Fashion

You post-lockdown return to work style is going to be all about comfort and now there’s research to prove it

70 per cent of Aussies are opting for more casual workwear.
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Over the past 18 months, most of us have ditched our restrictive work pants for elasticised trackies, and it has been nothing short of liberating.

Even though working at home isn’t ideal, Australians have made the most of the situation, and while we can’t wait to separate home and work again, our return to office fashion will look very different.

A survey conducted by activewear brand Lululemon has found that our attitudes towards workplace fashion and how clothing impacts our productivity, performance, and culture have changed drastically during the pandemic.

The global brand report surveyed 1,000 Australians to determine how much our relationship with corporate wear has evolved.

7 in 10 professionals hope that casual clothing becomes more common in the workplace.

(Credit: Lululemon)

Its insightful findings prove we are no longer going to accept discomfort in the workplace.

Wearing clothes that can take you from the office to brunch has been discussed in our culture for a while, but it didn’t translate from fashion magazines to real people.

Now, wardrobe versatility and functionality are actually making their way into our lives as a non-negotiable.

Lululemon found that 80 per cent of those returning to their office are shopping for clothes they can wear both at work and in casual settings.

The idea that fashion doesn’t need to be uptight and restrictive to look professional has revolutionised our relationship with workwear, so much so that 80 per cent say comfortable clothes have been the most rewarding part of working from home.

As a result, 7 in 10 professionals hope that casual clothing becomes more common in the workplace.

83 per cent of companies will allow employees to wear more casual clothes.

(Credit: Getty)

It’s not that Australians don’t want to look ‘put together,’ but rather they don’t want to choose between style and comfort anymore.

A resounding 81 per cent surveyed feel strongly about this change, and 95 per cent said comfort is their most significant consideration when choosing clothes.

In response to these findings, Lululemon designed back-to-work and back-to-life collections, which offer relaxed fits, tailored details, and high performing fabrics are ideal for the workplace, commutes, and the gym.

The brand’s Chief Product Officer, Sun Choe, has spoken about how the survey has influenced their design process.

“The results of this survey reinforce that wearing clothes that make you feel good is non-negotiable,” she said.

“Professional workwear can and should be functional, versatile, and comfortable—and when it is all three, it can positively affect performance, confidence, and more.”

“The data provides a long overdue recognition that professional workwear can and should be functional, versatile, and comfortable.”

(Credit: Getty)

To prepare your return-to-work outfits, shop these stylish designs to build your versatile, comfortable, functional, and fashionable wardrobe.

Cotton-Blend Twill Trouser 7/8 Length, $159.00, from Lululemon.

(Credit: Lululemon)

Rain Rebel Jacket, $249.00, from Lululemon.

(Credit: Lululemon)

Warpstreme High-Rise 7/8 Jogger, $149.00 from Lululemon.

(Credit: Lululemon)

Rain Chaser Jacket, $219.00, from Lululemon.

(Credit: Lululemon)

Rain Rebel Jacket, $249.00, from Lululemon.

(Credit: Lululemon)

Woman Rayon Skipper Collar Sleeve Blouse, $39.90, from Uniqlo.

(Credit: Uniqlo)

Linen Blend Relaxed Straight Pants, $49.90, from Uniqlo.

(Credit: Uniqlo)

Knit Flare Pant, $49.99, from Glassons.

(Credit: Glassons)

Women Waffle Crew Neck Long Sleeve Dress, $19.90, from Uniqlo.

(Credit: Uniqlo)

Jogger Waist Trousers, $59.95, from Zara.

(Credit: Zara)

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