The Workwear Trends Index 2025

With comfort as a priority, the shift away from strict dress codes has been seen across a number of industries, making space for the ‘corporate casual’ trend. However, achieving the perfect blend between formal and casual still comes with confusion, as 8,100 searches are made for the definition of ‘smart casual’ per month, a 406% rise in the past year. 

In fact, one-quarter (25%) of respondents had never actually worn a uniform, and over two-fifths (43%) did not currently have a uniform or dress code. Despite the shift in dress codes, the power of the uniform can never be understated, with two-fifths of respondents (41%) claiming it made them feel ‘presentable’, whilst a fifth (19%) felt ‘comfortable’. 

Even with the decline in set uniforms and strict dress codes, the majority (40%) of respondents claimed they still have separate ‘work’ and ‘everyday’ wardrobes, whilst a third (32%) claimed that some of their everyday wear is also their workwear. 

A trend that could be set to return in 2025, ‘corp-core’ combines the chic office look with everyday wear, taking a business-casual approach to our usual outfits. Whether it's blazers, shirts, or waistcoats, the trend's take on quiet luxury is set to inspire our wardrobes, with a 33% increase in searches for ‘workwear trends’ in the past year. 

It’s also clear we are a nation of rule-followers, as over half of respondents (62%) have never been disciplined by an employer for not following the dress code or uniform, as they have never actually broken the rules. A brave 33% have strayed from their dress code before, but only 9% have ever been caught.

In an era when branding is more important than ever, customisations and personalisations are on the rise. Searches for ‘customised workwear’ have risen by 631%, receiving 1,900 monthly searches. Alongside this, almost 1 in 10 (7%) of the survey respondents had employers who offered branded and personalised merchandise, including industries such as law and legal services and education. 

With brands such as Blank Street Coffee and Get Baked offering branded merchandise to purchase from high-street stores, the shift from business to brand is clear. Businesses are no longer just selling products and services; they are selling a whole brand identity and user experience through their clothing and merchandise. 

Personalisation techniques such as printing and embroidery allow brands to establish their identity by showcasing their personality, all whilst individualising themselves in a growing competitor market. Plus, with searches for ‘embroidered workwear’ rising by 50% across the past year, we will likely see more brands taking the customisation route.