Men in sweats at the office, when it is acceptable

Short answer: A sweatshirt at the office is fine when the workplace is relaxed and the clothes are clean, tidy and fit well. A plain bamboo sweatshirt for men often looks calmer than a hoodie with big prints. Here is how to judge it.

Start with the unwritten rules at work

There is no universal rule for sweats at the office, so look at what colleagues and your manager wear. At some workplaces a hoodie is completely normal, while others expect something tidier. If you are unsure, choose a calm model in a muted colour and see how it is received before making it a habit.

Sweatshirt or hoodie, which suits better

A sweatshirt without a hood usually looks more put together than a hoodie, because the hood and drawstrings give a sportier look. It has a clean line at the neck and shoulders. If the office is relaxed, a hoodie can still work, especially in a plain colour without big prints.

The hoodie at the office, when does it work

A bamboo hoodie for men works best in creative or relaxed settings where everyday clothes are the norm. Choose a model without a giant print and let the hood lie neatly at the neck. Do not wear it to client meetings unless you know it is fine.

Fit says more than fabric

A sweatshirt that is too big soon looks sloppy, while one that is too tight can be uncomfortable at the desk. Choose a size where the shoulder seam sits at the shoulder and the sleeves end at the wrist. That way it looks tidy even though the material is soft and relaxed.

Colours and details that look calm

Dark and muted colours such as navy, grey and black usually look calmer than bright shades. Avoid big prints and worn edges if you want a tidier impression. If the sweatshirt is plain and well kept, it can often stand on its own at the office without drawing much attention.

Combine the sweatshirt with the rest

With the sweatshirt you can choose smart trousers instead of training trousers, so the whole outfit looks more put together. A bamboo jogging set for men is better kept for home and weekends. Under the sweatshirt, a calm bamboo T-shirt for men gives a soft layer next to the body.

Washing and care to keep the sweatshirt tidy

Wash the sweatshirt following the care label, preferably at a moderate temperature with a mild detergent. Turn it inside out so the surface pills less, and avoid high heat in the tumble dryer. A sweatshirt that looks new suits the office better than one with bobbles and worn sleeves.

When in doubt, just ask

If you are unsure whether a sweatshirt is fine, ask your manager or a colleague. It is a small thing to ask, and you avoid an awkward moment. Many workplaces are more relaxed than people think, and it is good to know that before you turn up in your favourite hoodie.

Frequently asked questions

Can men wear sweats at the office

It depends on the workplace. At relaxed offices a clean, calm sweatshirt often works well, but if you meet clients or senior management it is wise to ask first before making it a habit.

Is a sweatshirt smarter than a hoodie

Usually yes, because it has no hood or drawstrings and so looks more put together. A hoodie can still work at relaxed workplaces, especially in a plain colour without big prints.

How do I keep a sweatshirt tidy after many washes

Wash following the care label at a moderate temperature, turn it inside out and avoid high heat in the tumble dryer. That way it pills less and keeps its shape, so it still looks tidy after many washes.