When I try to conjure up an image of what modern workwear looks like today, an image of Jeremy Allen White (or well, Carmy from The Bear) trailing through the streets of Los Angeles plays in my mind. In some ways, White and his on-screen character share certain overlaps—at least in the sartorial realm. Both have a rotating uniform going for them, a modular wardrobe of well-worn, rugged separates that could include casual tees, an enduring pair of trousers and kicks, and some real vintage jackets thrown into the mix.
A particular pap of JAW pulling a folding cart of his whole day sticks out in particular; in it, you’ll find a bouquet of flowers, his kid’s belongings, and well…his kid. Yet it’s his uniform of the day that draws me in. Whilst his winter uniform consists of a chore jacket or two thrown into the mix, on most days this summer, he’s been hashing it out in comfort: a tee with holes, some baggy trousers and a washed out cap. Looking like he’s meant to be going places and getting things done.
Closer to home, Chinese workwear has also been having its moment. In recent months, a miner had gone viral on Douyin, for his fire fits from the actual underground. With his protective headgear and worker bag in tow, he flits between earthy tones and durable denim that just make sense. And there’s an undeniable appeal to it.
@afaa815 Just so you know – this is my desk, not a Balenciaga pop-up!#underground #ootd #fitcheck ♬ 原创音乐 – 啊飞阿阿
After all, the world of workwear is the most accessible there is. It finds its roots in the practical and the real; what was once recognised as standard issue for workers during the era of industrialisation—be it the chore coat of 19th century France or the uniforms that were once worn throughout the traditional Chinese workforce. A hardy jacket worn with trousers or some dungarees, rendered in an indigo blue dye that was not only readily available, but effective at masking stains. The ‘aesthetic’ may now be synonymous with brands such as Carhartt and Dickies, but these brands also first started out by creating hard-worn garments that were durable for all sorts of labour-centric occupations, from woodworkers and carpenters to chefs and industrial workers. Clothes that were built for function—and would stand the test of time. And when it finally made its way into street subcultures, no one would question it—its appeal had always been about its utility and comfort.
So in trying to put an outfit together that teems with workwear sensibilities? The key would be about finding balance, and not trying too hard.
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A sense of ruggedness
Holes in his tee, stains on his trousers. Leave it to Jeremy Allen White to ace that effortless sense of controlled ease, one made possible by his love for vintage pulls and functional separates that truly communicates living life on the go.
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Play with your shapes
Make your pieces work for you. Change up the typical jacket look by tucking in your chore jacket into some baggy denim to achieve a more structured, cinched-in silhouette, like TikTok star Yasmin Hero does.
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A pop of colour
Denim on denim is always a foolproof formula to nailing the vibe, but shake things up with a bright shirt underneath or an alternative print.
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AnotherTomorrow corduroy men's shirt, $769
Available at AnotherTomorrow.
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Colour-blocking
Give your look a little more polish and contrast a statement jacket with a barrel pant in an alternative hue that still suits the workwear vibe—think moss greens, warm oranges, or deep browns.
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Make it your own
Worn by industrial workers at one point in time as protective gear, the boiler suit alternative is a coverall or overall. Play up the look and customise your look with some sewn-in patches and beaten-up Chuck 70s.
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Keep it relaxed
It’s not always about structured jackets and rugged separates. Lean into relaxed pieces that can be layered over your denim or inner shirting—especially in colder seasons, or if you’re travelling.
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Warehouse & Co. denim jacket, $346
Available at Warehouse & Co.
