Workwear is often simple, elegant and made of durable materials. It should give you a presentable and professional look, but also protect you from potential injuries. This is why work shirts are made of thicker materials that are far more durable than materials used for dress shirts. If you're looking for work tops and wonder how you can wear them, here are a few things you should keep in mind.
Types of Work Tops for Women
Long-Sleeved Shirt
The classic long-sleeved work shirt comes in all sizes and colours. Just like the short-sleeved model, it should fit you just right. You can choose various hem lengths. Some models can go down to your knees and can look like a dress that you can combine with tights or leggings.
The fabrics should feel comfortable, but they should also be durable and thicker than a regular shirt. The sleeves allow you to roll them up to your elbows on the warmer days, just make sure this is done neatly so you don't look unprofessional.
Short-Sleeved Shirt
These are some of the most popular work tops for both men and women. It's suitable for hotter days; it's a perfect mix of utility and femininity. You can choose a model with a short hem that's ideal for wearing untucked in your trousers or skirt. But you can always choose a longer hem and tuck it inside your bottoms. Choose a shirt made of wrinkle-resistant fabrics that will not be too demanding of ironing. Make sure there are pockets so you can store your things in there. The fit should be flattering - not too loose and not too tight. And this isn't only for aesthetical reasons, but for practical as well; if your shirt doesn't feel comfortable, you'll be constantly distracted and defocused.
What’s the Difference Between a Work Shirt and a Dress Shirt?
The main difference between a work shirt and a dress shirt is the material. Work shirts are made of fabrics like cotton chambray or cotton canvas, cotton flannel or brushed flannel chamois. Chambray isn't denim; it's made of an alternative weave that gives it that distinct 'blue-and-white' look and texture. Work shirt fabrics are stronger and more durable than materials used for dress shirts. The fabrics feel thicker to the touch as well. This makes the shirt perfect for layering, but also protective from grease, dirt, wind and soot.
Dress shirts are made of soft cotton materials like poplin or twill and feel much lighter and smoother. If you compare a work shirt and a dress shirt you'll see that the first one often includes two front-button chest pockets suitable for storing things such as pens and small notebooks. The buttons are also larger and made of thicker materials than the buttons on the dress shirt. The work shirt is heavier and will last much longer than the dress shirt; the latter has no pockets or has only one.
How Should Your Work Shirt Fit?
When seeking work tops, make sure to follow one simple rule - it should fit you so you can work well without feeling any discomfort. Your shirt should have a shorter hem than a dress shirt, so you can wear it untucked. Ladies work shirts shouldn't be too baggy through the chest and arms. It should fit well, but not too tight. It's best to get one size up from your dress shirt, so you get enough room for layering.
Layering
Some companies allow layering with your work shirt. For instance, if you work in an office, it's entirely all right to wear a top layer over your work shirt. In other niches such as restaurants or coffee shops, you could easily wear a simple monochromatic blazer or cardigan over your work shirt (especially during the colder days). You can also layer with vests, coats and sweaters.
Tuck In or Out?
The difference between a tucked or untucked shirt can change the entire outfit. An untucked dress shirt for instance doesn't look too nice. However, since work shirts have shorter hems they can easily go untucked without 'destroying' the whole professional look. If your work shirt has a short hem, you can wear it untucked; it will look decent and tidy (much better than trying to tuck it every five minutes). The longer the hem, the better it will look if it's tucked in the skirt or trousers.
Colours
The colours mainly depend on the company's preferences. Most restaurants, for instance, would suggest you get either a black or white shirt that can match your black skirt or trousers. However, some companies may have other colour palette preferences. In most cases, these are basic colours such as white, black, blue or check (in various colours such as black and white, blue and white, or red and white).
What About Accessories?
You can choose to wear subtle accessories. You can choose a simple belt with a plain buckle to emphasize your waist. When it comes to jewellery make sure it's not too large. Go for a delicate and simple necklace that doesn't stand out. The same goes for your rings and earrings; small and dainty pieces are the best. Of course, if there is a rule from your company that you can't wear jewellery, stick to it.
