Not every guy is trying to dress like he's going to be on the cover of GQ, and depending on where he's from and what he does for a living, having a large wardrobe full of "stylish" or "fashion-forward" clothes might not fit his lifestyle.
You know, there's something to be said for dressing with utility and function in mind. Enter workwear style, which is having a moment in Western culture.
From the streets of Los Angeles to the hills of Tennessee, workwear style is evolving within its ever-expanding landscape, much like the continuously changing business casual and smart casual dress codes.
Claiming men "can't be stylish in workwear" is unfair in my opinion. These outfits often show a lot of personality, so if you're a man working a blue-collar job, why not embrace that side of yourself in some tasteful ways?
Admittedly, I tend to dress in this style, and outfits like the ones in this guide are usually my go-to looks (maybe it's the Georgia boy in me).
You just never know when you'll need to open up the ceiling to change a lightbulb, replace a tire, fix the sink, tighten the water pipes, kill the pesky coyote that's terrorizing the chicken coop at night, or even handcraft a new chair for your niece's tea parties.
After all, Jesus was a carpenter by trade, and every good carpenter needs a practical way of storing his tools whenever he might need them.
Introduction to Workwear
Workwear style is rooted in trades that demand tough, rugged clothing for hard manual labor, highlighting practicality and comfort with a distinctive look.
The style has gained popularity because many people like it for its nostalgia, practicality, and relaxed vibe. They often pick durable fabrics and add patch pockets for utility (which usually comes in handy).
Workwear is no longer just for blue-collar workers; it has evolved into a fashion statement that can be worn in a range of settings, from casual to formal, making it a versatile and stylish choice.
Whether you’re aiming to upgrade your work clothes or add a rugged touch to your everyday style, this guide provides expert advice on pairing workwear with other styles and building a fashionable, yet durable, wardrobe.
Essential Workwear Pieces
Choose your fighter.
A workwear-oriented closet should contain essentials such as work pants, cotton shirts, and jackets, including the classic worker jacket, which can all be combined to style various outfits.
Other pieces include carpenter pants, cargo pants, and shirt jackets, which offer a combination of style, comfort, and practicality, making them perfect for everyday wear.
Denim is a staple in workwear, with jeans and jackets being popular choices because of their durability and versatility, often made from rugged fabrics and equipped with patch pockets.
Carhartt and Dickies are well-known workwear brands that provide durable, high-quality clothing built for strenuous manual labor, while also being stylish and comfortable.
When building your workwear wardrobe, focus on investing in timeless, durable pieces that can be worn repeatedly, such as cotton trousers and chinos, which can be easily dressed up or down.
Worker Jacket
A dependable worker's jacket is what most people picture when they think of workwear. Think the classic Carhartt Detroit Jacket or Dickies Eisenhower Jacket.
These are rugged yet useful due to their practicality. Materials such as canvas, waxed cotton, and denim are some of the most classic, durable, and dependable for worker jackets, often improving with age and wear.
Some jackets can be quilted or blanket-lined for extra warmth, or left unlined for greater comfort in warmer climates.
Chore Coat (a.k.a Shirt Jacket)
The chore jacket usually falls between a work jacket and a shirt jacket. Its origin is exactly what you’d expect: a lightweight and practical garment built for utility.
It was traditionally made for home or workshop use and constructed from tougher materials, such as rugged cotton canvas or denim.
However, the durability of a traditional chore coat highlights the garment's utility rather than offering genuine warmth.
Like the previously mentioned worker jacket, the chore coat adds a touch of rugged sophistication to your outfit.
Work Pants (Cargo Pants & Carpenter Pants)
Carpenter pants and work pants are essential components of any workwear wardrobe, offering a relaxed fit and practical features like multiple pockets, which can be paired with a variety of tops and outerwear.
Cargo pants are another good choice, providing ample storage and a comfortable fit, making them perfect for both work and leisure, while also being stylish and versatile.
My choice for utility pants is Carhartt's reliable, relaxed-fit carpenter pants.
Chinos are also great options for workwear, offering a stylish and elevated alternative to traditional work pants that can be easily dressed up or down.
Hands-down, in my opinion, the best chinos are from Bonobos.
Consider investing in a pair of high-quality, durable jeans that can last for years and be paired with various tops and outerwear, such as a shirt, jacket, or work jacket.
