Workplace attire: Why sweatpants have many advantages

The type of clothing in the workplace has changed significantly in recent decades – while suits and skirts were still common in many offices in the 80s and 90s, clothing is no longer the top priority today. This is also due to the increasing digitalization of processes and decreasing customer contact. Today, we'll look at what clothing requirements your employer can actually impose on you and why sweatpants have real added value!

What workplace attire can the boss dictate?

Even today, uniforms and standardized clothing are standard in some areas – for example, police officers or industrial workers often look quite similar. You'd probably be very surprised if your flight attendant greeted you in sweatpants and a hoodie. In some professions, the tradition of a uniform dress code has persisted to this day.

But what can your employer actually dictate to you regarding clothing at work, and what can't they? Are you forced to come in a suit and dress shoes if your boss says so? Or are there even effective ways to resist? We've looked into it!

When it comes to workplace attire, the boss has the right to issue directives.

For the employer to be able to prescribe a specific dress code in the workplace, they must have a legitimate interest in the choice of clothing. This is the case, for example, if a dress code has been included in the employment contract, which you have signed. In such a case, the works council has a say in what clothing is to be worn during working hours. This then determines whether workwear should be introduced and used.

This clothing regulation is often used in professions where a certain seriousness is to be projected – for example, in banking, insurance, or even for tax advisors. Here, it is also in the interest of the company and can influence its reputation how employees dress. In such a case, the employer can demand that their employees dress appropriately.

Important: If the employer's demand has no legitimate basis and is not agreed upon in the employment contract, you are not necessarily obliged to comply.

If a fixed dress code is specified for the workplace, the employer can maintain it even in extreme heat – however, they can relax the dress code at their own discretion. If you do not comply with the dress code without prior consultation, for example, by coming to work in sandals at a bank, the employer can ask you to go home.

Attention: Disregarding the signed dress code can lead to warnings or even termination. If you have a problem with the prescribed clothing at work, your first step should ideally be to contact the works council.

If you want to learn more about various topics from everyday employment law, feel free to visit the Deskspace website under the Blog section.

Sweatpants as work attire – Is that allowed?

Again, this depends on the individual case. In principle, Article 2 of the Basic Law, i.e. the free development of personality, also applies in the workplace – this includes that you can wear what you want. Of course, the above-mentioned exceptions should not apply, because then the employer can prohibit sweatpants in the workplace.

So, sweatpants as a piece of clothing in the workplace cannot simply be forbidden – for this, there must be a legitimate interest of the employer in your dress style. Whether you then want to come in your most baggy pants is up to you to decide.

Sweatpants at work – Types & Advantages

If you wear (presentable) sweatpants at work, you have many advantages. These include the following:

• Many people feel much more comfortable in cozy clothes and can work better. So, with sweatpants as workwear, you stay fit & relaxed even on long days.
• You sit much more relaxed. No jeans waistband or fabric trouser belt constricts you or presses on your hips. This is a real plus, especially during long conferences.
• If you don't always present yourself perfectly styled to your colleagues, it shows a certain self-confidence, which can also foster team spirit within the company.
• Sweatpants partly show that you work in a modern company. An old-fashioned company would probably not allow sweatpants as workwear and would be more conservative.

As you can see, there are good reasons for sweatpants as workwear. One must also differentiate, because besides the total slouchy look of sweatpants, there are also fashionable and modern alternatives that are just as comfortable. In this section, we will look at the types of sweatpants and what characteristics a "chic" pair of sweatpants should have.

For sweatpants at work, we recommend dark and smooth fabrics, as well as a slightly more unconventional cut. This makes them more similar to suit trousers. Heavy fabrics make sweatpants easy to care for and often wrinkle-free; combined with a white blouse or shirt, they can even be transformed into a business outfit. In addition, you should choose simple patterns so that you can still make a professional appearance despite wearing sweatpants.

These described sweatpants primarily apply to women – but there is also a solution for men, the so-called comfort pants. They are a combination of suit/fabric trousers and are still very comfortable.

Conclusion: Sweatpants as office wear

Today, sweatpants are no longer as unfashionable as they were a few years ago. With a modern model, you are chicly dressed despite the comfort, and your company is presented in a modern way.

Furthermore, a modern company also stands for healthy and ergonomic office equipment, and this is where Deskspace comes in. Our height-adjustable desks and ergonomic sitting stools ensure that you don't risk your health even on long working days and stay motivated and fit. The Deskspace Pro is our bestseller and has all the important functions of a desk: a robust tabletop, multiple USB ports, and even obstacle detection.

The combination of comfortable clothes and an ergonomic workplace ensures that you are consistently happier and fitter at work. On our detailed product pages, you will find much more information about our products & how best to use them!

Also interesting: As a corporate customer, you always receive attractive discounts from Deskspace. Simply visit our page "for companies".