In recent decades, the role of men’s clothing in the workplace has shifted dramatically, with suits and ties steadily losing ground to more relaxed styles. As workplaces moved away from strict dress codes, fashion norms evolved in tandem, creating a landscape where “business casual” and even jeans have replaced the traditional power suit. This shift from formal to casual dressing reflects broader changes in work culture, societal norms and personal expression. Here’s a deep dive into how this transformation took place and the impact it has had on men’s fashion.
The Traditional Suit
A Symbol of Authority and Professionalism
For most of the 20th century, a well-tailored suit was the ultimate symbol of professionalism and authority. The suit’s evolution — from the morning coats and frock coats of the late 19th century to the streamlined, single-breasted designs of the 1920s and beyond — coincided with the rise of corporate America and a rigid hierarchy that demanded formality in dress.
By the 1950s, the “gray flannel suit” became a cultural icon representing the archetypal businessman. In the post-war era, men wore suits not just to work but also to social gatherings, family events and even casual outings. This formality was an expression of respectability and reliability, attributes that were highly valued in a corporate environment focused on tradition and stability.
The 1970s and 1980s
Breaking Tradition and the Rise of Individuality
The late 1960s and 1970s saw a cultural revolution that questioned many established norms, including formal dress. As casual clothing gained popularity in everyday life, people began to challenge the notion that suits were necessary for professionalism. The 1970s introduced unconventional designs, with leisure suits, bold patterns and vibrant colours infiltrating both casual and formal settings. The individuality expressed in these clothes reflected the cultural desire to break free from rigid structures.
The 1980s saw a resurgence of suits as symbols of success, influenced by a booming economy and the “yuppie” culture of young urban professionals. In this era, men were often seen in sharply tailored power suits, with designers like Armani and Ralph Lauren shaping a look that symbolized affluence and confidence. Yet, while suits were back in style, the notion of individualism had taken root and many men looked for ways to personalize their style within corporate dress codes.
The 1990s
Casual Fridays and the Beginning of Business Casual
The 1990s marked a pivotal point in the decline of formal dress in the workplace. The tech industry, especially in Silicon Valley, led the shift away from suits and ties, emphasizing comfort and creativity over conformity. Companies like Apple and Microsoft introduced informal dress codes that encouraged employees to focus more on innovation than appearance.
“Casual Fridays” emerged as a way for employees to dress more comfortably one day of the week, a practice that began on the West Coast and soon spread across the United States. This weekly deviation from traditional suits gave rise to the concept of “business casual,” a middle ground that incorporated dress slacks and collared shirts without the full suit and tie. Over time, business casual expanded beyond Fridays, with some workplaces embracing it as the daily norm.
The 1990s also introduced the khaki pants and polo shirt combination that came to define business casual. Brands like Dockers, a subsidiary of Levi Strauss & Co., were quick to capitalize on this trend, producing pants specifically marketed as office-appropriate alternatives to suits. By the end of the decade, formal wear in the office was in steady decline and suits were no longer a requirement in many industries.
2000s
The Influence of Tech Giants and the Decline of Formality
The new millennium saw a further relaxation of dress codes, largely thanks to the influence of tech giants like Google and Facebook. As Silicon Valley culture spread, so did its preference for comfort and minimalism over formality. Figures like Steve Jobs, who famously wore a black turtleneck and jeans as his work uniform, epitomized this shift. In these environments, a focus on innovation and performance overshadowed concerns about appearance and formal wear was often seen as an outdated vestige of old corporate culture.
As more companies adopted relaxed dress codes, the notion that professionalism required a suit began to fade. Employees began to favour clothing that allowed them to express themselves and brands responded by producing stylish, professional clothing that blended elements of casual and formal wear. Suits remained part of men’s fashion, but the new styles embraced slimmer cuts, modern materials and less rigid designs that offered greater comfort.
The Rise of “Smart Casual” and the Redefinition of Workplace Attire in the 2010s
The 2010s witnessed a merging of business casual with streetwear and high-fashion elements, giving rise to “smart casual” attire—a versatile style that allowed men to wear jeans, sneakers and even hoodies in a professional setting if paired well. The suit itself was redefined; designers started producing separates that allowed men to mix and match jackets with chinos or jeans, reflecting a more flexible approach to fashion.
Companies across industries began to embrace this look, with tech and creative industries especially eager to adopt the trend. Start-ups and entrepreneurial environments emphasized personal expression and a sense of relaxed professionalism, as employees were encouraged to dress in ways that felt authentic to their individual style. This shift away from traditional formality coincided with a growing emphasis on work-life balance, as casual dress codes reflected the blend of professional and personal life that remote work and flexible hours brought to many workplaces.
Pandemic Era and Remote Work
The Final Push Toward Comfort
The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 had an enormous impact on men’s fashion, especially workplace attire. With most employees working from home, the need for traditional workwear evaporated almost overnight. Business shirts were paired with sweatpants for video calls and the suit-and-tie look seemed irrelevant for remote meetings. As home offices replaced boardrooms, people prioritized comfort above all else and loungewear became a staple of daily life.
As workplaces reopened, many employees and employers retained a more relaxed approach to dress. Remote work culture, video conferencing and flexible working arrangements meant that even when returning to physical offices, many people no longer saw the need for the traditional suit-and-tie uniform. The idea of “hybrid dressing” emerged, where men combined smart blazers with T-shirts, sweaters or even joggers for a blend of comfort and professionalism.
The Future of Men’s Formal Wear
Adaptability and Personal Expression
Today, men’s fashion reflects a unique blend of formality and casual style, with traditional suits no longer a daily requirement in most industries. Modern workplaces now embrace a spectrum of styles that prioritize individual comfort, expression and adaptability. Many men opt for versatile wardrobe pieces, like unstructured blazers, tailored trousers or stylish sneakers, that can be dressed up or down according to the occasion.
In response to the evolving market, fashion brands have shifted their focus toward modular and functional designs that offer a polished look without sacrificing comfort. Eco-friendly fabrics, wrinkle-resistant materials and performance wear have also become popular as they cater to a lifestyle where formal attire must adapt to a variety of environments and activities.
While formal suits and ties will likely retain their place in certain high-level professions or ceremonial events, they are no longer the foundation of a professional wardrobe. Instead, men’s fashion is expected to continue exploring the balance between tradition and innovation, catering to a workforce that values comfort, creativity and personal style.
The shift from formal to casual dress in the workplace is more than a trend; it reflects significant changes in work culture, social values and men’s attitudes toward fashion. What started as a weekly “Casual Friday” has evolved into a new standard, where versatility and individuality are valued as much as professionalism. As the workplace has transformed over the last few decades, so too has men’s fashion, evolving from strict formality to a nuanced mix of comfort, adaptability and self-expression. Today, menswear reflects a world that prioritizes flexibility, not just in work schedules, but in how we present ourselves.