Casualisation of office attire has been on the rise over the past year and a half, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic and the widespread adoption of remote work. However, a recent study conducted by Charles Tyrwhitt, a renowned retailer of suits and shirts, challenges the notion that formal suits are becoming obsolete in the workplace. This independent survey, supported by a prominent psychologist, reveals that the state of mind of the wearer and the perception of others still hold significant influence over the relevance of smart business attire.
Although the study acknowledges the increased relaxation of dress codes for many employees returning to the office, it also highlights that a substantial 65% of men still believe that a classic suit and shirt ensemble leaves a strong first impression. Furthermore, nearly one-third of respondents reported feeling more productive when dressed smartly. These findings indicate that men in office-based jobs will continue to view suits as essential attire, even if they are reserved for important occasions such as interviews and critical meetings. Psychologist Lee Chambers reinforces the power of a suit, affirming that it still holds sway in asserting authority and confidence.
Charles Tyrwhitt’s recent sales figures provide further evidence to support the enduring appeal of formal wear. While business casual clothing experienced increased sales in August and September, suits and formal shirts also witnessed a rise in demand. This suggests that a hybrid dress code may become the norm, with individuals opting for more relaxed attire like joggers while working from home and switching to business casual attire during regular office hours, reserving suits for significant events. This shift could greatly benefit the menswear sector, as men are likely to invest in a more varied range of clothing options, similar to the choices available to women for years.
Joe Irons, the Chief Marketing Officer at Charles Tyrwhitt, underscores the importance of a diverse wardrobe for the modern working man. He asserts that a mix of styles is the key to dressing well at work, highlighting the success of their Business of Life smart casual collection, which witnessed a remarkable 154% increase in sales of polos, jackets, and chinos. Additionally, sales of Charles Tyrwhitt suits also experienced significant growth, indicating the need for a wider selection of products to cater to men’s evolving work-life balance.
Psychologist Lee Chambers emphasizes that the past 18 months have posed a challenge in striking the right balance between formality and comfort. While there is a growing preference for casual dress codes, there are still tangible benefits derived from “enclothed cognition,” where attire influences confidence and performance in a work environment. Feeling appropriately dressed for work puts individuals in a psychological state conducive to effectively engaging with their tasks, performing optimally, and approaching work with confidence. It also alleviates concerns about perception and reduces the cognitive burden of deciding on suitable attire for the hybrid way of working, ultimately boosting productivity.
In conclusion, the study commissioned by Charles Tyrwhitt demonstrates that the decline in sales of formal suits does not signify their demise in the workplace. Instead, there remains a continued need for smart business attire, albeit in a more flexible and hybrid capacity. The data suggests that a blended approach to dressing, incorporating both casual and formal elements, is likely to become the new norm. This shift presents a favorable opportunity for the menswear sector to expand its offerings, as men increasingly seek a versatile wardrobe to navigate their evolving work-life balance successfully.
Useful links:
– Business of Life
– Charles Tyrwhitt
