The world of corporate attire has shifted monumentally since COVID.
Gone are the days when almost every office looked the same, where the shirt and tie were the accepted uniform, and business dress codes rarely changed. Hybrid working, remote meetings and changing workplace cultures have rewritten the rulebook. Or perhaps more accurately, they've thrown the rulebook away.
Back in 2021 and 2022 there was a rush to supply branded clothing for home workers. Businesses wanted their people to feel part of the team, even if they were sat at the dining room table rather than in the office. Whilst that served its purpose, the conversation has evolved. Today it's less about issuing everyone with the same branded garment and far more about giving people the flexibility to represent the organisation whilst remaining comfortable and authentic in the environments they now work in.
The need to deliver the right message has never been greater. Get it right and you stand head and shoulders above everyone else in the room. Get it wrong and your clothing can undermine your professionalism before you've even spoken.
The Rules Have Gone... But The Standards Haven't
One thing we've observed over the years is that there simply isn't a single formula any more.
Different generations approach business attire differently, and different industries have completely different expectations. Manufacturing, engineering, creative agencies, finance, technology and professional services all have their own interpretation of what "smart" looks like.
What hasn't changed is the importance of confidence.
Whatever you choose to wear, you need to feel "the business" wearing it. If you're pitching for work, presenting to a customer or representing your employer, confidence is infectious. Clothing won't create confidence on its own, but it certainly helps remove distractions when you know you've got it right.
Sometimes We Feel A Little Like Gok Wan...
Working with branded apparel every day puts us in an unusual position.
There are times when we feel a little like Gok Wan, or Trinny Woodall and Susannah Constantine. Not because we're trying to tell people what's fashionable, but because we're constantly helping organisations think about presentation, proportion and the messages their clothing sends.
We're ambassadors for branding, but branding doesn't stop at a logo stitched onto a garment. It extends to the whole appearance. The fit, the colours, the layering, the footwear and ultimately how comfortable someone feels representing their business.
Sometimes it's less about selling garments and more about helping people discover what genuinely works for them.
Subtle Always Wins
Classic shirts and blouses remain the backbone of business attire.
Many gentlemen now favour an open-neck formal shirt paired with well-cut chinos or quality tailored jeans. It strikes a balance between approachable and professional that's difficult to beat. During the cooler months, layering with a simple jacket or lightweight knitwear keeps the look refined without appearing overly formal.
Ladies often have even greater flexibility. Well-cut blouses, refined knitwear and tailored jackets create combinations that feel professional without becoming overly corporate. Introducing a scarf or accessory carrying a subtle brand colour can add a level of cohesion without feeling forced.
When it comes to branding, less is often more.
A logo doesn't need to dominate a garment to be effective. Tonal embroidery, carefully considered sizing or matching the thread colour closely to the garment often delivers a far more premium appearance than large, contrasting logos. Confidence whispers. It doesn't need to shout.
Winter Doesn't Mean Looking Like Everyone Else
As temperatures drop, layering becomes one of the easiest ways to retain a smart appearance.
Fitted knitwear worn over a quality shirt creates a timeless business look. A classic V-neck paired with a round-neck T-shirt underneath adds warmth without unnecessary bulk. If your corporate colours don't naturally exist within knitwear collections, don't force them. Neutral tones such as charcoal, navy or mid-grey often provide the perfect canvas, allowing your branding to introduce just enough colour to tie everything together.
We've been fortunate over the years to source garments that perfectly complement a client's branding, even when that meant thinking slightly differently about how the colour was introduced.
The Forgotten Half Of The Outfit
Here's an honest observation.
Everything we've talked about so far counts for very little if the trousers, skirts and shoes don't complete the picture.
Whilst the corporate apparel industry offers coordinated trousers and skirts, they often lean more towards uniform than individual style. If you're looking to create a business wardrobe that genuinely fits the individual, established fashion brands frequently offer better tailoring, broader sizing and more flattering cuts.
The same applies to footwear.
Shoes are often the signature that defines the outfit. For gentlemen, that might mean clean suede trainers in a creative environment, polished brogues for more traditional settings or quality leather trainers where smart casual is the accepted norm.
Ladies arguably have the finer balancing act. Footwear needs to complement the outfit without dominating it. Elegant flats, refined loafers, understated heels or beautifully made ankle boots all have their place. The objective isn't power dressing for the sake of it; it's dressing with quiet confidence and control. The shoes should feel like a signature, never a statement.
The Teams Call Generation
Business has changed, and so has the wardrobe that supports it.
Not everyone walks into a meeting room any more. Increasingly they're joining through a webcam, and first impressions are now formed through a laptop screen.
One garment that has found its place in this new world is the quarter zip.
It bridges the gap beautifully between formal and relaxed, allowing either a polo shirt or a classic shirt to sit comfortably underneath whilst creating a smarter silhouette on camera. It's practical, comfortable and effortlessly professional, making it one of the most versatile garments in today's business wardrobe.
And What About Polo Shirts?
Polo shirts absolutely have a place in business.
Corporate entertaining, golf days, paddle tournaments, hospitality events, exhibitions and more relaxed networking environments are exactly where a premium polo shirt comes into its own. This is where quality really matters. Better fabrics, superior collars and refined fits are immediately noticeable.
However, there are occasions where stepping up another level simply feels right.
A significant client presentation, an important networking event, a board meeting or an investment discussion often calls for something more tailored. Not because there's a dress code, but because your clothing should reflect the significance of the conversation.
It's not about dressing above everyone else.
It's about cutting it in the environment you're walking into.
Looking Like The Business
Business attire isn't what it was ten years ago.
The rules have relaxed, but expectations haven't disappeared. If anything, they've become more personal.
The right clothing won't win you the contract. It won't close the sale. It won't replace knowledge or experience.
What it will do is help ensure your appearance supports everything else you're trying to achieve.
When you feel comfortable, authentic and confident in what you're wearing, you're free to concentrate on the conversation rather than thinking about your clothes.
That's where good business attire earns its place.
Our Recommendations
Within our Apparel Experience Centre we've selected brands that genuinely support modern corporate dressing rather than simply offering branded clothing.
TeeJays provides perhaps the broadest premium collection, covering beautifully tailored shirts, refined knitwear, executive polo shirts and jackets that comfortably bridge the gap between casual and smart.
Stormtech excels with executive layering pieces, quarter zips and premium outerwear for professionals who spend as much time travelling as they do in the office.
Russell continues to offer dependable business shirts and corporate essentials that comfortably balance durability with everyday presentation.
Clique brings Scandinavian styling into the workplace, making it particularly well suited to today's hybrid working culture.
We'd also recommend Kustom Kit, whose shirt collection offers exceptional tailoring and presentation. Whilst not permanently displayed within our Apparel Experience Centre, these garments are available to view on request.
Whatever your business, remember one thing.
You're not just getting dressed for work.
You're getting dressed to represent everything your business stands for.
