Article - The World of Corporate Clothing
04 Feb 2021
Ever-Changing World of Corporate Clothing and its Dress Codes
“You can’t judge a book by its cover” is an old English saying, still very much in common use nowadays, well into the 21st century. The phrase means that one should avoid forming a preconceived opinion, or make a judgement about the value or significance of an item or person, according to its/his/her outer appearance, or in the latter instances, their clothing or apparel.
The book in question, its cover and the recommended reservation of judgement is attributed to George Eliot, as quoted in her book “The Mill on the Floss”, published in 1860. During 1946, a version of the phrase was used in a murder mystery fictional work by another author.
The Exact Opposite
Then, there are converse statements, several of them, in fact. They’re almost diametrically opposed to the above-mentioned tenet. “Clothes make the man”, is the message.
This, or something very similar, is variously attributed to Erasmus’s writings (in Latin), during the 1500s, to William Shakespeare, via a character in Hamlet, who says: “Apparel oft proclaims the man”, and to Mark Twain, who added an additional sentence to reinforce his belief in proper attire: “Naked people have little or no influence in society”.
What about Today?
However, today one must also take into account modern society’s norms, inclinations, lifestyles, beliefs, standards of etiquette, fashions and trends, plus the modern emphasis on freedom of choice and the acceptance or celebration of diversity.
If a time traveller from the distant past suddenly appeared in today’s societies, particularly in our corporate world, this weary traveller would undoubtedly be confused and decidedly wary about what clothing to wear, when, why and how.
This unfortunate fellow’s dilemma would be expected and understandable, because times have changed a great deal, as has popular work clothing and the vast number of options that are found on the shelves, clothes hangers and bodies throughout the world.
Nonetheless, every significant, serious corporate entity, large or small, wants their employees to look the part, irrespective of individual position or income. Modern, easy-to-wear, stylish corporate clothing is more popular than ever, and rightly so.
Corporate Clothing
Corporate clothing fashions and trends have indeed changed considerably more recently, since the mid-20th century, when working in a corporate environment necessitated quite a formal type of workwear.
In the 60s and 70s, in particular, many a South African corporate executive, manager and “white collar” male employee was decidedly envious of their Israeli counterparts, who adopted a far less formal, almost leisure-inspired style of apparel. The reason – both countries have warm to very hot climates during the greater part of the year, but the Israelis adapted their mode of attire.
Apparently, Israelis placed comfort front and centre. Even in their corporate quarters and serious Knesset meetings, they wore comfy slacks, short-sleeved cotton/cotton blend shirts, unbuttoned at the collar, with or without the addition of a sport or suit jacket or a lightweight blazer.
Local Dress Codes – Then…
Local fellows followed the standard, accepted dress code – a suit, usually dark in colour, most often worn over a shirt – long-sleeved, (to display the cuffs when wearing the jacket), buttoned up all the way to the collar to accommodate a somewhat sombre tie. That was the code, the norm, the accepted corporate clothing worn by local men.
Ladies also adopted the corporate clothing codes of the time – sleeved dresses, skirts or suits with skirts, combined with blouses, usually featuring sleeves that covered part of or the entire arm, stockings/pantyhose – worn at all times when at work. Dark coloured, closed court shoes completed the outfit.
Synthetic clothing fabrics were all the rage in South Africa at the time, and were liberally used in the manufacture of corporate outfits for both ladies and gents, mainly because they didn’t crease and were durable, easy to keep neat, launder or wash, and quick to dry. However, wearing such synthetics in our warm climate was akin to walking around in a large plastic bag.
…And Now
These fabrics were vastly different from the modern synthetic blends of today, most of which are breathable, comfortable to wear and cool – ideal for any and every item of smart, stylish corporate clothing, formal and less so.
XCO Group, a prominent manufacturer and online supplier of exceptional corporate clothing throughout this country and further afield, utilises only the latest, top quality modern fabrics in comprehensive ranges and styles of comfortable workwear, team and sport garments, and a whole lot more. Ensure that your people appear professional, perfectly dressed, smart and confident, in attire by our own XCO Group.