Workwear <TAG1> is a style inspired by workwear. It originates from the practical clothing of workers, miners, farmers and carpenters, which was sewn from dense, wear-resistant fabrics. At first, workwear had nothing to do with — fashion, it was something designed for protection and convenience during hard physical work.
How workwear came about
In the 19th century, industrialization in the USA and Europe required new clothes for workers. That's when the brands that laid the foundation for future aesthetics came into being:
Levi's (1853) <TAG1> the first denim jeans reinforced with rivets were originally created for gold prospectors and miners.
Carhartt (1889) <TAG1> the company began producing durable overalls and jackets for railway workers and builders.
Dickies (1922) <TAG1> specialized in work overalls, which became a symbol of American work culture.
In Europe, a similar role was played Helly Hansen (Norway, 1877), producing clothing for sailors, and the British Barbour (1894), known for wax jackets for farmers and hunters.
Key elements workwear — jeans, overalls, chore coat jackets, thick cotton shirts, shoes with thick soles. They were created with strength, convenience and durability in mind, not beauty.
How work clothes became fashionable
In the second half of the 20th century, workwear began to go beyond factories and workshops. Jeans became universal clothing for young people, and in the 1980–1990s, the culture of hip-hop and skateboarding made brands iconic Carhartt and Dickies. Wide pants, jackets and vests were associated with street culture, not just physical labor.
In the 2000s, workwear entered the mainstream as a «aesthetic of practicality». It was picked up by design brands that redefined utilitarianism through fashion. Workwear began to symbolize authenticity, reliability and courage.
Workwear Today
Modern brands actively work with working aesthetics:
Carhartt WIP (Work in Progress) — the European branch of Carhartt, which since 1994 has adapted the working style to streetwear.
Dickies <TAG1> remains popular among young people and designers.
Engineered Garments i Nigel Cabourn (UK) make high-quality reinterpretations of labor and military silhouettes.
Big fashion houses — Prada, Louis Vuitton, Balenciaga <TAG1> also refer to workwear, creating collections with references to work overalls, jackets and utilitarian details.
Today, workwear — is not only comfortable and durable clothing, but also a style that combines the history of work with modern urban fashion. It symbolizes practicality, honesty and functionality, which are now valued in the same way as aesthetics.
