From the traditional business suits of the past to the more casual and flexible attire of today, workwear has transformed over time. But where did it all begin?
This article explores the history of workwear and takes a closer look at three pivotal moments when wardrobes began to change. We’ll also discuss what the future of workwear might look like as more innovative businesses and digital nomads embrace flexible workspaces. 

A Quick History of Workwear

The idea of having specific clothing to wear solely for work is hard to trace, but many people believe it began in Europe during the 17th and 18th centuries. During this period, servants at European courts wore specific uniforms to signify their role and rank. Of course, wearing particular items of clothing to signify status was nothing new (think of priests, for example), but this was the first time it was used in a general work setting.

Initially, workwear was all about uniforms. They could create uniformity among the workforce while also differentiating ranks and roles. As you’d imagine, this became popular with the military too!

Fast forward to the 20th century and uniforms were about more than just signifying a specific role or status – they were about protection. Uniforms were chosen that were functional for the occupation. Factory workers, for example, would be required to wear clothing suited to an industrial environment that would protect them. Another example is fast food employees who were expected to wear a uniform that promotes hygiene.

In this century, we also saw the concept of business branding appear. And that’s where your typical business suit comes into play. The idea of wearing a suit and tie for your job role was all about branding. When you go to work, you represent your company, and your company may want you to look a certain way.
But today, many companies are putting uniforms back into the closet and allowing more flexible workwear that matches the flexibility of modern workspaces. Why? Let’s explore three key moments of change that have led us to this point.

Three Key Moments of Change

From uniforms worn at European courts in the 17th century to smart-casual ‘fits in flexible workspaces, this evolution has been driven by changes in society, work culture, and technology.

Women in the Workplace

It could be argued that the switch from very formal and strict uniforms to more flexible dress codes began with women in the workplace. In the UK, for example, women entered the workforce in greater numbers during the First World War, when they filled in for the men who were fighting in mainland Europe. Women would add individuality to their factory uniforms by adding colorful bandanas to cover their hair or bright laces to tie up their boots. 

By the 1990s, women are working in all kinds of roles. But as Uma Creswell, businesswoman and vice president of City Women Network, told the BBC, what they chose to wear was incredibly important. “It was very formal,” she told them. “I wouldn’t have fitted in if I didn’t conform, and I wouldn’t have been taken seriously.”

So, while adding individuality was becoming more acceptable, there was still a strong need to conform to a general dress code.

Culture and Technology
 

The shift to a more relaxed dress code, where ‘casual Fridays’ and smart-casual outfits became the norm, was gradual for the most part. We can see real changes begin to emerge as technology shifts.

Innovative tech companies like Apple, Google and Facebook also revolutionized workwear. Steve Jobs, in his iconic turtleneck, would likely have been laughed out of a 1960s interview, but in the 1990s, he ruled the tech world. And let’s not forget that Google’s casual and flexible workwear rules (which only ban clothing with icons, logos and offensive expressions) were a total game-changer in the 2000s.

These influential businesses helped the corporate world accept more casual clothing. As more workers were sitting behind a desk rather than roaming the factory floor, the need for protective uniforms faded too.

COVID-19 Pandemic

Another huge change in workwear happened during the COVID-19 pandemic when vast numbers of office workers were restricted to their homes and only met colleagues virtually. During this time, we saw suits and ties retired for good… or at least, suit pants were. While you could wear your sweatpants and slippers under the desk on a Zoom call, for many office workers, maintaining a professional look was expected.

But that doesn’t mean there wasn’t a monumental change at this point.

People began to grow accustomed to working in comfortable, unprofessional clothing – including managers, who noticed that it didn’t really have an impact on productivity levels. So, when the workers returned to the workplace (often on a new hybrid schedule) they could bring those comfortable outfits with them.
Comfortable and versatile workwear was in! Of course, turning up to work in shorts and flip-flops wasn’t a good idea. But denim, sneakers and even t-shirts became more acceptable.

Harvard Business Review published The New Rules of Work Clothes in 2022, encouraging office workers to take this “unique opportunity to rewrite the rules of office etiquette” and make sure comfortable work clothes would stick around.

The Future of Workwear…

After all these changes, what is the future of workwear? Well, it still varies drastically depending on the industry. For factory workers, doctors, and chefs, for example, maintaining a uniform isn’t just about looks but also function. In these industries, workwear will evolve alongside the demands of the role.

But for many people, workwear is becoming more flexible. It can be adjusted to suit personal styles and incorporate diversity and inclusivity. While there might still be a need to dress professionally (whether that’s due to corporate policy for employees or to impress potential business partners for freelancers), uniforms can be adjusted. 

Wearing modest clothing or religious head coverings is perfectly acceptable. Wearing sneakers in the office and a t-shirt under your blazer is totally fine too. So long as you are presenting an image that represents your business, your workwear wardrobe today can be more flexible than ever before.

Matches the Future of Workplaces

Workwear has evolved alongside workplaces – both are becoming far more flexible. Like the clothes we can choose to wear, the modern workspaces and locations we can choose to work in are varied.

A flexible workspace is one of the most popular choices in 2024, especially for innovative start-ups and multi-national corporations. The idea is that they can book to use flexible and amenity-rich workspaces in cities around the world. For employees and digital nomads, it’s a chance to immerse themselves in a totally new and exciting culture.

For CEOs and business partners, it’s a way to meet in-person at an impressive professional office space. These open and dynamic environments are the future!

Summary

Over the centuries, businesses, brands, governments and organizations have wanted their employees to represent them appropriately. That hasn’t changed. But as society evolves and we embrace individuality, diversity and inclusion, what is considered professional and appropriate has become far more flexible.

Today, you can choose to work in flexible office spaces around the world and find a dress code that works for you.