How to Build Your Men’s Workwear Wardrobe

In a world of constantly cyclical fashion, the best thing you can do to elevate your wardrobe is invest in timeless styles that make you feel your best. Whether you've heard of it before or not, the men's workwear look is a vibe that never goes out of style. With deep roots in function, authenticity, and wearable pieces, this blue-collar aesthetic brings a rugged charm to any man’s wardrobe!

 If you're searching for a way to express your true self in your fits, you'll love paying homage to one of the most classic men's styles ever seen. Learn how to build out a new wardrobe of men's workwear with our helpful guidance so you can fully dress the part of the modern man you dream of being.

 

What is Workwear Clothing?

 Workwear clothing, by definition, is exactly what it sounds like: the clothing that people wear for work. The catch? The style itself comes from jobs that are manual labor heavy, resulting in a variety of styles that must fit a few essential factors to be considered comfortable and wearable at work. If you don't work a labor-based job, no fear—nowadays, it's perfectly acceptable for anyone to rock workwear clothing.

 

A Brief History of Men's Workwear

 If you were to trace the history of workwear back to its origins, you'd find it first popped up in the early 20th century in the uniforms for tradesmen and workers. Jackets, pants, and shirts were designed using strong materials in order to withstand the harsh working conditions employees were exposed to while keeping them safe and comfortable throughout their shifts. Over the next couple of decades of workwear, as the world became industrialized and both men and women entered different workforces, this style became synonymous with the American aesthetic.

 

The Rebirth of Workwear Clothing Styles

 As time went on, workwear made its way to more mainstream fashion, from the timeless white T-shirt, denim pants, and leather jacket look made famous by James Dean's go-to look in the '50s to the rugged boots and overalls combo worn in the '70s punk culture community and more. Soon enough, the average man owned at least one or two items of workwear clothing, whether they knew the true history behind the look or not.

 These days, workwear remains a constant inspiration for modern designers everywhere, encouraging a new generation to dress in these classic styles. From the sustainable efforts of secondhand shoppers at Brooklyn's vintage clothing stores giving old workwear pieces a second life to top-end designers making trendy streetwear, you can now find men's workwear around every corner. Workwear is always evolving—talk about timeless!

 

The Key Elements of Workwear Clothing

 All workwear clothing is designed and crafted with the same principles in mind. As you start your shopping, make sure the pieces you get feature some, if not all, of these key elements:

 

Workwear Clothing is Crafted with Durability

 The most important design factor for high-quality men's workwear is durability. Every detail of an item of workwear clothing, from the utility pants to the flannel shirt, should be designed to protect the wearer from any day-to-day injuries or movement required from the job at hand. Durability can refer to the type of material used, any extra padding or knee patches to keep the body safe, and more.

 

While this necessity stems directly from the origins of the fashion movement itself, it still remains a popular design element for modern clothing companies. You want to know if the outfit you're buying will actually last, whether you're actually a 9 to 5 construction worker or a new admirer of the style.

 

Popular Durable Materials for Workwear Clothing:

 

Cotton

Canvas

Twill

Leather

Sherpa

Denim

Polyamide

 

Workwear Clothing is Designed to be Functional

 A good way to determine if an item qualifies as men's workwear is to remember that workwear should essentially serve as a practical toolkit. The pants and overshirts were originally designed to be a helpful and useable uniform in the workplace, so pockets, hammer loops, and the like are important functional elements of the style.

 

Workwear Clothing is Created to be Comfortable

 The key to a good piece of men's workwear is comfort! Odds are, you're not going to be wearing this type of outfit to head to your shift down in the mine, so you'll want your shirts, pants, and jackets to be just as comfortable as they are stylish. This can often come down to choosing the correct fit.

 

Workwear Clothing is Meant to Be Versatile

 When you shop for men's workwear, you'll notice that almost all of the designs are made in a somewhat neutral or pattern-less color palette. It's rare to find workwear designs with a striking pattern or extra-vibrant color—how would you mix and match your outfits then? Workwear clothing is meant to be versatile so that you can wear any combination of your favorite pieces and still look and feel 10/10.

 

Workwear Clothing Has Useful Embellishments

 

Men's workwear is not a flashy style—it's all about understated, flattering fits and long-lasting material. That's why the tiny embellishments and accents are doubly important. If you see pants that have extra-deep or hidden pockets, reinforced stitches, or multiple warming layers, these aren't just for show. Those small details are what make workwear so wearable!

 

Build a Men's Workwear Wardrobe from Top to Bottom

 If this classic look sounds right up your alley, you're in luck! Creating a men's workwear wardrobe that you'll love to wear for years to come is easier than you'd think—in fact, you may already have some of these key pieces in your closet. As you shop, make sure you scoop up a couple of these essentials to build your workwear outfits:

 

Stylish Workwear Tops

 The secret to curating a collection of men's workwear tops is layerability. Whether you're dressing for unpredictable weather in the fall or bundling up in the winter, you always want to be able to strip off a layer for comfort without sacrificing your style. Stock up on your favorite designs of these kinds of tops:

 

Casual and Well-Fitting T-Shirts

 Every man needs a high-quality T-shirt in their workwear clothing collection! T-shirts and graphic tees are probably the most grabbed-for item of clothing throughout the week, so you might as well invest in the good stuff. If you prefer the more modern look, buy a few graphic tees that pique your interest. For a classic look that never goes out of style, stick to one-color shirts in black, white, or other neutrals.

