MEN’S WORKWEAR TRENDS: RUGGED STYLE

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• • Workwear originates from blue-collar workers and is worn for its rugged style, practicality, and durability.
• • Over time, workwear has broken from its laboring origins into mainstream fashion among men and is integrated into urban style and alternative scenes.
• • Popular workwear pieces include trucker (denim) jackets, baggy jeans, carpenter pants, overshirts, overalls, and baggy jeans.

When you combine durable and practical clothing with modern trends, you get workwear. Workwear has a long history, but now, it’s integrated into many fashion cultures, with men taking their unique twist on this trend.

WHAT IS WORKWEAR?

Workwear is heavy, durable clothing made for blue-collar professions, like carpenters, construction workers, and other labor-heavy careers.

Workwear emerged during the Industrial Revolution in the early 1900s. Workers opted for utilitarian clothing like overalls, thick boots, loose button-down shirts known as grandad shirts, corduroy pants, and long, buttoned coats. These clothes were worn by factory workers, railroad workers, and miners who needed hardy clothing to withstand long, demanding hours.

Over time, workwear staples like denim jackets became a staple among Americans. In the 1990s, hip hop icons like Tupac, Nas, and Notorious B.I.G. leaned into workwear trends, repping Timberland boots, baggy corduroys, and boxy work jackets. Now, workwear is integrated with many modern fashion scenes.

WHAT ARE THE WORKWEAR ESSENTIALS?

Today, common workwear shirts include overshirts, and workwear pants include carpenter pants, baggy jeans, and overalls. Take a look at some of the hottest workwear essentials from True Religion.

OVERALLS

Overalls and coveralls are comfortable, pocket-filled, and look great over a hoodie paired with sneakers or boots. Stand out with the Cargo Big T Coverall.

OVERSHIRTS

Button-down overshirts pair well with almost any workwear pants and layer tastefully with trucker jackets. Add foundational pieces to your wardrobe like the Long Sleeve Workwear Shirt. Or, make a statement with patches and other decorative details with the Workwear Patch Shirt.

CARPENTER PANTS

These workwear pants are full of pockets and have loops originally made for carrying tools. Look to carpenter pant styles like the Vinny Big T Ultra Baggy Carpenter Pant and the Big T Carpenter Pant, both oversized with drawstring waistbands and workwear detailing.

BAGGY JEANS

A '90s staple, baggy jeans are considered workwear due to their loose, comfortable, and breathable fit. Rock the Vinny Workwear Super T Ultra Baggy Jean made from raw denim with slight distressing and gold rivet detailing. Or, go for a cargo twist on the Vinny Super T Ultra Baggy Cargo Pant.

TRUCKER JACKETS

Trucker jackets are another name for denim jackets and can be a centerpiece for any fit. Pick up sharp styles like the Super T Flatlock Denim Trucker Jacket.

CHORE JACKETS

Chore jackets are a love child between an overshirt and a blazer, but are boxier and have more pockets. Try comfortable styles like the Denim Big T Hooded Chore Jacket.

Workwear blends elements from the blue-collar industrial look with contemporary, urban style, with fashion enthusiasts mixing influences from every corner of workwear culture.

Work your wear, your way, with True Religion.