How hybrid working is changing the way we dress for work

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Full suits, bowties, one-piece dresses, business shoes – is such traditional workwear still the only option in a world where flexible and remote working is prevalent?

Gone are the days when we only wore conservative business attire for work – quiet luxury, dopamine dressing, preppy streetwear and individualism are now the new black, according to a recent research by International Workplace Group (IWG).

Surveying more than 1,000 U.S.-based hybrid employees over the age of 18 in August this year, the study revealed the adoption of hybrid work has transformed office workwear and altered the way most workers outfit themselves for their jobs.

*While the survey was conducted in the US, HRO believes the results remain relevant and applicable to our readership in Asia.

Nearly four-fifths (79%) of respondents said they dress differently now as a result of their flexible work schedules. Though they still dress slightly more formally in the office than at home, comfort is the key consideration with 53% of all hybrid workers seeking clothing for ease as they toggle between professional and personal tasks in a flexible work setting; 35% blending casual and formal elements of clothing, while only 21% “being dressed up” more than before going hybrid.

Men are changing up their wardrobes the most with 85% responding that they've noticed a shift in their professional attire, compared to 77% of women, and 62% of non-binary or fluid persons.

Looking by age group, millennials are quick to adapt to new attitudes with 86% revamping their choices. Just behind is Gen X at 77% and Gen Z at 74%. Boomers, on the other hand, are split, with 51% noticing a difference.

So what styles are trending among hybrid workers? The survey has identified four emerging fashion trends:

• Quiet luxury (47%) – being represented by sleek clothes and accessories and a less-is-more approach
• Dopamine dressing (38%) – featuring bold colours and rich textures, expressing joy at work
• Preppy streetwear (25%) – a fusion of refined elements with urban casual aesthetics where style meets functionality
• Individualism (22%) – breaking stereotypes and boundaries to express oneself through what he/she wears

Other trends to note include 'Tomato Girl/Boy' (29%), 'Coastal Grandmother' (36%) and 'Tailoring' (42%).

Are dress codes still valid in companies?

More than half (57%) of hybrid workers said their companies have dress codes in place, and 79% believed they are “strictly enforced” by their employers.

While gym clothes (58%), miniskirts (56%) and crop tops (54%) are deemed inappropriate, workers said their companies allow jeans (79%), sneakers (78%), sheer details (56%) shorts (54%) baseball caps (49%), and flip flops (47%).

Meanwhile, more than two-thirds (69%) of hybrid workers believed what you wear to work reflects the title and level of role within a hybrid work organisation.

When in doubt, employees refer to the following for guidance:

• Boss (19%)
• Retail store websites, displays and social media (14%)
• HR (13%) is on par with TikTok + social media influencers (13%)
• Their own judgment on what to wear in the office and on screen while on the job (12%)

Lead image / Shutterstock