A few weeks ago I posted about the changes in men’s workwear UK and abroad and promised a look at the second half of the twentieth century. Well here’s that promise completed, with a little bit of information about the changes that have taken in the last fifty or so years. Let’s see what has happened.

During the 1950s the suits continued the trend of becoming smaller with natural shoulder shapes. Short sleeve shirts also became more popular, becoming standard work wear in many professions. The advancement of fabric design that had taken place during the war increased the choice of materials available and garments became available in materials such as cotton, flannel and rayon. Whereas overall attire in the UK could have been seen as a little austere, elsewhere prints became popular and clothes worn for work became more casual.

During the 1960s those in the public eye had a great influence on what was worn in certain work areas. Following a television debate in which John F Kennedy had worn a two-buttoned suit; it became the defacto dress ode for those who wanted to be seen to be forward thinking and wanting success. Cut away jackets also became popular amongst business men after various establishment figures began to wear them. During the 1960s various designers began to work on both sides of the Atlantic and ideas crossed more easily and more frequently.

By the beginning of the 1970s this effect was also seen in the way the corporate wardrobe changed too. On both sides of the Pond business shirts developed flamboyant and lengthy lapels, and an increasing number were made from synthetic material. Ties also became larger and featured bold designs and flashy colours, and the knots used also increased in size.

The 1980s saw a reversal in the use of bold colours, as more conservative styles took to the fore, this was the age of power dressing, with suits by European designers, such as Giorgio Armani, were considered a necessity for the office. The 1990s saw the rise of computer geeks and technology entrepreneurs within the male workforce in particular and with it changes in what was seen as acceptable workwear. The advent of a definite casual style with khakis and jeans becoming normal wear and the suit taking a definite back seat within this community, although it was still the de rigour clothing in certain sectors. The suit was seen as stifling, and this new creative workforce labeled them as being out of date. The range of dress accepted by them instead ranged from button down shirts to t-shirts. Ties became seen as a thing of the past. Work clothing became more comfortable and less stuffy in most areas.

As the early 2000s progressed, men’s workwear has remained more relaxed. While there are a few companies remaining that require more formal dress, the predominantly accepted attire is business casual. This is usually defined by a button down shirt and formal trousers. Trousers are typically dark colours, and shirts can be solid, striped or checked. Men’s workwear remains colourful, stylish and comfortable. In addition the use of a casual day has been adopted by many companies. Businesses choose one day from the work week, usually a Friday, which employees are exempt from traditional business attire. In most cases, jeans are acceptable forms of workwear on casual days. The emphasis should be placed on dressing appropriately for the position and the corporate setting.

So we have seen a lot of changes in workwear UK and abroad, but here at Brookes we always have something to suit (no pun intended) your requirements, so whatever your business we are always up to date.