Why hoodies at work are now more accepted

Ten years ago, a hoodie was still considered casual clothing that belonged outside the workplace. Wearing one in a professional environment was often seen as inappropriate. Today, however, hoodies at work have become much more common. How did a garment once associated with crime become part of everyday workwear? Some organisations even include hoodies as part of their company uniform.

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The hoodie started as workwear

The first hoodie was introduced in the 1930s by The Knickerbocker Knitting Company, later known as Champion Knitting Mills. The American manufacturer designed the garment for warehouse workers. The hood helped protect employees from the cold while they worked.

Over time, hoodies became popular within hip-hop culture and later among employees in the technology sector. Although the garment gained popularity, its image changed during the 1990s. Criminals increasingly wore hoodies to conceal their identity, making it more difficult to recognise them. As a result, the hoodie gradually became associated with crime.

If you would like to learn more, I previously wrote about the history of the hoodie.

Why hoodies at work are now more accepted

For many years, employers discouraged employees from wearing hoodies because of those negative associations. Today, that attitude is gradually changing.

Over the past decade, workplace dress codes have become increasingly casual. Sneakers and T-shirts are now accepted in many offices, and hoodies have followed the same trend.

This shift is not only the result of changing fashion. During the pandemic, millions of people worked from home wearing comfortable clothing. Since then, many employees have become less willing to return to formal business attire. This is especially true for younger generations entering the labour market. Many employers have therefore relaxed their dress codes because they fear that overly formal clothing requirements could make them less attractive as an employer.

Another factor is cost. Formal business clothing is still considered expensive, which can create an additional barrier for job applicants.

When is a hoodie appropriate at work?

Today, many organisations have even added hoodies to their company workwear. Sports retailers, fast-food chains, automotive workshops and outdoor professions are just a few examples. Companies that choose branded hoodies often make a strategic decision.

When employees are simply allowed to wear their own hoodies, everyone looks different. One hoodie may appear neat, while another looks worn or faded. By providing company hoodies in the same colour, style and with the company logo, organisations create a much more professional appearance. The hoodie no longer looks like casual leisurewear but becomes part of a recognisable corporate identity, while employees still benefit from the comfort it offers.

Of course, that does not mean every organisation should replace its dress code with hoodies. A luxury retailer, car dealership or airline is still unlikely to choose hoodies as standard workwear. The clothing should always match the company’s image, the employee’s role and the expectations of customers.

For example, you would probably expect a groundskeeper at a holiday resort to wear a hoodie, while the managing director would dress more formally. On the other hand, technology companies such as Apple and Meta have become well known for their casual workplace culture, where both employees and management often dress informally.

Thinking about wearing hoodies at work?

If you enjoy wearing hoodies, you now have many more employers to choose from than you did ten years ago. Even so, always consider the company culture, your role and what customers expect before deciding whether a hoodie is appropriate.

Best,

Aileen