A Guide to Workwear
Workwear is pretty much what the name implies: sturdy clothes that are intended for work, typically manual labor. Although this seems like it would be on the opposite side of the fashion spectrum, many workwear brands sell solid basics and some more fashionable and unique pieces that fit in perfectly with other mainstream looks. Some workwear brands have even nudged their way into the fashion scene, with brands like Carhartt making their own higher priced and more experimental clothing label Carhartt WIP, and Dickies becoming a staple in skater culture. A lot of high fashion brands have taken inspiration from workwear as well, including Calvin Klein 205W39NYC and Supreme. With workwear on the rise, it will be useful to also look at the advantages and disadvantages of workwear, where to buy it, and five different ways to style it.
Pros and Cons
One of the greatest things about workwear is that it is designed to be durable. It is made to survive the rigors and stress of construction zones, farms, and all sorts of messy and dangerous places, so it will last a long time if you are just wearing it casually. In addition, it often fetches a lower price point because you aren’t paying extra for the brand name, but just for the quality. On the other hand, the increased durability tends to sacrifice comfort, so don’t expect to get too warm and cosy. And, since the target audience is not the type to stand out, workwear usually comes in more simple and plain colorways, which might not be for you.
Where To Find Workwear
When it comes to actually buying workwear, there are many places to look. Some of the better and more authentic brands to check out include Carhartt, Dickies, Wrangler, Ben Davis, and Timberland. These brands all include a range of prices and styles to look through. Patagonia also has their own workwear line to check out. Although if shopping online isn’t your thing, many chain stores carry workwear, such as Big 5, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and specialty workwear stores you can find with a quick google search. Military surplus stores also have a lot of good options, although it might be hard to find anything that is not camo, olive, or tan. If you don’t want to leave Berkeley, Slash Clothing on College sells a variety of workwear brands to choose from, and Bows and Arrows on Telegraph carries Carhartt WIP.
Look No. 1: High Visibility
There are a multitude of ways to implement workwear into your wardrobe, which is what makes it so great. One option is going for the high visibility look, which is the most flashy you can get with workwear. Bright neon colors and reflective 3M strips will certainly have you standing out, so it would be best to wear this look with black pants and simple shoes, or you could go all out and match the whole outfit.
Look No. 2: Coveralls and Overalls
Another option is to wear coveralls or overalls. Overalls allow for some layering, and look great with a nice crew neck sweatshirt underneath in a more neutral matching color. Coveralls leave little room for layering, so it is best to wear these with some really fire sneakers, or you can do some extra accessorization and wear flashy jewelry or a stylish hat.
Look No. 3: Collared Jacket
One of the biggest staples of workwear is the collared jacket. Pretty much every major work wear brand carries some form of this, and that is because of how simple and versatile it is. It provides a sturdy outer layer that can make an outfit have that timeless feel, and can really be worn with anything. One option is to pair it with a pair of ripped jeans and some low profile sneakers to get a basic, more rugged look.
Look No. 4: Tactical/Cargo
Although this look is branching more over to the military side, which could be considered a whole different style of its own, it can still be done with workwear. A nice pair of cargo pants tucked into some combat boots goes great with a tucked in t-shirt and a tactical belt. Any combination of military colors (olive, tan, black) will work great.
Look No. 5: Half-Zip Striped Shirt
The half-zip striped shirt is a classic workwear shirt that Ben Sherman has been making for decades. They have many different colorways and also short and long-sleeve variants, so head on over to their website and see if there are any you like. These shirts go great with neutral colored pants or shorts.
Hopefully something in this article has inspired you to get into workwear. Workwear is the perfect bridge between function, style, and affordability, so it’s an investment that will definitely pay off. There are many places and brands to check out, and it's never too late to start looking.
Words By Andrew Powers