Shopping for women’s workwear clothes can be a real pain in the neck. The long lists of dos and don’ts, dress codes, styles and the vast array of clothing items available can easily make you feel more confused than Alice in Wonderland. On top of that, you’ll need something that’s both trendy and comfortable.
Luckily, Australians prefer a more relaxed style of clothing. Uniforms and smart casual style, followed by business casual outfits are the top choices when it comes to workwear. They are appropriate, stylish, smart and most importantly comfortable.
There’s one piece of clothing that connects all these styles and purposes and that’s a ladies work shirt. Ladies workwear shirts are an absolute must for the modern, busy woman that’s not afraid of some hard work. They’re pleasant to wear, chic, versatile and durable which makes them suitable for different lines of work. Continue reading to find out what you need to look for in women’s work shirts and how to choose the perfect one.
Material
Finding a ladies work shirt that’s comfortable enough to wear for long hours of work is extremely important. Since not all ladies workwear shirts are created equal, you’ll need to make sure that your shirt is made from high-quality materials that are breathable, soft on the skin and lightweight.
If possible, choose a shirt made from 100% double-sided cotton fabric because it’s more durable and it will feel amazing on your skin. Cotton fabric allows airflow that will dry out dampness and sweat. Moreover, it’ll keep you smelling fresh and clean during long hours of active work.
Next, you should pay attention to the buttons and stitching. Your shirt needs to have tightly sewn buttons made from high-quality materials (durable plastic or mother-of-pearl) and clean-finished buttonholes. This will prevent your buttons from popping off and there won’t be any loose threads to ruin your look.
The perfect womens work shirt should have twin needle stitching with reinforced stress points. This will ensure that your shirt won’t rip apart at the seams during heavy-duty work and will also withstand extreme wear and tear.
Fit
An ill-fitting ladies work shirt won’t only look bad, but it’ll also be uncomfortable to wear. Wear a shirt too tight and you might accidentally flash your colleagues and customers. Plus, you’ll feel restricted to perform even the simplest tasks like bending over to reach the lower drawer. A shirt too loose and you’ll end up looking like a bogan. No matter if you choose regular or slim fit, make sure that your workwear shirt graces your curves.
Pay special attention to how your shirt looks around your bust. Most of the women’s work shirts are copy-cats of men’s shirts. They’ll have a button above and below your bust which will make that unpleasant peek-a-boo happen. If you can’t find a shirt with ideal button order, invest in a good bra that will ensure everything’s sitting in the right place. Another option is to use a “clothing-hack” that will ensure there won’t be any ‘boob gaps’.
When it comes to length, it’s a matter of personal preference although longer workwear shirts are more convenient especially if your work includes kneeling, bending and moving a lot. Wear them untucked to cover your booty or tucked them in for a cleaner look. You can also tie them at the waist if you find it appropriate for your job.
Style
Full or half button-up, long-sleeved, short-sleeved or sleeveless, it’s up to you, the weather and of course, your line of work.
Another thing to consider is the size of the collar. You don’t want anything too big or too small. The ideal collar should draw attention to your face and accentuate your neckline. Same goes for the neck opening, it’s better to choose a shirt that has a subtle v-neck look.
Finally, the pockets. Women’s clothing usually comes without pockets or even worse, you get those imposter ones that are useless. Pockets are awesome and it’s no wonder you get excited when you find one on your skirt, dress or shirt.
Your workwear shirt should have two, *and this can’t be stressed enough*, real pockets with button down flaps for your pen, key or that small handy tool you often misplace. It’s also, a good place to keep your business card or a piece of candy for that sweet 5-minute break.
Colours and Patterns
Don’t be afraid to experiment with patterns and colours because they can have a powerful impact on your overall look. For instance, a check shirt will make you look more relaxed and friendly and vertical stripes will have a slimming effect. A workwear shirt with different coloured parts will break up your appearance and can add a unique touch to your outfit.
When choosing colours, make sure you know how different tones affect the way people see you.
Black symbolizes authority and strength, but some people think it has an evil notion. A black shirt will also have a slimming effect, but it’ll make working in the hot sun unbearable. If you want to show some power and authority, opt for a red work shirt because it’s captivating and bold. A red shirt will draw attention to your persona, just be careful not to overdo it since this colour can also give out some irritating vibes.
A blue shirt will make you look professional, confident and trustworthy while at the same time people will see you as an easygoing and relaxed person. Same can be said about green shirts because they symbolize nature thus making people feel calmer.
You can never go wrong with a white shirt when it comes to style. It’s easy to match with almost any outfit and it symbolizes purity and honesty. However, it might not be the best choice when things get dirty.
No matter what colour you choose, you’ll sure look awesome if you follow these simple tips and tricks when shopping for women’s work shirts.
