Wearing workwear is about more than just dressing for the job – it’s a statement of personal style and a reminder that your clothes are a reflection of who you are. The rugged, utilitarian silhouettes favored by hard-working men can be worn in a variety of ways to achieve the look that suits you best. With a few simple styling tricks, you can elevate this practical style and create a look that’s at once modern, masculine, and durable.

For the uninitiated, workwear refers to a range of clothing that was originally designed for specific occupations and line of work, such as railroad workers, construction site employees, and firefighters. The purpose of these garments was to protect workers from the elements, such as rain, heat, and fire, while also providing them with adequate ventilation and visibility so that they could perform their duties safely and effectively.

Today, workwear is more than just functional; it’s a fashion trend with a cult following that spans across race, gender, sexuality, and class. The OG brands behind workwear, like Red Wing boots and Dickies trousers, are all making a comeback with their original designs, sold in shops such as London’s American Classics and Manchester’s Oi Polloi, as well as high-fashion labels and fast-fashion outlets. These brands arguably produce the most iconic pieces of blue-collar fashion, and many have offshoots that cater to modern tastes and the needs of desk-bound professionals.

But it’s not just fashion houses that tap into the ethos of workwear; street and music culture have embraced it too, with skaters, hip-hop heads, and punks all using workwear as a style signifier. From the imposing fits of steel-capped boots and square duck jackets to the oversized half zip shop shirt and gorilla-cut work trousers favoured by skaters, these styles resonate with youth culture for their emphasis on durability, comfort, and a ruggedly masculine aesthetic.

As the appropriation of workwear continues, the popularity of these staples in mainstream fashion shows no signs of slowing down. The trend’s enduring popularity is partly due to its nostalgic association with a simpler time, when people had a real profession and jobs that they were passionate about. This, coupled with the appeal of functional fabrics that can withstand a heavy daily grind, means that workwear is here to stay.

To add a touch of utility to your outfit, try accessorising with flat caps, belts, and watches in neutral hues such as navy, brown, khaki, or black. Add a pair of dark wash denim jeans or combat boots to complete your look. You can also play with textures and layering to create a more contemporary take on the trend, pairing a boxy blazer with high-waisted trousers or a twill hoodie over a tailored jacket. No matter what your personal style, the key to incorporating workwear into your wardrobe is balance: don’t overdo it with too much branding or loud colours and keep the rest of your look minimal and functional for maximum impact.