It’s no surprise that workwear’s surface textures are predominantly matte: heavy cotton drill, thick wool, deep indigo denim, butter-soft flannel, chambray, slub linen and waxed cotton. These are fabrics which neither glow or shine, or draw any attention to themselves but are instead quietly handsome, taking on a character with use and wear over time. Gloss and ‘newness’ is for the shiny world of the internet and luxury emporiums, which is what the appropriation of workwear is partly a reaction against.

The New Rules Of Workwear

Relax When It Comes To Fit

The appeal of workwear is that it is functional, so even if you’re just running for the bus or riding your bike (as opposed to making a log cabin), it quite simply works. Key to this is a loose and easy fit. Robust workwear trousers such as a pair of carpenter’s pants or raw denim jeans should ideally be worn in a more relaxed cut.

“Just make sure what you’re wearing is fit for purpose,” says Enzo Cilenti, a designer for British workwear brand Carrier. “For instance, fisherman trousers are cut extra wide so that they can be rolled up easily for getting in and out of the water. Make sure it’s practical.”

Mix It Up

Unless, of course, you really are a dockhand or lumberjack, it’s best to avoid doing the whole look from head to toe. “Pair workwear with cleaner, tailored pieces to avoid looking like a pastiche,” says Gove. “I like the contradiction of styling a lived-in piece of vintage workwear with something sharp and polished to feel modern.”

For instance, a washed denim or blue chambray shirt looks brilliant when paired with a tailored jacket or blazer. Equally, flipping the balance on its head, the right kind of jeans can provide a solid foundation for a more suited looked up top.

Toughen Your Accessories Up

A good way to channel workwear’s ruggedly masculine aesthetic is with a bit of clever accessorising. Fisherman beanies may be almost insufferably hipster, but they’ll keep you warm, while a solid pair of work boots keep your feet dry.