Want to read in Dutch? Click here.
We all know that casual clothes are more and more accepted in the work space. Even banks made the news because they are loosening their dress codes. But how do international manufacturers of work wear experience this trend? What are the major changes and is there a difference between countries when it comes to casual work wear?
Rise of the casual work wear
I discussed this topic with Daniel Clocuh, head of Product Management at clothing manufacturer Greiff. This German company has been making work wear for over 200 years and focuses mostly on representational positions. In addition, they create clothing for the hotel and food industry.
When did you notice there was an increasing need for casual work wear?
“Currently, a lot is said about the fact that business work wear is becoming more casual. But this is not something that happened only a few years ago, it has been going on much longer than that. It started in 1950, when casual Friday was introduced in the United States. Later on, in 1980, people started wearing sports shoes more often in their spare time. In 1985, a German politician caused a big stir by wearing a pair of sneakers.
Nowadays, nobody would be surprised anymore. Since 2000, we have noticed that ties are also worn less and less. In the past, people would only wear casual clothes to work on Fridays. Nowadays, it is the other way around: casual clothing has become the norm, business clothes are only worn for special meetings.”
What are some of your best-selling items and why?
“The chino and 5-pocket pants from our casual collection are the most popular items. On one hand it has to do with the fabric. The pants are made of LYCRA® T400®, which is very stretchy and creates a comfortable fit. In addition, the cotton used in these pants is 100% certified Fair trade. We notice an increase in customers that value the sustainable and ethical aspect of fabrics and clothes. But it is still a bonus, the sustainable aspect should not spike the prices.”
Do you notice a change in color preference?
“People still prefer to choose more discreet colors in the corporate industry. Even though these are still dominating, we think that sometimes clothes should stand out a bit. That’s why we have a Bordeaux red chino in our collection these days, for example. Our customers from Switzerland are most daring when it comes to colors.”
Business Casual
Of course, my curiosity was piqued after hearing about their popular chino. I have known Greiff for a while and have several items of them in my closet. I think it’s great clothing. All the pants I have of Greiff are part of a suit. So, it was about time to test their chino.
After putting the grey chino on I immediately understood the high popularity of this item. It is perhaps not as formal as suit pants, but the shiny fabric makes it look very elegant. Ideal for companies interested in implementing the casual work wear trend in an elegant way.
As always with Greiff, I think the fit of the clothing is wonderful. I’m not only talking about the pants, but also about the blazer and shirt. Everything fits well without it feeling too tight.
Even though the pants and blazer are part of the casual collection, the total picture looks elegant and presentable. I would describe the style as business casual: elegant and neat, but not formal.
Differences between countries
This business casual look has been common in the Netherlands for a long time. But is that also the case in other countries? I decided to ask Clocuh.
Do you notice a lot of differences between countries? For example, is that casual trend equally visible everywhere?
“We mainly focus on Germany, Austria, Switzerland and the Benelux. Between these countries, I certainly see differences when it comes to casual work wear. We particularly sell a lot of casual items in Belgium. Especially when you compare this to the three classic business collections. In Germany, the Netherlands, Austria and Switzerland, this casual trend is also clearly noticeable.
In Luxembourg, the trend of casual work wear has only just started. I think this is due to the interest this country has as a financial and administrative center. In the financial industry, there is a stronger emphasis on a more serious look. That is probably why there is less need for casual work wear.”
Are there clear differences between industries? Does the hotel industry show the same need in casual clothing as the food industry?
“In the food and hotel industry, the clothing really depends on the company and its concept. From classic suits to trendy clothes: everything is actually still being worn.
However, the differences between service industries is large. On one hand, there are the more conservative industries with a stricter policy, like aviation companies. But at the same time, there are conservative scenes like banks that loosen the dress code. Same goes for higher management levels in large corporations. And then there are the companies in which the dress code has always been casual, like the IT companies.”
Do you expect the casual trend to continue or will formal clothing become trendy again?
