A sweatshirt for the office

Short answer: A plain sweatshirt without a print works in most workplaces. Choose a dark or muted colour and a fit that sits close without hanging. That way it looks calm and neat, even though it is comfortable to wear all day.

Plain and without a print

Bold prints and large logos draw the eye and look too casual in an office. A plain sweatshirt looks calmer and fits in next to colleagues' shirts and knitwear. It is also easier to combine with different trousers, so you can wear it several times a week. See the plain styles in bamboo sweatshirt for men.

The fit has to be clean

A sweatshirt that hangs off the shoulders looks sloppy whatever the colour. The shoulder seam should sit where your shoulder ends, and the sleeves should stop at the wrist. The body can have a little room, but not so much that the fabric folds around the waist. See the fits in bamboo sweatshirt for women.

No hood for meetings

A hood bunches up at the neck and gives a more relaxed look that suits days at home better than a meeting room. For meetings, the style without a hood is the safe choice. A round neckline looks clean and leaves room for a collar underneath. See the styles without a hood in bamboo sweat for men and women.

The colour sets the tone

Navy, dark grey and black look calm in almost any setting. They hide small marks, go with most trousers and look the same from morning to evening. Lighter colours such as light grey can work in a relaxed office, but they show wear sooner. If you only have room for one office sweatshirt, a dark colour is the most flexible.

What you wear underneath

A T-shirt under the sweatshirt takes sweat, so the sweatshirt can be worn several days before it needs washing. If you want to look a bit smarter, wear a shirt underneath so the collar sits above the neckline. It is a simple way to make the sweatshirt more office ready without giving up comfort.

The trousers make the difference

With chinos or smart trousers in a calm fabric, a sweatshirt looks tidy. With sweatpants the look turns more towards leisure. Choose trousers with a slightly more formal character when the sweatshirt is the relaxed part of the outfit. A pair of clean shoes also lifts the whole look without much thought.

The office temperature

Many offices are cool in the morning and warm in the afternoon. A sweatshirt in a light quality is easier to wear all day than a thick one, because it does not get too warm when the sun is on the windows. With a T-shirt underneath, you can also take the sweatshirt off at your desk.

Keep it looking good

An office sweatshirt should look neat, so take care of the surface. Air it between wears, wash it inside out at 40 degrees and let it dry flat. Avoid the tumble dryer, which wears the fabric and makes the ribbed edges slack. If small bobbles appear, a fabric shaver removes them easily.

Frequently asked questions

Which colour is safest

Navy, dark grey or black. These three look calm in almost any setting and go with most of the trousers you already wear to the office.

Can you wear a sweatshirt to client meetings

It depends on the industry. If in doubt, choose a shirt style top instead, or wear a shirt under the sweatshirt so the collar makes the look smarter.

How often should it be washed

Every third to fifth wear if there is a T-shirt underneath. Air it on a hanger in between, and the fabric stays looking good for longer.