Form, function and fashion

An Informal Guide to Workwear offers an overview of some of the most important workwear pieces, discussing their history, function, construction and materials.

An Informal Guide to Workwear offers a fascinating overview of some of the most important workwear pieces, discussing their history, function, construction and materials.

Workwear has transcended its utilitarian roots to become a staple in modern wardrobes. Originally designed for labour-intensive jobs, today’s workwear blends durable, well-made and sustainable clothing with fashion. In a world of increasingly fast fashion, workwear provides a sustainable alternative as a statement of endurance and quality. An Informal Guide to Workwear explores the links to the past and the incredible history of how this style became a staple. Workwear pieces include:

• berets, popularised by Claude Monet and Che Guevara, among others
• blue jeans, America's sartorial gift to the world
• the siren suit, famously worn by Winston Churchill during the war
• the shop coat, donned by Christian Dior in a show of democratic solidarity with the workers in his atelier

Featuring vibrant illustrations by Michael Parkin, this book is perfect for anyone interested in discovering more about the history of fashion and style.