What is the Future of Dress Codes at Work?
Workplace dress codes are shifting as businesses adapt to new ways of working. Some industries still expect formal business attire, while others embrace smart casual or even relaxed clothing. The traditional suit, once a staple of professional life, has evolved, with modern tailoring focusing on comfort, flexibility, and sustainability. As hybrid working becomes the norm, companies are rethinking what professionalism looks like in the workplace. The challenge now is balancing corporate identity with employee comfort, ensuring that dress codes reflect both company values and changing societal expectations.
Here's What We Have Covered In This Article
Why Has the Suit Always Been a Symbol of Professionalism?
For decades, the suit has represented authority, credibility, and respectability. In sectors such as finance, law, and corporate management, wearing a suit signals confidence and attention to detail. It helps establish trust in business environments where first impressions are key.
Psychologists suggest that formal clothing influences behaviour, encouraging a mindset geared towards strategic thinking and leadership. This is why many executives and client-facing professionals continue to wear suits, even as office dress codes relax. The structured silhouette of a tailored suit enhances posture, creating a presence that commands attention.
How Has the Business Suit Changed Over Time?
The suit has undergone a significant transformation over the years. In the early 1900s, structured three-piece suits with waistcoats and pocket watches were the norm. By the 1960s, slimmer cuts and lightweight fabrics became popular, reflecting a more modern and practical approach to menswear. The 1980s saw the rise of power dressing, with bold pinstripes and structured shoulders dominating corporate boardrooms.
Today’s business suits focus on versatility. Unstructured blazers, softer tailoring, and stretch fabrics allow professionals to maintain a polished look while prioritising comfort. Many brands are designing gender-neutral suits, moving away from the rigid distinctions of traditional menswear and womenswear. The rise of sustainable fashion has also influenced tailoring, with brands using organic wool, recycled fibres, and eco-friendly dyes to meet growing demand for ethical business attire.
Is Hybrid and Remote Work Changing Office Dress Codes?
The shift to hybrid and remote work has reshaped attitudes towards professional clothing. During the pandemic, many employees swapped suits for joggers and hoodies while working from home. In recent years, the trend towards relaxed workwear continues, with businesses adopting more flexible dress codes.
Some companies now follow a “Dress for Your Day” policy, where employees choose their attire based on their schedule. A lawyer meeting a high-profile client might opt for a tailored suit, while an internal strategy meeting may allow for smart casual wear. This approach helps balance professionalism with comfort, allowing employees to dress in a way that suits their role while maintaining company standards.
Do Suits Still Matter in the Corporate World?
In certain industries, yes. The financial sector, legal professions, and executive leadership roles still see the suit as an important part of professional identity. While younger employees may embrace more relaxed styles, high-level corporate meetings, investment pitches, and formal negotiations still call for classic tailoring.
However, the traditional business suit is evolving. Many professionals now opt for modern variations—mixing tailored blazers with chinos or pairing formal trousers with knitwear. Trainers have even made their way into business settings, proving that professionalism isn’t solely defined by rigid fashion rules.
Dress For The Job You Want, Not The One You Have
Be a boss and ooze authority with a bespoke power suit.
What Are the Dress Code Expectations in Different Industries?
Corporate and Finance: Why the Suit Still Rules
For high-stakes roles in banking, law, and consultancy, suits remain the default choice. These industries thrive on structure and authority, and formal business attire reinforces that image. However, even the most traditional firms are moving towards softer tailoring, allowing for more personal expression within professional boundaries.
Tech and Creative Industries: A More Relaxed Approach
Start-ups, media companies, and tech firms have championed casual workwear. In these workplaces, individuality is encouraged, and rigid dress codes are seen as outdated. Jeans, trainers, and relaxed tailoring are commonplace, as long as the overall look remains put-together. Many employees adopt a hybrid approach—wearing a smart blazer over casual clothing to balance professionalism with comfort.
Customer-Facing Roles: Why Appearance Still Matters
For retail, hospitality, and customer service roles, dress codes remain important. Employees represent the brand, and their clothing reflects company values. While some businesses are moving towards more practical, stylish uniforms, the principle remains the same—employees should look approachable and professional.
Made-to-Measure, So Your Always On Point
Why settle for a bad fit? We create tailored clothing that matches your style and shape perfectly. No guesswork, just great-fitting clothes.
What’s Next for Professional Attire?
Sustainability and Ethical Fashion in Workwear
As more companies focus on sustainability, workwear is following suit. Many professionals are opting for high-quality, durable suits made from recycled or organic materials. Some businesses are even offering rental services for formal attire, reducing waste and making premium tailoring more accessible.
Smart Fabrics and Tech-Integrated Workwear
Innovations in textile technology are shaping the future of business attire. Smart fabrics with temperature control, moisture-wicking properties, and wrinkle resistance are becoming more common. Future workwear could even integrate wearable technology, with suits that monitor posture, heart rate, or adapt to different climates.
Balancing Comfort and Professionalism
The future of workplace fashion lies in adaptability. Employees want to feel comfortable, but companies still need to uphold a professional image. The solution is a mix of smart and casual elements—well-fitted blazers, tailored trousers, and premium casualwear that blends style with ease.
Command The Boardroom Comfortably
A well-made suit or shirt should be comfortable and stylish. We’ll help you find the perfect fabric, fit, and design to suit your lifestyle.
Will Suits Always Have a Place in Business?
While office dress codes continue to evolve, the business suit is unlikely to disappear completely. It remains a symbol of professionalism and credibility in many industries. However, the way suits are worn is changing. Modern tailoring focuses on flexibility, comfort, and individuality, allowing professionals to express themselves while maintaining a polished appearance.
As companies embrace more relaxed dress codes, the emphasis is shifting from strict rules to thoughtful, appropriate dressing. The days of rigid office wear may be fading, but the need to look professional and put-together will never go out of style.