 

How Should a Workwear T-Shirt Fit?

 The ideal fit for a men's workwear T-shirt is relaxed and boxy yet slightly snug enough to allow for necessary movement. Something too baggy or trendy and oversized could get in the way of day-to-day life, while something too form-fitting may restrict movement and be less comfortable. When you try on T-shirts, make sure to pay attention to the length of the sleeves and torso end, as well as how tight the material on the chest feels. If it sits comfortably on your body, it's the correct size for you!

 

Versatile Button-Down Shirts

 With their cuffs, collar, and functional buttons, button-down shirts are a versatile staple in workwear clothing. As you shop, you'll find button-downs made from all kinds of material, from the thinnest linen to the thickest wool—try to get a few in a wide range so you're ready for all weather. Roll your sleeves up and toss one on over a graphic T-shirt for a day on the town, or wear it buttoned all the way up with your favorite men's workwear trousers to head into the office—the choice is yours.

 

Pro tip: for an extra woodsy and rustic take on men's workwear, stock up on a few flannel button-down shirts. The soft material and subtle pattern are perfect for your wardrobe.

 

Outer Layer Essentials for Workwear Clothing

 

Men's workwear would be nothing without a few effortlessly chill and versatile outer layers. Once you have your basics down pat, consider shopping for a few statement men's jackets to complete your fits day after day:

 

Warm and Stylish Shackets

 Talk about blending comfort with function—shackets are the secret staple you've been waiting for. Shackets combine the silhouette of a long-sleeved button-down shirt with the thicker feel of a warm jacket, making them perfect for year-round wear in all kinds of weather. This oversized and trendy design has been worn for decades, from military uniforms to the runway, and it's time for them to make their way into your closet.

 

Our Favorite Men's Shackets

 

Every fan of workwear clothing needs to have a shacket or two in their closet. Our favorite styles can't be beat:

 

Brushed wool shackets

Hooded flannel shacket

Heavy flannel shacket

 

Trendy Bomber Jackets

 If you are looking to elevate your everyday men's workwear outfit, a bomber is the way to go. Bomber jackets can be made out of soft materials, like cotton or flannel, or something more heavy duty, such as leather, each bringing their own style to the table. The sleek silhouette, ribbed collar, and zippered front bring a more modern vibe to the look, but if you can rock it, why wouldn't you style your bomber?

 

Timeless and Sturdy Denim Jackets

 Somehow, by fashion magic, the simple act of throwing on a denim jacket over your fit never fails to impress. Every fan of men's workwear styles will tell you that a good quality denim outer layer, preferably with a relaxed and slightly boxy fit, can complete your look. Plus, they never go out of season!

 

Buying Men's Workwear Pants

 

The type of pants you wear will make or break the look of your workwear wardrobe. Throw out (or more sustainably, recycle or donate) that old pair of skinny jeans—it's time to upgrade your bottoms with Brooklyn Cloth pants that suit the aesthetic of workwear. Stock up on these essential styles:

 

Cargo Pants

 

Cargo pants, which can sometimes be referred to as utility pants, are most recognizable for their abundance of pockets down the legs of the pants, instead of just two at the hips and backside. While they were originally created to help workers carry tools and other workday essentials, they can be just as handy to hold your phone, keys, wallets, and more during your everyday life. If you dream of dressing in workwear clothing, you have to own at least one (if not many more) pair of comfortable, stretchy cargo pants.

 

Multifunctional Carpenter Pants

 

Carpenter pants are about as dressed up as workwear clothing bottoms can get. To find this men's workwear classic, keep your eyes peeled for pants with a straight leg, a few extra pockets, and a sewn-in hammer loop on the upper side of one leg. The utilitarian silhouette can be worn during any season, whether you're rocking the pants with your favorite T-shirt or layered up with a sherpa-lined shacket.  

Men’s Workwear Overalls

Overalls can be worn over, well, all! With a denim or carpenter pant style and a front buttoned bib section, overalls are a true callback to the origins of the workwear trend. While they may feel a tad trickier, anyone can style a pair with a little confidence, no matter what tops, outer layers, or accessories you use.

 

How Should Pants Fit for the Workwear Clothing Aesthetic?

 

When you shop for men's workwear pants, remember that they should sit snug on your hips to avoid any sagging but remain loose and relaxed down the legs to allow for movement. While skinny pants or oversized joggers have their time and place, the clean look of straight lines in the pant leg is part of what makes men's workwear so flattering on all body shapes and sizes. Whether you're buying cargo or carpenter pants, keep this fit in mind to find the perfect style for you.

 

Complete the Men's Workwear Look with Accessories

Any fashion-forward person will tell you that an outfit is nothing without a few well-chosen men's accessories, and that's very much the case with modern men's workwear. Once you've chosen your versatile mix-and-match base layers, try throwing a few of these staples on to complete the look: 

Baseball hats

Beanies

Black belts

Worn-in boots

Bandanas

The workwear aesthetic is a classic for a reason—it truly never goes out of style! Invest the time and money into building your men's workwear clothing from scratch, and you'll rock the look for decades to come. Shop Brooklyn Cloth's timeless styles today to get started!