It’s no secret that workwear has come a long way in the past 20 years, especially since it’s no longer simply utilitarian clothing. Now, workwear has many of the same functional features as casualwear, like the ability to stand up to the rigors of the workday. At the same time, workwear has incorporated many of the design elements of formalwear because, while it isn’t intended to be worn outside the workplace, it still needs to look smart and professional.
When a new employee walks into your office, one of the first questions they’ll likely ask is, “what do I wear?” While comfort should be your first thought, appearance also matters, especially for your first job. The impression you make in your work clothes will significantly influence your career, and can play a part in whether you’re hired for your job or not.
For most professionals, dressing for success is a key part of entering the workforce. Your appearance says a lot about your level of confidence, so dressing the part and grooming well can be a crucial step in your job hunt. However, dressing business casual can be an intimidating task. For example, how does one dress for a job interview or business presentation and still look professional? Dressing in these types of situations can seem a bit stressful, but the anxiety of dressing up to get ahead can be a boon.
When it comes to business attire, it seems as though there’s more than one right way to do an outfit. On one end is the all-business, no-doubt-about-it look: the suit and tie. On the other, you’ve got the more casual, more relaxed styles like work polo shirts and t-shirts and denim trousers. Then, there are the outfits that straddle the line between the two, like business casual. But, as you strive to look professional, you also want to be comfortable-but that’s not always easy, especially as you’re deciding between comfort, appearance, and safety.
While you may want to go for appearance or comfort, when it comes to workwear, probably choosing safety would be a wiser choice. If you work in a manufacturing unit, logistics, warehouse, or other similar jobs, you might have to ensure your work gear can protect you from injuries and harm. In that case, you can look for a uniform or workwear made of flame retardant fabric or another durable material to keep you safe from workplace hazards.
Workwear can be a tricky business. You spend days, weeks, and months (sometimes even years) in a professional setting, and you don’t want your clothes to be distracting or unprofessional. You want to look professional, but not like you’re dressing up to go to the grocery store. To guide you through the workwear minefield, here’s a short guide to help you figure out what you could wear to work, depending on the guidelines set out by your workplace.
The fashion industry has become increasingly focused on appeal, to the point that clothing that looks good feels great, and accommodates an array of body shapes has been elevated to a status similar to art. There is now an entire industry that caters to women looking for workwear that not only looks good but is also comfortable and functional. Gone are the days of only choosing from black, blue, and grey, and in came the fashion-forward colours, patterns, and silhouettes.
When it comes to workwear, comfort and appearance are often at odds. The right workwear can make your job easier, more comfortable, and safer. Many businesses often provide uniforms to their employees that are designed just for those purposes. While they are in part a branding effort, in recent years they have also become more functional. The right type of uniform can also make you feel more confident on the job. So, sometimes when you start a job, you don’t have to pick what to wear, as it is picked out for you.
Comfort is king when it comes to workwear, but for many companies, appearance still matters, too. When it comes to appearance, what you wear matters more. If your company’s dress code is professional, you still want to look professional. However, if your company’s dress code is more lenient, you can afford to express yourself more through your workwear. If appearance matters more in your workwear, you want to wear something that makes you feel confident and comfortable while still looking professional. The key is to match your outfit to your job position.
Current research trends show that most people choose comfort over appearance. And, there is nothing wrong with that. However, appearance should be given priority on certain occasions, such as while meeting a potential employer for the first time or when being the presenter in a meeting. And with appearance, we do not mean putting makeup on or wearing expensive clothes. Instead, it involves wearing smart casuals and looking clean and bright, likely by following a proper skincare routine (JoyViva and similar skincare brands can be a great choice in this regard), following which the face oozes nothing but confidence. This is because only when you look good, you will feel confident to present.
Needless to say, comfort and appearance are two factors that work hand-in-hand to make you look your best when you wear business attire. A wardrobe with clean lines, well-fitted items, neutral colours, and items that don’t draw attention to themselves are all important. However, you need to be careful not to sacrifice comfort-and that means everything from proper fit and comfort to material.
Comfort is just as important in the workplace as appearance. While many of us argue that our work clothes should fit well and look good, we don’t realize that our clothes have little to do with feeling confident. Instead, it’s the way we feel in our work gear that matters most. This belief has led many office workers to favor comfort over appearance-but does wearing smarter workwear actually boost our confidence at work?