A lot has changed in the last 100 years, especially when it comes to fashion. The male workwear wardrobe has evolved, with the strict business suit now replaced with sneakers and sweatshirts. Opening the doors to the historical workwear wardrobe, Woodhouse Clothing picked out the most popular fashion trends from every decade in the last century, exploring how and why they’ve changed so much.
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As World War 1 began in 1914, military uniform dominated the decade. The trench coats we wear now were inspired by the ones worn by soldiers over 100 years ago.
In the 1920’s, cars became the new boy toy, meaning more men worked in the automotive industry, wearing coveralls for comfort. Middle-class men worked as doctors, lawyers and bankers, still wearing formal suits with hats.
As knitwear made an appearance and trousers were tapered towards the ankle, a change was definitely starting to emerge, as the 1930’s began to consider comfort in workwear.
During the 1940’s fabric rationing and cutbacks in clothing production meant clothes were basic. Most men were at war wearing uniform, and colours were dark, getting notably brighter when the war came to an end.
As the war ended, life slowly went back to normal. Workwear reflected the change, as the freedom of fabric inspired new styles such as the Teddy Boy jacket and slip-on loafers.
The 1960’s was a decade of drastic change, especially when it came to fashion. Workwear became more relaxed, with trends influenced by The Beatles, and roll neck jumpers taking the place of a shirt and tie.
1970’s fashion focused on freedom and fun. Colours became brighter, collars became looser, and the restricting business suit seen in previous decades was long gone. Those who could wear denim, totally would.
The 80’s saw a huge job shift, as the launch of the internet meant more men than ever were working in an office environment. It was the initial birth of Silicon Valley, and the decade of the power suit.
As ‘Casual Friday’ made its way into the office, men embraced the chance to ditch the suit and wear their much cooler leather jackets.
The Naughties saw some fearless fashion trends, including the blazer and tee combo, and the loss of the sock - which still has the nation divided, almost 20 years later.
Research shows office apparel has declined by 39% in the time that co-working spaces have increased 28%, suggesting that suits could soon see extinction. Gender fluidity floods through the modern workplace, redefining stereotypes and evolving limited attitudes.
