Craftsmen have a lot of strengths. Highly specialized skills, mental toughness, and an unbeatable work ethic are just a few examples. To be frank, a refined sense of fashion isn’t usually considered a craftsman’s finest accomplishment. If you’re still rocking that same leather jacket from college or you’re pressed to find an article of clothing without a hole or stain, it might be time to update your wardrobe. Don’t worry! It’s possible to be stylish without sacrificing your craftsman swag.
Never sacrifice comfort.
The worst mistake you can make when revamping your wardrobe is to ignore comfort. It’s the quickest way to encourage a fashion relapse to 24/7 sweatpants and t-shirts. This isn’t Victorian England or a Paris runway. It’s everyday life. You still need to carry on with daily to-dos, chores, and tasks. Whether you’re buying something for hitting the town, meeting up with co-workers, or just chilling at home, make sure to always stress comfort. You’ll thank yourself later on!
Blend function and style.
When selecting your wardrobe on the job site, function is the only consideration. There’s no room to think about fashion. You just need something to get the job done. Things are a little different when it comes to off-the-job swag. Style matters…a lot. Finding a way to strike a balance between function and style can provide you with the mobility and practicality you’re used to while still offering that spark of individuality and freshness that can keep your wardrobe up to date.
Find craftsmen-friendly brands.
The idea of spending hours shopping at a mall or browsing online is tantamount to torture for most craftsmen. And who can blame them? A handy shortcut to staying fashionable without investing much time or energy is finding brands you like. Clothing companies routinely update their options with the latest styles, keeping you fashionable and fresh without requiring research or time commitment on your part. Some craftsmen-friendly brands that blend bold and stylish looks with functionality include:
- Carhartt
- Dickies
- Timberland
- Wrangler
- Filson
Further Reading: How to Wear Your Carhartt Pants Off the Job
Have a favorite piece of clothing.
Everyone has that one article of clothing that’s an instant favorite. For some craftsmen, it’s the iconic denim jacket or the classic leather boot. Others might have an attachment to a perfect pair of blue jeans or an unbelievably comfortable pair of underwear. Regardless of the specifics, having a go-to piece of clothing can help provide the foundation of your style. This makes it easier to decide on other pieces for your wardrobe while ensuring your personality and taste remain the foundation of the ensemble.
Take inspiration from other people.
Personal style isn’t 100% spontaneous. It’s an amalgamation of different inspirations, ideas, and innovations. When updating your wardrobe, keep an eye out for looks, styles, and pieces of clothing that make you think: “Damn, that looks cool!” You can find inspiration in everyday life, in magazines, or on TV. Finding a way to incorporate all of those components together creates your look.
Get creative (maybe too creative).
Craftsmen are highly creative individuals, but there’s not a whole lot of room for experimentation on the job site. Think of building a wardrobe like any other DIY project. You finally have all the freedom you need to let those creative juices flow. Take risks, break rules, and push the limit. Of course, you’re not going to hit the nail on the head every time. That’s half the fun! It’s only within this space of experimenting that you’ll find a style that speaks to you.
Shopping around for a new role? The staffing experts at Madden Craftsmen can help! We specialize in helping talented craftsmen (just like you!) find rewarding work with leading industrial companies. Check out our job search to see the most immediate job openings in your local area.
