The gentleman’s guide to work wear
From cotton-canvas jackets to rugged leather boots, welcome to the new age of officewear
Last year, we ushered in a new age of work wear. With suits and ties being left increasingly in the wardrobe, even office wear has seen casual cuts and rougher fabrics overtake the silks and fine cotton poplins that have typified our weekday outfits in the past. But where to start? It’s a big leap – from slim fit white shirt to canvas overshirt – so allow us to guide you through the latest styles in work wear, from the brands who do it best…
Invest in an overshirt
Chief amongst these new styles is the humble overshirt. Initially employed for both warmth and protection, you’re unlikely to get any rogue wood chips or sparks flying at you in the office – but it’s a great look nonetheless. Opt for something in a cotton twill or wool flannel – a natural material that will age well, and remain durable despite daily wear and tear.
Our picks come from Oliver Spencer, whose Eltham Shirt in Bowfell Navy epitomises this utilitarian design, Sir Plus, who have come up with a sand coloured overshirt, crafted form 100% cotton twill and cut in a relaxed fit for practicality and comfort, and A.P.C, whose plaid Italian wool 50s overshirt is cut loose, topstitched and subtly patterned in a charcoal grey.
Turn to twill for your trousers
Sometimes, shifting your workwear from the ultra-formal to the more casual can be as simple as changing the fabrics you opt for. So, before you run from tailored cuts or smart styles, take stock of your materials. A pair of finely-woven wool suit trousers are always going to be amongst the most formal you can wear, but switch things up with a rough-and-ready cotton twill and you’ll suddenly have a very different-feeling outfit.
To make this change, we’d turn once again to workwear stalwarts Oliver Spencer, whose Work Trousers in Cheviot Navy keep a regular classic cut but are crafted from a durable 100% cotton twill for durability. A.P.C, too, have turned to twill in their Lift Chinos, which again are straight-legged and a deep navy blue. Or why not opt for something by Reiss, such as their Friston Twill Khaki Chinos, that quietly up the ruggedness of your everyday trousers.
Blend cotton and canvas in a workman’s jacket
Workwear, you’ve probably twigged by this point, is all about durability and comfort combined. And there’s no union that gets this pairing as right as cotton and canvas. Soft and hardy at once, this melding of two mainstay materials is the perfect fabric from which to craft a long-lasting jacket – and the texture adds interest to any outfit.
We like this corduroy trimmed Bomber from Maison Margiela, with an insulated shell lining and 70s inspired style. Also, Aztech Mountain have pulled it out of the bad with their Down Shirt Jacket, made from hard wearing cotton-canvas, quilted and created for apres ski style. Or, if all else fails and you want simplicity, Kent & Curwen’s Shearling-Trimmed offering is rugged, streamlined and workwear-inspired.
Bulk up your boots
There’s a fine line between office-appropriate boots and clumpy workman’s boots. And it is upon this line that workwear boots walk. Slightly heavier than your usual brogue boots or Chelsea boots that we already wear to the office, but not so chunky-soled and thick that you’ll look like you’ve just returned to your desk from a building site, these are the boots that have an edge of adventure about them, and would just as at home in the jungles of South America as they would in your local Starbucks.
Exemplifying this mash-up are Oliver Spencer, whose Full Grain Derby Boots in Chocolate Leather are one of the most striking and wearable boots they’ve ever made. Edward Green, too, have pitched their Galway boots just right, with hand-cut smooth delapre leather set on sturdy Dainite soles. And Crockett & Jones, purveyors of fine footwear, have shown with their Coniston boots that formal and functional can go hand in hand.
Add some texture to your shirting
You’re probably used to your fine white, and pale blue shirts in the office. Maybe a pink at a push. But the new workwear is less about these pale and pastel colours and more about adding some depth to your outfit – be that in hue or texture. A corduroy or chambray shirt is perfectly acceptable – as is experimenting with alternative collars, or no collar at all. Here are the three best workwear brands to show you how to master the new age of shirting.
A.P.C give you the Jérémie – a Japanese indigo-dyed canvas shirt with unconventional cut and just the right level of formality for the workplace. Oliver Spencer have mixed things up in both collar and colour, with this round-collared umber shirt, the Cooper. And Sir Plus’ offering, a pure cotton Navy Grandad Shirt, will see you stand out in the office, whilst still keeping things on the smart side. A winning selection.
Working to a budget? Instead, why not check out the 5 simple key pieces to upgrade your winter wardrobe…
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