Blue-collar workwear has been a favorite of subcultures from punk to hip-hop for half a century, but now it’s hotter than ever. Post-pandemic, people want to feel comfortable in and empowered by what they wear, and workwear brings with it both an easy fit and an attitude of toughness and resilience.

Since these pieces were designed for function over fashion, workwear offers a timelessness that transcends trends. That said, workwear sits squarely at the intersection of several current trends, from the boxy, relaxed fit of the ’90s to the demand for diverse clothing. It also speaks to both nostalgia and sustainability, with century-old brands like Carhartt and Dickies that are known and prized for their durability.

Trend forecaster Samuel Trotman says workwear is here to stay because it fits our modern lifestyle better – and because it offers both physical and emotional comfort. “With everything going on in the world now and all the instability and fears around sustainability, people are looking more and more to timeless garments that are both functional and high quality so that they last." Function is at the heart of workwear’s appeal because people want transitional clothes suited to a variety of situations and activities. Employees want functionality and utility, whether at work or at play, and workwear implies that you’re a problem-solver who gets things done! “Everybody’s really interested in utility but then, depending who you’re asking, there are people who wear the utility wear because they do utility things on a day-to-day basis, and then there’s this other group that wears utility wear that doesn’t really do utility things. It’s a fashion statement.”

Here are a few options for brandable workwear jackets, from tried-and-true brand names to promo-exclusive pieces:

This lightweight but durable Carhartt Full Swing Cryder Jacket provides freedom to move with stretch panels on the back, sides and elbows for a full range of motion. Made of water-repellent canvas plus insulation, the jacket also features a detachable hood, zippered chest pockets and hidden snap hand pockets, as well as a drop-tail with drawcord adjustable hem. Available in black or gray (shown) and sizes S-3X. 

The 100% cotton canvas Boulder Shirt Jacket balances function and fashion with its 100% cotton plaid flannel lining, spread collar, chest flap patch pockets, snap closure cuffs and drop-tail hem. Available in gray, navy (shown) and taupe green, women’s sizes XS-3X and men’s sizes S-5X.

The poly/cotton twill Dickies Men’s Unlined Eisenhower Jacket offers a classic workwear silhouette and light outer shell. The jacket features slash front welt pockets, a heavy-duty brass zipper and a pencil pocket on the left sleeve. Also available with a lining, this jacket comes in black (shown), charcoal or navy and sizes S-3X.

The lightweight Porter Eco Insulated Shacket, made from 40% recycled polyester, features a cozy microfleece lining, adjustable snap cuffs, zippered front pockets and more. Its shirttail hem, articulated elbows and ergonomic sleeves let you move your arms freely. Available in black (shown) or navy, men’s sizes S-3X and women’s sizes XS-2X.