Workplace dress codes: The demise of professional workwear

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  Quantumrun Foresight
• November 25, 2022

Insight summary

The COVID-19 pandemic has sparked a major shift in work attire, leading to a growing preference for comfort over formality in professional settings. This change is influencing not only workplace culture but also the fashion industry, which is adapting to these new consumer preferences. The trend towards casual dress codes also reflects broader societal changes, affecting everything from marketing strategies to company policies.

Workplace dress codes context

The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 marked a significant shift in workplace attire norms, particularly for employees transitioning to remote work. The sudden change led many workers to adopt more relaxed dress code practices, prioritizing comfort over traditional professional aesthetics. This trend raised questions about the necessity of formal dress codes in modern workplaces, with employees increasingly experimenting with casual workwear options. 

Historically, the concept of the 'business suit' has been a staple in defining professional attire, especially in white-collar jobs. Fashion historian Raissa Bretaña notes that this association became particularly pronounced in the 20th century. However, the seeds of change were sown much earlier, with the inception of 'casual Fridays' in the 1960s. 

In the current century, perceptions of formal dress have evolved to sometimes symbolize a lack of power or authority. A notable example occurred in 2018 when Meta founder Mark Zuckerberg wore a suit to testify before the US Congress. This departure from his usual casual business attire was interpreted by US news and opinion media Vox as "a uniform for the powerless." This interpretation suggests a cultural shift where traditional formal wear, once a symbol of authority and professionalism, may now sometimes indicate a position of lesser power in certain contexts.

Disruptive impact

The shift to dress codes has led employers to reconsider the necessity of formal attire in the workplace. This reassessment has prompted some companies to eliminate traditional business wear, favoring a more comfortable and functional approach to work attire. As this trend gains traction, it is likely that relaxed dress codes will become the norm in white-collar industries, signaling a major shift in workplace culture and employee expectations.

The clothing industry experienced significant financial setbacks due to the pandemic. In the US, many fashion companies reported a dramatic 90 percent decrease in earnings 2020. Similarly, in the UK, clothing sales dropped by 25 percent in the same year. This decline in demand for traditional business attire suggests a lasting change in consumer preferences and spending habits.

The ongoing evolution in workplace attire is also influenced by the changing dynamics of the job market. Companies are increasingly offering more flexible working arrangements to attract and retain talent in a competitive job market. This shift towards flexibility is likely to reinforce the trend towards more casual dress codes, as employees seek a work environment that accommodates their preferences for comfort and practicality. 

Implications for workplace dress codes

Wider implications of workplace dress codes may include: 

• A rise in HR complaints and concerns for 'underdressed' employees. These complaints may stem from double standards in the workplace between men, women, people of color, and people with disabilities. 
• A possible increase in workplace sexual harassment of women and non-binary people.
• A societal shift in how white-collar workers are identified and judged. For instance, a lawyer wearing workout clothes in the courtroom may be perceived as lazy and careless. 
• More businesses offering the flexibility of workplace attire to attract younger workers into their respective workforce.
• A change in marketing strategies by fashion retailers, focusing more on comfort and versatility in clothing lines to cater to the evolving preferences of white-collar professionals.
• Employers revising their employee handbooks to include guidelines for remote work attire, ensuring clarity and consistency in dress code expectations across virtual and in-office settings.

Questions to consider

• What kind of dress codes does your company mandate?
• Do you believe employees should be allowed to wear what they want to work (assuming it meets workplace safety guidelines)?