Levi's is another tried-and-true brand that you can rely on for great prices and quality.
Accessorizing Workwear
Add a touch of style to your workwear with boots like work boots, chukka, or Chelsea boots, which can be paired with various tops, bottoms, and outerwear.
Of course, consider adding a watch, a canvas or leather belt, or a pair of sunglasses to your outfit for a stylish and practical touch that can enhance your overall look.
7 Workwear-Inspired Outfit Ideas for Men
Outfit #1: Classic Carhartt Detroit Jacket, T-Shirt & Work Jeans
Let's begin with a classic look you're likely already familiar with.
The legendary Carhartt Detroit Jacket is experiencing a surge in popularity at the moment. Following the 2014 release of Interstellar, in which Matthew McConaughey wore a vintage version of this jacket, demand for it has since skyrocketed.
Now, trying to find a used one online can cost several hundred dollars.
Pair with some triple-stitched work jeans and classic brown lace-up boots, and you're ready to channel your inner action hero.
Outfit #2: Dressy Blanket-Lined Carhartt Jacket
Here's another version of the Carhartt Detroit Jacket, but this time, it's a much sturdier and warmer option with a blanket lining.
This particular jacket more closely resembles the traditional Detroit worker's jacket, built with more utility than the previous re-engineered icons variant.
Although this jacket is intended for actual hard work, I've intentionally dressed it up a bit by adding classic dark-wash jeans, dressier suede Chelsea boots, and a white pique polo shirt.
Ideal for dates or social events in chilly, cold weather.
Outfit #3: Heavyweight Flannel & Work Jeans
Channel your inner lumberjack or mountain man by wearing a heavyweight flannel shirt, providing both warmth and durability against the elements.
Pair with blue work jeans and rugged boots for a warm, cozy, and festive look perfect for the holidays. This style is a kind of "menswear uniform" for the working man, intended to be worn during the fall and winter seasons (and for chopping wood).
Outfit #4: Dickies Eisenhower Jacket & Carpenter Pants
The Dickies Eisenhower Jacket is just as popular as the Carhartt Detroit Jacket. Whether you prefer it over Carhartt is entirely your choice, but one thing's for sure: it costs less overall and is available in many colorways.
In this look, I've paired my navy blue Eisenhower Jacket with some brown Carhartt carpenter pants. Blue and brown are always a great combo, and mixing these two workwear brands just makes it even more fun (in my opinion).
Outfit #5: Machinist Chore Coat & Light-Wash Jeans
Neutral-colored chore coats, like this one, not only look good with other neutral pieces but also come in handy thanks to the many pockets available.
Need to hold something for your wife or a friend while on the go? No worries.
Need to store some tools while fixing something around the house? You betcha.
This is a timeless and casual look for machinists and carpenters that will last over time and is useful when you need extra pockets.
Outfit #6: Denim Chore Coat & Black Jeans
I like a good denim chore jacket, especially when it has high-quality hardware.
This one is from Tecovas and is both stylish and expertly made. Like the earlier machinist chore coat, this jacket offers ample pocket space and features high-quality brass hardware.
I like pairing it with a black t-shirt, black jeans, and subtle dark olive suede chukka boots from Thursday Boot Company.
Rugged and simple with a subtle hint of sophistication.
Outfit #7: Western Casual Denim-On-Denim
Let's dress things up a bit (but not too much).
Some of you might roll your eyes at a denim-on-denim look, but no one can deny the timeless appeal of a western denim shirt paired with jeans in a similar shade.
Typically, you'd want to vary the shades of denim quite a bit when pairing a denim top with a denim bottom (like I've chosen to do here).
However, when you're trying to embrace your rebellious side by adding a touch of "outlaw" to your overall style, such preferences become less critical.
The key is to be intentional with your choices. Wear a cowboy hat and boots for a full-on Western vibe, or opt for a canvas ball cap and chic Chelsea boots, like the ones I'm wearing here from Beckett Simonon.
How much "cowboy" you want to channel is entirely up to you.
Sustaining Workwear Style
Rugged and functional workwear has a place in a man's wardrobe, whether you're a blue-collar or white-collar worker, or somewhere in between.
Regardless of your occupation, investing in classic, practical work garments is beneficial and can make your style stand out.
