Cargo trousers, black combat boots and utility belts were once the average working man’s uniform. They were made for durability and practicality and to last through long hours on construction sites and factory floors. They symbolised hardwork and determination. If we fast forward to today, those same pieces have been swept up in a whirlwind transformation, now popping up on fashion week runways and becoming part of streetwear trends. According to the interviewees, finding new and unique ways to work the workwear, is the current stance in streetwear. This could be pairing traditional pieces with opposing pieces, like matching black combat boots with a flowy skirt to create a unique style. Additionally, celebrities like Kim K seem to love the trend, wearing cargo trousers but with a sleek tall heel, again pairing two pieces that shouldn’t work New York fashion students are flaunting their baggy cargo jackets and chunky leather boots across city streets, showing everyone what’s in and what’s out, creating a bold and effortless aesthetic wherever they go.
The aesthetic appeal of workwear
This aesthetic evolution has captivated the attention of fashion influencers everywhere. Fashion content creator Maia, is no stranger to the evolution of streetwear and has been closely observing this transformation: “I spent three months in New York during my gap year, and that’s when my channel really started taking off,” she shares. Known for her street-style interviews and trend analyses, Maia has explored how workwear has transitioned from construction sites to college campuses.
“Workwear is pretty much a staple nowadays,” Maia explains. “Most people don’t even see it as ‘workwear’ anymore—it’s just normal street style. Fashion is cyclical, and anything we’re not seeing right now will inevitably pop up in a few years.”
From her perspective, the trend’s appeal lies in its rebellious authenticity. “Celebrities joined this trend very quickly, probably because of its authenticity and ‘coolness,’ and because they love the unconventional look,” she says.
Workwear- inspired staples have established themselves as staple pieces in the average streetwear wardrobe. What was once a dirty steel toe boot has been reimagined into the ‘grunge aesthetic’, with iconic brands like Doc Martens at the forefront.
Recognised for their long lasting quality and edgy attitude, these hallmark boots perfectly capture the fusion of practicality and style that Maia thinks is defining the workwear trend: “People want to have the best of both worlds; look great, but without compromising practicality. I’ve seen endless fashion students wearing cargos and utility vests without utilising all their features, while others get super original and take advantage of all the hoops and holes to personalise them.”
The versatility of the intersection between practicality and style has not gone unnoticed Maia : “I’ve seen fashion enthusiasts get really inventive with this kind of vibe recently. They will style Carhartt jackets with tailored trousers or pairing Dickies trousers with sleek blazers. It’s all about that mix of rugged and refined, which makes it so versatile, and with saying this, I think this is partly why this ‘trend’ has the ability to stick around, there’s so much you can do with it.”
“People love the authenticity of brands like Carhartt and Dickies. They have this vibe of nostalgia and grit that you can’t fake. But at the same time, there’s this new wave of customisation happening, such as fashion students or celebrities playing with these pieces to make them original, like embellishing them with patches or pins, again highlighting how versatile this style is.”
Timeless appeal and nostalgia
Maia’s insights highlight not only the aesthetic appeal of the workwear style, but also its ability to become timeless, due to the durability of the pieces, ensuring they can be revived across generations to come. Enhancing this idea of timeless trends, is Jordan Cassel, a trend analyst that focuses on the ever evolving shifts in fashion: “I think what we’re seeing happen now with streetwear is different from the throwaway trends you’d usually see. It has a chance to out live the typical trend cycle because it’s rooted in something timeless. The original ‘utility’ workwear is a practical choice, it’s durable, tough and robust, so it’s more than just a trend. It’s quite a phenomenon how gen z have collectively made a construction site uniform cool again.”
Cassel speculates that the reimagined style of workwear is due to multiple factors within fashion and society: “Trends like this don’t happen in isolation. They’re shaped by everything from economic uncertainty to a collective yearning for authenticity. Workwear represents a perfect storm of practicality, nostalgia, and rebellion, which is why it’s become such a dominant force in fashion today.”
Sustainability
The ability for this trend to live on is not it’s only appeal, as the blending of functionality and fashion have led some fashion critics to suggest that the rise of workwear represents a rejection of fast fashion, arguing that fashion forward enthusiasts are seeking durability and long-lasting pieces in a world flooded with throwaway trends and short-lived clothing. An article by Aesthetics and Design discusses how traditional workwear maintains a focus on durability and functionality, supplying longevity and timelessness, in contrast to fast fashion’s emphasis on affordability and trend-driven designs. The article suggests that workwear’s enduring popularity may reflect a cultural shift in fashion, where consumers increasingly prioritise quality, durable pieces over the fleeting trends of fast fashion.
Yet, Maia offers a slightly different perspective on this trend: “I’m usually not a pessimist, but from my perspective, I don’t think this is necessarily true. All the fast fashion brands I know launch workwear items frequently, and I think people who are
more conscious about sustainability would do so no matter the style or trend. I will say I love how easy it is to thrift workwear, so perhaps workwear becoming trendy increased the amount of people buying second-hand, which is amazing!”
However, Maia does recognise that our generation is gradually becoming more conscious of sustainability and that durable pieces like the iconic cargo trouser may place a part in this: “I think only now are we starting to become more aware of materials, and value clothes longevity. My parent’s generation, or maybe grandparents, didn’t really have to look at labels because not that many plastic based or bad quality materials had been invented and commercialised in clothing then. But now, if we’re not careful, we might end up buying something that falls apart after two washes. Good quality workwear, because there are a lot of bad quality fast fashion items out there, provides that comfort of durability.”
For Maia, she explained that the workwear to streetwear evolution represents an opportunity to reshape the way we approach fashion altogether. “Honestly, my big hope is just that we start moving towards less consumption, more upcycling and recycling of materials, plus ethical brands,” she shares. “I hate how saturated the market is with brands that claim to be environmentally friendly but are doing the bare minimum, and I hate how quickly we run through trends and get tired of what we buy. I wish we all would spend more time considering our purchases and tailoring what ‘deserves’ a place in our closet. And that is in the hands of the future designers, the fashion students, no pressure, lol.”
Workwear’s rise in fashion provides a different and exciting outlet for every fashion enthusiast. Whether you want to utilise those roomy cargo pockets or not, there’s no question that workwear has the versatility, aesthetic and timeless appeal to stick around on the catwalks for years to come. The intersection between functionality and aesthetic resonates with those seeking style and practicality, not to mention how the trend may inspire sustainability by encouraging second hand shopping or thrifting of some old pieces that have a chance to be transformed into something fun. With hope that our world is gaining more eco-consciousness, this trend gives old pieces a chance to be reimagined and restyled. Additionally, the ability to mix tough and durable pieces, with something elegant and polished, opens up so many prospects for personal expression through fashion. The mix of practicality and personality in in this style encourages creativity, allowing people to break traditional style rules and experiment freely It’s safe to say that this style may be here to stay, and as long as people continue to adapt the workwear to streetwear crossover, incorporating their own pieces, new or old, this trend will never not have something unique and fresh about it