“I notice that the gap between business wear and casual wear is getting smaller and smaller. It is for this reason that we have doubled our casual collection in our catalog.”
* I wrote this article in cooperation with Greiff. The clothes for this article were a gift.
Its like you read my thoughts! You seem to grasp a lot approximately this, such as you wrote the ebook
in it or something. I believe that you just could
do with a few percent to pressure the message house a bit, but instead of that, that is great blog.
A great read. I’ll certainly be back.
casual shirts men onlangs geplaatst…casual shirts men
Great article for women for getting good fashion options for workwear. Thanks for the blog.
Amazing! Love the looks!
Awesome Blog I have read your blog completely.This blog provide better information about fashion I enjoy that. Thanks for this blog.
Amazing Blog. Great information about fashion. Thanks for sharing such a cool post.
It’s important to aware about the latest trend. Thank you for sharing it.
cool post. I just stumbled upon your post and wished to say that I’ve really enjoyed reading your blog post. After all I’ll be subscribing to your rss feed and I hope you write again soon!
This is a great Blog, So clear and easy to read. Thanks for sharing
Regards:
Ladies Country Shirts
Wow, that look is on point, thanks for sharing
SERICK onlangs geplaatst…Best Hair Growth Tips For Men
You are so creative with your knits and stencilling!!! I love your hubby’s gift too…I too am a trophy wife!!
Very nice article. I really like this article. Thanks for sharing this wonderful blog with us.
This is a great Blog, So clear and easy to read. Thanks for sharing
new summer line 2020 woman top
Amazing article.. Thank you for sharing this information..
experts offer you all the latest fashion trends online google
I agree that Casual clothes are more accepted at the work place as compared the other one which make us smart and professional. Casual Wears gives a unique look and as we know first impression is the last impression. Overall post was amazing and very interesting, keep it up!
A casual work dress is best for office work and wears it when we will be in the office. It is the best thing that we wear always a white dress shirt in the office. so we have to wear a white shirt in their office,
A very nice article.
great article
Great ideas! This is an amazing article. I fond of watching bollywood movies and Thanks for Sharing such a great post. Keep Posting!!
Nice post. I was checking constantly this weblog and I am inspired! Extremely useful information specifically the closing part I care for such information much. I used to be seeking this particular info for a long time. Thank you and best of luck
Great post dear. really love your blogs. I m regularly checking this website for new blogs. Good luck Dear
Nice Post. I was checking constantly this weblog and I am inspired! Extremely useful information specifically the closing part I care for such information much. I used to be seeking this particular info for a long time. Thank you and best of luck
Good Post.. My Baby Like Your Shoes Collection. Thank You
thank you very much… suited for the kids…very useful more power to you and your family.
Such an Amazing Crat from such a beautiful lady. I just can’t leave this post, without appreciating your effort. I’m just loving it.
Lucas onlangs geplaatst…Best Basketball Shoes for Dusty Courts [2021]
Nice post! Got a lot of knowledge about the T shirts. Thanks for your post it’s really helpful.
Thanks for pointing out that there are different work attire that can be worn. But as you said, they are dependent on the industries now what men should wear since some can be lenient while some could be stricter. I guess my husband should learn more about the policies first before he starts buying pants because he is very attracted to pants that could be worn to work that are quite athelic looking when you see it at first sight.
Amazing Blog I have perused your blog completely.This blog give better data about design I appreciate that. Much obliged for this blog.
I really need work space to invent something great. Lot’s of things around my life are happening wrong and i related to sports industry.
Great post!!! You could also try to integrate basketball sneakers with your preferred casual wear for office.
There are plenty of budget basketball shoes that you can always get without breaking the bank.
https://insanehoops.com/best-basketball-shoes-under-50/
Solomon onlangs geplaatst…The 5 Best Basketball Shoes Under $50
This article is very impressive. A casual work dress is best for office work and it has great cultural diversity and versatility, reflecting the brand’s youthful, elegant, and bold personality. White Formal shirts are also very trendy, especially for men.
Hiron onlangs geplaatst…Ladies’ Bag