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WHAT TO WEAR WHEN WORKING FROM HOME: MEN’S STYLE GUIDE
Many of us have switched the commute for a short shuffle to the home office, so it won’t come as a surprise that WFH is now the standard for many Brits.
Company dress codes haven’t quite caught up though, so knowing what to wear for remote work can feel unclear. You don’t want to take video calls in your PJs when everyone else is dressed to the nines, but wearing your best shirt and tie can seem pretty pointless.
That’s where this guide comes in. We’ll cover what makes a good WFH outfit, explore styling tips for staying video call-ready, and provide simple outfit inspiration for comfy, work-appropriate looks.
WHY WORK-FROM-HOME CLOTHING MATTERS
As long as you don’t have a meeting booked in, you can, in theory, wear whatever you want when you’re working from home - joggers and PJs included.
But just because you can, doesn’t mean you should. There are a few reasons why it’s worth choosing your WFH outfits with a bit more care.
Unexpected meetings
You never know when a manager or major client will suddenly want a catch-up. Join a video call in a graphic tee or slouchy hoodie, and you risk looking unprepared and too casual.
Clothing affects mindset
The way you dress can affect how productive, decisive and authoritative you feel. That doesn’t mean you need to wear a three-piece suit at home, but choosing something more polished will put you in the right frame of mind to do your best work.
Separating work and play
If you’re on your laptop in your lounge all day, it can be hard to separate your job and personal life, making it tricky to switch off after 5:30. But if you change outfits at the start and end of your office hours, it can create a clear mental boundary between home and work.
Keeping comfortable
It might sound great wearing loungewear or PJs at your laptop, but they’re not designed for sitting at a desk all day - they’re sure to ride up or pull out of place. And unless you have the heating on, they’re not going to keep you warm enough for a full 9-to-5.
WHAT MAKES A GOOD WORK-FROM-HOME OUTFIT?
When you’re deciding what to wear for a day working from home, there are a few things to keep in mind.
IT NEEDS TO BE SMART ENOUGH
Unless you work in a very formal organisation or you’re giving a major presentation, most colleagues and clients understand that WFH outfits are a bit more relaxed than regular office wear. But even so, going too casual is sure to raise a few eyebrows.
Your safest bet is to wear what you’d put on for a ‘dress down Friday’. Reach for staples like a collared polo top, a relaxed check or cord shirt, or a smart sweater with a shirt underneath.
IT SHOULD BE VIDEO CALL-READY
It can look really out of place when someone joins a video call wearing their comfiest weekend outfit.
To keep meeting-appropriate, we recommend wearing a top with a collar - button-up shirts will always go down well, for example. When it comes to the design, reach for pieces in block colours or classic patterns like stripes or checks.
IT MUST PUT COMFORT FIRST
Let’s be honest, we’ve all worn joggers to the home office at some point, and there’s good reason for it - they’re the ultimate in comfort, and unless you have to answer the door during a call, no one’s going to see your bottom half.
But there are smarter alternatives, like jeans or chinos, which will keep you just as comfortable, but will put you more in the work mindset. If your home desk isn’t kitted out with a proper office chair, choose trousers with a little stretch, some padding and an elasticated waistband.
IT HAS TO WORK WITH YOUR HOME LIFE
Naturally, your home situation will have a say in your outfit. If you live with flatmates, you might want to avoid working at the kitchen table in your PJs, for example.
Need to walk the dog on your lunch break? Choose something suitable for a stroll around the block. Need to pick the kids up from school? Wear something that means you can easily pop out of the house.
STYLING TIPS FOR MEN’S WORK-FROM-HOME OUTFITS
The best working-from-home outfits blend comfort with a smart casual vibe. Keep these styling tips in mind, and you’ll hit the perfect balance every time.
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Fabric choice: Soft, breathable fabrics will keep you comfortable from 9 to 5. Look for pieces made from cotton or bamboo, for example.
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Pick versatile staples: You don’t need a huge WFH wardrobe - just a few key pieces will do. Choose items that can dress up or down, like a couple of shirts and polos, and a cosy, fine-knit jumper.
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Keep a tie handy: If your company has a more formal dress code, keep a tie at your desk for last-minute polish in case of unexpected video calls.
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Avoid logos: To keep your outfit work-appropriate, it’s best to avoid tops with clear printed or embroidered logos.
MEN’S WORK-FROM-HOME OUTFIT IDEAS
Different businesses and dress codes tend to call for different WFH looks. With these simple outfit formulas, you’ll have no trouble getting your remote work wardrobe just right.
Work-From-Home Clothes For Formal Companies
If you work in a customer-facing role or in a traditional sector like law, finance or engineering, you’ll want a WFH outfit that’s on the more polished, professional side, but relaxed enough in case you need to pop out of the house.
Top up your wardrobe with a couple of pairs of chinos and a few comfortable shirts in block colours - and remember to keep a tie at your desk, ready for urgent video calls. Complete your look with a plain cardigan or jumper for warmth, or layer with a gilet to add structure to your outfit.
Work-From-Home Clothing For Semi-Formal Firms
If you work somewhere with a more laid-back smart-casual dress code, keep your WFH gear in line with that vibe.
Lean towards check, striped or cord shirts for a relaxed yet work-appropriate look. In summer, opt for a collared polo instead, and in winter, layer with a cable-knit jumper or zip-up cardigan. Finish your outfit with trousers that have an elasticated waist for complete comfort in your home office.
Casual Work-From-Home Outfits
If your company has a much more relaxed dress code, you’ll have a lot more freedom with what to wear, even when you’re working from home. Comfort will come first, but you’ll still want to look professional.
On top, you can go one of two ways - try a plain t-shirt, or choose a knitted polo, short-sleeve shirt or anything with a collar. Either vibe will work, and you can easily layer them all with a sweatshirt for extra warmth. Wear jeans or chinos for the base, and you’ll be all set to clock in.
CREATE YOUR WORK-FROM-HOME WARDROBE
Working from home gives so much flexibility and freedom - don’t let outfit choice make it stressful. Come back to our simple ideas for work-from-home outfits, and you can be confident knowing you’ll look the part on calls while still feeling comfortable all day.
Check out our range of men’s staples, and pick the shirts, polos, jumpers and trousers that’ll create the ultimate work-from-home wardrobe.
MENS WORK-FROM-HOME OUTFIT FAQS
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