Many companies now choose a casual dress code in the hope of appealing to younger generations. After all, they do not want rules about clothing, right? That is partly true. But Gen Z workwear shows that this generation has a very different relationship with clothing at work than previous generations. In this article, I explore how young professionals entering the labour market view workwear, what they want and where they struggle.

Gen Z workwear and the question of what looks professional at work

Generation Z currently includes people roughly between the ages of 13 and 29. This generation is best known for its strong presence on social media, its activism and the value it places on equality. Yet when Gen Z appears in media stories about workwear, they are often portrayed as rebellious teenagers. They supposedly ignore dress codes altogether and show up at the office dressed either too sexy or far too casual. Crop tops, flip-flops, shorts and miniskirts. At one point, there was even a trend of showing up to work in pyjamas.

Recently, I saw a video of a young woman, probably in her early twenties, who arrived at work with hair rollers in her hair. She argued that her male colleagues also dressed casually and that the Velcro rollers should therefore be acceptable. After work, she had a party to attend and leaving the rollers in all day would benefit her hairstyle later. That part was not untrue. Anyone who uses hair rollers knows they work best when left in for a long time. Still, they are widely seen as part of a beauty routine meant for home, not something you bring into the workplace.

The woman filmed her manager’s reaction when he asked her to remove the rollers. He explained that this was not allowed at work, to which she responded with visible surprise. Most people who commented on the video sided with him. Wearing hair rollers at work crossed a line.

 

Differences between Gen Z and millennials in workwear

I initially assumed the video was a joke. But after reading the comments and seeing her responses, it became clear that it was not. And this is not an isolated case. On social media, Gen Z, especially young women, frequently share videos about how they dress for work. Both clothing choices and personal grooming differ noticeably from what earlier generations considered normal.

Millennials, myself included, often comment on this trend. When they share workwear advice, they tend to focus on neutrality. Colours, styles and details should remain calm and understated. Beige, white, black and grey dominate, with little to no prints or bold accents.

That approach contrasts sharply with how many Gen Z workers present themselves. Individuality and personal expression play a central role. If a short skirt, ripped trousers or open shoes reflect their style, they feel they should be allowed to wear them.

 

Why Gen Z has limited experience with work clothes

Opinions aside, the behaviour of this generation is easy to explain. Especially older Gen Z workers who entered the labour market a few years ago missed out on a crucial learning phase.

Normally, your first job teaches you both consciously and unconsciously how the workplace functions. Not just the job itself, but everything around it. How you behave near the coffee machine. How you introduce yourself to colleagues or clients. How colleagues interact. And also how people dress, and how that may change depending on the situation or environment.

Because of the pandemic, many young professionals started their careers behind a screen. Learning a job remotely is already challenging. Doing so in your very first role makes it even harder.

I know young women who, during that period, sent their parents photos of their outfits each morning. Even though video calls only show the upper body, first impressions still mattered. Getting feedback from someone with experience can help, but it cannot replace real-world exposure. Walking through an office, meeting people in person and attending physical meetings help you develop an instinct for what fits where. Every workplace is different. Asking HR can help, but even that does not fully replace experience.

 

Gen Z workwear and insecurity in the workplace

It is therefore not surprising that many starters struggle to judge what is appropriate at work. That gap can be closed over time. A shaky start does not mean someone cannot learn. Still, the mindset and circumstances of this generation differ significantly. They are highly active on social media and often look to peers for guidance, peers who have just as little experience. That was far less common in earlier generations, when advice usually came from people already established in their careers.

On top of that, work plays a less central role in their identity. Earlier generations often saw hard work as a virtue in itself. Today, mental health and work-life balance carry more weight. At the same time, Gen Z faces economic pressure, rising living costs and limited access to housing.

 

Between freedom and the need for structure

All of this shapes how Gen Z experiences workwear and dress codes. Some strongly value individuality and seek employers who embrace it. They see no clear distinction between clothing worn at home and clothing worn at work. That may sound idealistic, but financial reality also plays a role. Research shows that some young people reject job offers because they cannot afford the required work wardrobe. When a formal dress code comes without compensation, a starting salary may simply not stretch far enough.

At the same time, another group appreciates strict dress codes. With so many factors in play, clear rules can feel reassuring. Some young workers even create personal uniforms. By wearing the same outfit every day, with small variations, they remove uncertainty and ensure they always look appropriate.

This duality also appears in Deloitte’s annual Global Gen Z and Millennial Survey. Young professionals want autonomy at work, but they also value clear boundaries that define expectations.

For one Gen Z worker, freedom in clothing represents independence. For another, it creates stress. That makes sense. Ultimately, people want to know when something is acceptable and when it is not. Clarity creates calm, and calm leaves room to do good work.

Greetings,

Aileen