THE JOURNAL
Contrary to what the new generation of trendsetters might tell you, workwear hasn’t always been a fashion statement. Back in the day, by which we mean in the early 1900s, workwear was designed with one goal in mind: function. The chore coats, carpenter pants and denim overalls, now worn religiously by the style savvy twentysomethings, were originally created to be durable. To be worn by factory workers and labourers, who needed clothes that could take a beating.
Nowadays, that same rugged aesthetic isn’t just still relevant – it’s defining modern menswear as we know it. From the streets of major fashion weeks to the Instagram accounts of sartorial foregoers, vintage workwear is, once again, having a moment. Now, workwear is a look that blends heritage with effortless cool and is currently being championed by the best-dressed celebs and leading luxury brands, with the likes of Sacai teaming up on a capsule collaboration with Carhartt WIP.
“There’s a knack to nailing the workwear look. The key? Balance”
But why is this aesthetic, once relegated to the archives of American and European utility wear, now making such a powerful and elevated return? In an era of fast fashion and disposable trends, men’s style is seeing a pivot toward craftsmanship and authenticity. People want clothes that feel substantial – pieces with a story, a history and a level of quality that lasts. Vintage-influenced workwear embodies that ethos.
These garments aren’t just stylish; they carry a sense of utility and permanence that speaks to the modern man’s desire for both form and function. There’s also an undeniable nostalgia at play. The resurgence of 1990s and early 2000s streetwear has brought back the appreciation for relaxed fits, raw denim and heavy-duty canvas. Workwear, with its vintage appeal, slots right into that wider shift toward looser silhouettes and heritage-inspired dressing. That said, there’s a knack to nailing the workwear look without appearing like you’ve stepped out of a 1920s steel mill. The key? Balance.
Start with the classics, a canvas chore coat by Gallery Dept., for instance, is the ultimate entry point. Workwear is all about sturdy fabrics – denim, canvas, twill – but layering them correctly is essential, too. A denim jacket over a soft flannel chore coat or a plaid shirt, adds dimension. AGOLDE’s Stefano jacket is modelled on vintage trucker styles and looks cool with the Los Angeles-based brand’s 1990s-style jeans in a similar dark wash. Straight-leg jeans and a boxy jacket silhouette keep the fit relaxed, but not sloppy and gives structure, while also offering comfort. Honestly, one or two workwear elements per outfit is enough to keep a look refined. Mr P.’s Consciously Crafted suede chore jacket paired with a sweater and jeans? Yup. Head-to-toe denim with a newsboy cap? Big no.
“Vintage workwear’s comeback is more than just a passing trend – it’s a shift in how men approach fashion”
Footwear shouldn’t be overlooked, either, because any outfit can be ruined with a bad pair of shoes. Swap your go-to sneakers for sleek corduroy-trimmed suede boots by Brunello Cucinelli perhaps or Officine Creative’s Artik style – the brand uses innovative, age-old cobbling techniques to craft its footwear, which really shows in the authentic heritage aesthetic.
Vintage workwear’s comeback is more than just a passing trend – it’s a shift in how men now approach fashion. It’s about clothes that last, style with substance and an appreciation for garments that were built to endure. Whether you’re layering a leather jacket over a hoodie or pairing selvedge jeans with a cashmere sweater, the workwear aesthetic offers an easy, no-fuss way to look effortlessly put together. So, if you haven’t already, it’s time to invest in some workwear staples. Not only will they elevate your wardrobe, but they’ll also stand the test of time – just like they were meant to.