Tap into the evergreen popularity of workwear, prized for its utility and durability, as well its aesthetic and inclusive appeal. By Rachel Zoch BLUE-COLLAR WORKWEAR HAS BEEN a favorite of subcultures from punk to hip-hop for half a century, but now it’s hotter than ever. Post-pandemic, people want to feel comfortable in and empowered by what they wear, and workwear brings with it both an easy fit and an attitude of toughness and resilience. Since these pieces were designed for function over fashion, workwear offers a timelessness that transcends trends. That said, workwear sits squarely at the intersection of several current trends, from the boxy, relaxed fit of the ’90s to the demand for comfortable, gender-neutral clothing. It also speaks to both nostalgia and sustainability, with century-old brands like Carhartt and Dickies that are known and prized for their durability. Trend forecaster Samuel Trotman says workwear is here to stay because it fits our modern lifestyle better – and because it offers both physical and emotional comfort. “With everything going on in the world now and all the instability and fears around sustainability, people are looking more and more to timeless garments that are both functional and high quality so that they last,” he told Gear Patrol. Function is at the heart of workwear’s appeal, says Elson Yeung, president and head designer of Californiabased supplier KNOSS Apparel, because people want transitional clothes suited to a variety of situations and activities. “The pandemic allowed people to have much more flexibility in what they wear to work,” says Yeung. “Our lifestyles have really changed in terms of what does work mean? What does personal life mean anymore? There’s such a crossover in between that you can create efficiencies that benefit both sides.” Consumers want functionality and utility, whether at work or at play, he adds, and workwear implies that you’re a problem-solver who gets things done. “Everybody’s really interested in utility, says Yeung, “but then, depending who you’re asking, there are people who wear the utility wear because they do utility things on a day-to-day basis, and then there’s this other group that wears utility wear that doesn’t really do utility things. It’s a fashion statement.” This utility-first approach also means that function takes priority over gender and fashion norms, so workwear offers greater inclusivity than other apparel types. “You’re designing for the person, not so much the gender,” says Yeung. Here are a few options for brandable workwear jackets, from tried-and-true brand names to promo-exclusive pieces: Style With Substance LightField Studios / Shutterstock.com 16 • JUNE 2023 • PPAI Essentials | In Style
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