Summer work outfits – what materials to choose?
When it comes to dressing for work in the summer, most guides focus on trends and colors. Style, however, is a matter of taste and office habits. We'll focus more on what materials to choose for work in the summer.
Where did the idea for this article come from? Polyester is even found in the collections of brands offering premium business fashion. Of course, sometimes it's blended, for example, to enhance specific product features. Other times, it's difficult to find an alternative, as in quilted jackets and vests. However, when used excessively, it creates a "plastic" feel. This is why more and more people struggle to dress for work in the summer. They buy what are supposed to be breathable and high-quality items, only to have to struggle to wear them later.
Lyocell/Tencel/Viscose – Smart Office Materials
Lyocell and Tencel are materials made from yarn derived from cellulose fiber—to put it simply: from trees. This makes them biodegradable and skin-friendly, and what's more, they look very similar to viscose. They're perfect for summer in the form of:
- wide trousers for the office,
- flowing skirts and dresses,
- light and airy shirts.
Some people are wary of lyocell, fearing it's just another synthetic fabric. So don't worry: it's a modern, artificial material, but with the characteristics of a natural fabric. It boasts excellent moisture absorption, making it breathable and comfortable to wear. It's also eco-friendly – its production is more sustainable than other materials.
Viscose jacket for work?
Viscose brings to mind a floral print dress and a comfortable blouse… but can it work for work? At Anataka, we often use synthetic fabric blends with viscose, which give a durable feel to jackets and blazers without the heaviness of wool (see, for example, the structured Kanni cropped jacket ). Furthermore, the character of viscose depends on the color: a floral print is definitely worth saving for summer outings after work, but a white, navy, or black boxer blouse is suitable for the office, larger events, and… around the house.
Is linen good for work?
Linen is an exceptionally refined fabric, but its image is more artistic than formal. Is it possible to find linen clothes that are suitable for work? Undyed, wide-leg linen trousers can pair beautifully with a light-colored jacket and silk blouse. There are also many linen shirts on the market that look just like cotton shirts—without the characteristic stiffness of older linen shirts.
Can cotton be used for work?
Finally, a topic that evokes mixed feelings. Cotton for work? It brings to mind sweatpants and a sports T-shirt. Cotton elements can appear in office fashion, but it's worth consciously pairing them with a refined fabric. This way, cotton will look great under an office blazer. From the new collection, the white Hamar T-shirt comes to mind (here, paired with a black Bono jacket for a full-on office look).
Important! Currently, more and more manufacturers use thin, low-quality cotton, which doesn't look very elegant. Furthermore, it wears out and stretches quickly. It's worth seeking out clothes made from high-quality fabrics and knits made in Poland.
There's another case where cotton works better than any other fabric: denim. If you're under the impression that chain-brand jeans are becoming less durable and less flattering with each passing year, you're right! That's why we use high-quality cotton for production, and we measure the finished garments on two models with completely different figures. Yes, denim can be elegant at work, provided it fits well, like our retro-inspired maxi jeans .