Functional work-wear evolves into a funky fashion statement

29 June 2023, Mumbai

Smart and durable workwear styles are making a comeback on fashion ramps to meet the post-pandemic rise in demand for style blended with practicality, comfort and inclusiveness.

Utilitarian clothing comprising workwear, army wear, sportswear, and streetwear is now available in a far broader spectrum and a part of the daily fashion wardrobe ever since dressing-down days became the norm.

Indeed, ever since 80’s workwear clothes have been trending due to the influence of punk, skinhead and football hooligan subcultures.

Post-Covid days of comfort dressing has pushed up workwear sales like never before, with US markets spearheading this fashion culture. It’s now a popular trend across Europe and other countries in many casual settings.

Old is gold with a style twist

The basic work wear segment of overalls, cargo pants, jeans and jackets are easily adaptable to suit all body shapes and sizes. Celebrity endorsements and popular stars such as Rihana, Kalia Gerber and Sydney Sweeney and former US President Barack Obama have made work-wear popular in everyday life. Moreover, GenZ and millennial global population are taking to Instagram and Tiktok to promote this fashion segment.

The phenomenon is such that many stars have adopted workwear. For example, Timberland’s famous steel-toe work boots made with heavy-duty tempered steel coated with corrosion-resistant epoxy to meet the needs of industry professionals are now being worn by everyone from plumbers to software engineers. 

The century-old Dickies brand of Classic Bib Overalls made with multiple pockets to keep many things has been a timeless workwear staple. It’s now being worn in many causal settings by men as a fashion statement.

The famous Carhartt brand of hats and beanies a winter staple for hardworking men working outdoors for their quality, warmth, and personal style, are now worn by people of all ages including high school girls who love them in rainbow colors.

As centenarians, both Dickies and Carhattt companies have made an amazing return to the fashion scene with a whole new look in post-pandemic years.

A Grand View Research report reveals valued global work-wear market at $16,773.3 million in 2021 that is expected to expand at a CAGR of 5.6 per cent from 2022 to 2030.

Wearing properly fitted work-wear is now considered a reflection of one’s professionalism at the workplace, particularly in manufacturing and corporate sectors, and this need is expected to remain a prominent factor in augmenting product demand.

The increasing occurrence of workplace accidents and fatalities on a global level has not only propelled the need for appropriate work apparel and footwear but also given it a new modern fashion twist that makes it appropriate for casual settings and ramp walks.

Sportswear brands propels sale of work-wear

The global market is driven by product innovations backed by high-tech machinery and many prominent apparel players have been perfecting an innovative work-wear portfolio worldwide as a fashion statement.

The global sportswear segment is an intrinsic part of this segment as most of their garments are durable, flexible, and comfortable.

The global sportswear market is expected to touch $2.5 billion by 2032 at a CAGR of 10.6 per cent. Product versatility is at the core of this growth.

Many mega players such as Nike, Marmot, Puma, Adidas, Patagonia, Under Armour, Burton, ASICS, Columbia, The North Face among others a part of change drivers of the work-wear fashion statement.

Coveralls, uniforms and overalls in denim or canvas with loads of useful pockets and other intricate functional details are now walking the European fashion ramps alongside women’s evening gowns and men’s tuxedos.

The rising popularity of wearable high-tech innovative outfits as a fashion statement tailored to fit perfectly and not a one-size-fits-all useful kind of garment will make many brands go laughing to the bank in the near future if handled right.

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