Suits No Longer Fit for the Office, Americans Choose Business Casual

Business casual is the new norm in American offices, with 47% of respondents in a recent YouGov poll opting for this style. The same poll found that 33% of men own zero suits, 17% hate wearing them, and 28% never do.

Style writer Derek Guy, aka @dieworkwear, is not surprised:

"Suits have been dying a slow death since WWII [...] COVID-19 accelerated this trend, with online shopping removing expert advice on fit."

Guy challenges the notion that suits equate to gentlemanly behavior, arguing it takes more than clothing to make a gentleman.

Tips for Business Casual Dressing:

• Consider company culture and your role. Dress to signal your work ethic.
• Opt for a sport coat over a suit. Guy suggests a navy sport coat, dress shirt, trousers, and leather shoes, with flexibility for chinos, a long sleeve polo, jeans, or sneakers.
• Find your individual style with unique pieces, but avoid a chaotic "Mr. Potato Head" look.

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URL References:

• Original YouGov Poll: https://today.yougov.com/society/articles/49799-most-american-men-own-a-suit-28-percent-never-wear-one-poll
• Full Poll Results: https://d3nkl3psvxxpe9.cloudfront.net/documents/Suits_and_Work_Clothing_poll_results.pdf
• Guy's Twitter: https://twitter.com/dieworkwear/status/1807826897793175764
• Office Wardrobe Advice: https://www.permanentstyle.com/2016/02/which-office-are-you-or-a-sliding-scale-of-formality.html
• Company Environment Considerations: https://www.permanentstyle.com/2024/05/which-office-are-you-a-cold-current-2024-update.html
• Tab Collared Shirts: https://hespokestyle.com/tab-collar-dress-shirt-style/
• Hollywood Trousers: https://www.spierandmackay.com/product/Cream-Hollywood-Trousers-9197-hwt-01