down like bootcut jeans. Blue jeans are fine too, of course, but denim is best preferred for a shearling wool collared jacket. Another workwear recurrence, certain colors such as sand, beige or gray.
An alternative to the evergreen cargo pants, are another workwear fashion staple: Double-knee pants. Traditionally work pants that feature an extra panel of material — usually a hard-wearing cotton canvas — to each knee, sewn on and often riveted at each corner. The reinforced knees extend the lifespan of the pants which would usually wear and break at the knee first. I doubt you’ll be on your knees as much as to wear them out, but they are great for all occasions anyways.
From deep pockets to reinforced knees, these alternatives are more than just ‘wear and tear’. They’re a style statement in their own right.
The Must-have: Workwear Jackets
The true hero piece of any respectable guide on dressing with a workwear aesthetic is the workwear jacket. It’s the epitome of rugged sophistication.
Whether it’s a classic denim number, a sturdy canvas, or that ultra-warm lined piece for colder days, these jackets don’t just talk the talk. They’re built to withstand the test of time, all the while making you look great!
Alternatives To Carhartt WIP
Alright, Carharrt WIP has set some high standards, no doubt. But there are other contenders in the business worth mentioning. Brands like Patagonia and their sustainability efforts, Dickies and their 100 year long run, Wranglers and Levi’s and their iconic jeans, all the way to CAT, are bringing their A-game to the workwear fashion scene, with great designs, fabrics and attention to details.
Brands like Our Legacy and Marinne Serre are examples of luxury brands that are also tapping into the workwear aesthetic and values and elevating workwear into the luxury realm.
From The Bottom Up: Workwear shoes
From the ground up, let’s talk shoes. Workwear shoes aren’t just about steel toes and anti-slip soles. It’s about boots with character, sneakers with grit, and lace-ups that mean business. It’s where comfort meets style and rugged meets chic.
During the day you can wear the iconic yellow boots from Timberland as another must for a workwear look. For a look repurposed for evening, choose a pair of leather amphibians or ankle boots.
As always in this case, it’s not simply a matter of style or icons to wear, but of practicality: hiking or work boots are more insulating, and protect against cold and wet weather, as well as being slip-resistant with their lugged soles.
The workwear motto on this is – you never know where you got to go, better be prepared at all times.
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Finishing Utility Touches: Workwear Accessories
A leather belt, or a carabiner, or a beanie are the only permissible accessories in a workwear look. A wool or cotton-blend hat is also perfect to complete the outfit, along with the optional backpack. However, this accessories must also be really practical, i.e., not bulky and with few frills.
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Now that you are all up to date on workwear, check out our, knitwear guide, t-shirt guide and pants encyclopedia.
