As any seasoned blue-collar worker can attest, hands-on careers generally require more durable attire than traditional desk jobs. While looking clean and presentable is still important in these fields, a much greater degree of practicality is expected out of the clothing you wear. So, whether you’re new to the world of blue-collar labor or you’ve spent your entire life working with your hands, there are a number of important factors you’ll need to consider when searching for suitable workwear. Blue-collar workers looking to get the most out of their on-the-job attire should keep an eye out for the following qualities
Durability
Many blue-collar workers work rough-and-tumble jobs that involve getting dirty on a daily basis. As such, any workwear you invest in should be extremely durable and able to weather the elements with ease. For example, if a pair of jeans succumbs to wear and tear within weeks of being purchased, you’re hardly getting your money’s worth. The best work clothes will last at least a year, if not more, so when shopping around for job attire, look for brands that tout long life and durability. Going with the least expensive or best-looking options may bring you satisfaction in the short term, but this approach to clothes shopping won’t serve you well in the long run.
Style
As previously stated, style should not be your foremost concern when purchasing blue-collar workwear. However, this isn’t to say that it shouldn’t factor into your purchasing decisions at all. While durability should be among the primary qualities you look for, there’s no rule stating that you can’t do your job in safety and style. Even though your work clothes are guaranteed to be put through their paces, it only makes sense that you’d want to be happy with your appearance.
Fortunately, there are ample options for outdoor workers with a flair for fashion. Durable men’s work jackets and jeans are available in a variety of colors and styles, and even the choosiest blue-collar workers are bound to find things they like – provided, of course, they know where to look. Finding the brands and sizes that work best for you may require some trial and error, but as long as you know exactly what you’re looking for in your workwear, this process shouldn’t prove too harrowing.
Practicality
Practicality plays a much larger role in the selection of outdoor workwear than white-collar job attire. After all, if a piece of on-the-job clothing looks good without serving any practical purpose, it’s of little use to you. For instance, if you work a job that involves getting your clothes dirty on a consistent basis, look for workwear that’s stain resistant and able to be cleaned with ease. Additionally, if your job entails spending a great deal of time outdoors during the frigid winter months, you should seek out work attire that provides warmth. By the same token, people whose jobs involve walking on rough terrain should look for boots and other footwear designed with this purpose in mind. People whose attire plays an active role in your job performance can’t afford to skimp on practicality.
Value
The desire to get the most for one’s money is only natural, particularly when shopping for outdoor workwear. While exploring your options, look for clothes that will last a long time and provide the practicality you seek for prices you can comfortably afford. Of course, this isn’t to say that value should take precedence over quality, but considering how often your work clothes will be put through the wringer, wanting to find good deals makes perfect sense. Luckily, finding incredible bargains and bulk-buy discounts on outdoor workwear is anything but an uphill battle.
Whereas white-collar job attire is primarily focused on formality, blue-collar workwear is generally geared towards practicality, durability and safety. More often than not, white-collar clothing is needlessly formal and fails to serve any real purpose. On the flipside, most blue-collar attire has a direct impact on the way the wearer’s job is performed. That being the case, it pays to be selective when searching for the right workwear. To ensure that you wind up with the right blue-collar job attire, keep the previously discussed qualities in mind when doing your shopping.
