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(NEW YORK) — Millions of Americans have traded conventional work wardrobes for loungewear in the almost two years of working remotely throughout the pandemic.
Now, as firms talk about return-to-workplace plans, many individuals are additionally rethinking what their submit-pandemic workwear may appear like. Will conventional “work vs. weekend” wardrobes develop into a factor of the previous after the pandemic?
“The lines between work and weekend have been blurring for decades,” Deirdre Clemente, professor of fashion historical past at the University of Nevada Las Vegas, informed “Good Morning America.” “This transition, [due to the pandemic] has certainly been faster since business casual became the standard for workplace attire in the early 2000s. So what we view as pandemic dress standards have actually been coming slowly for quite some time.”
“Dress standards change as American culture changes,” she added. “The pandemic has put many aspects of our lives into sharp focus.”
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As the development of informal workwear was accelerated by the pandemic, fashion retailers have additionally needed to adapt to strike a stability between consolation and polished attire.
Executives at males’s fashion model Suitsupply, recognized for offering a big selection of stylish work-prepared suiting in addition to informal put on, seen their prospects have not too long ago began to gravitate towards relaxed kinds.
“There is a sort of hybrid composition to an outfit happening at the moment,” Suitsupply CEO & founder Fokke de Jong informed “GMA.” “We’re seeing suits come back big time and people are using alternative layers underneath to dress them down — we call it ‘elevated casual.’”
“We’re meeting this movement with smart crossover pieces like knitted suits and dressy trousers with casual details like drawstring closures and elastic waistbands,” he mentioned. Jong additionally factors out objects comparable to shirt-jackets working properly for a extra relaxed workplace setting, whereas cotton-cashmere sweatsuits and pure cashmere hoodies brings a extra refined contact to leisurewear — making them preferrred for a house workplace.
Alternatively, athleisure attire manufacturers, comparable to Lululemon, have discovered methods to completely lean into their present choices primarily based on elevated buyer demand.
Lululemon’s newest 11-market international examine survey of male members discovered a connection between consolation and confidence. Eight in 10 millennial males mentioned carry out higher at work when they’re dressed comfortably and near 9 in 10 would love their employer to loosen up dress code guidelines, based on their survey.
“The data provides a long-overdue recognition that professional workwear can and should be functional, versatile, and comfortable — and when it is all three, it can positively affect performance, confidence and more,” mentioned Lululemon chief product officer Sun Choe in a press release.
“In many ways, both working from home and this ‘next normal’ of a hybrid work environment has amplified what Lululemon has been designing for all along — versatile, distraction-free garments that move with you through changing conditions and activities, making the wearer feel confident and looking sharp,” mentioned Lululemon senior vice chairman, design, Ben Stubbington in a press release.
He continued, “The success and current strength of Lululemon’s iconic ABC Pant, as well as several other key styles, highlight how consumers are shopping for functional, versatile items that don’t sacrifice on style.”
While consultants say it’s tough to substantiate the lasting energy of the pandemic consolation development, Clemente says that submit-pandemic work wardrobes can be extra versatile and individualized.
“Many things that mattered so much before have less meaning now, she said. “Our clothes will come to reflect these new social standards, that’s how fashion works.”
“Some people will choose a more formal attire, for a while at least,” Clemente added. “Others will just walk in as if they were still working out of their spare bedroom.”
“More than any other time in human history, we have a vast array of wardrobe choices.”
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