How to Dress for Style and Comfort at Work

We all want to look good. That’s why Americans collectively shell out billions of dollars every year selecting flattering clothes that reflect the latest trends and make us feel gorgeous. In our pursuit of style, we often overlook the importance of dressing in a way that feels comfortable.

This is especially true for professionals who spend much of the working day on their feet or sitting down for long periods of time: looking good is important, but comfort is critical. If you’re wearing shoes that pinch or socks that bunch, not only is it inconvenient, but you risk developing a range of health issues, from blisters to aggravating structural problems. 

Guess what? Looking good at work doesn’t have to mean being uncomfortable. It’s totally possible to dress for style AND comfort. We show you how. 

Style and Comfort Tip #1: Go for Soft Structure

Structured, office-friendly attire is all the rage. However, even if you work in a stuffy office with a stiff boss doesn’t mean your clothes have to be stuffy or stiff! Select items that move with you rather than restrict movement. Here are our top tips:

• When you’re selecting blazers, suit jackets, cardigans, and collared shirts, look for both shape and softness. In other words, the items should be structured, but also soft and yielding. 
• Apply the same logic of both shape and softness to slacks, pants, and skirts. While a waistband with a tie or drawstring might be too casual for the office, it should nevertheless have some sort of closure. A button or a zipper is ideal, an elastic waistband is fine, too. Just make sure the waistband is structured rather than baggy.
• When it comes to the best socks for work, they should feel both soft and supportive. There’s a reason that socks for nurses are designed with compression technology. The perfect pair of compression socks hug your ankles and calves while gently promoting circulation, which boosts energy levels and keeps your legs healthy.

Style and Comfort Tip #2: Prioritize Fit

When you’re dressing for both comfort and style, the way your clothes fit is paramount both to making a good impression and to feeling at ease in your own skin. As far as shirts and blouses go, it’s smart to get them professionally tailored or hemmed. It’s less expensive than you think, and then you have at least a few go-to pieces that flatter the exact shape of your body. Here’s how to ensure the proper fit from head to toe:

• Collars should never constrict your neck, instead grazing it comfortably. If you can’t fit two fingers inside a buttoned collar, it’s too tight.
• If the buttons on your shirt or blouse are pulling or popping, it’s time to size up. Something else to look for in tops is where the shoulder seams are. They should be on the edge of your shoulders, not on your upper arms or collarbone. 
• The two-finger rule applies to the waistband of your slacks, pants, and skirts, too. Before springing for a pair of pants or a skirt, sit down in the dressing room and lean forward. Does the waistband dig into your stomach? Don’t buy it. Instead, look for pants and skirts that have soft or elastic waistbands that promote easy movement. 
• Be mindful that your socks fit properly. How can you tell? If they’re leaving rings around your calves and cutting off circulation, or sliding and bunching, ditch them! The best socks for work should be easy to slip on, feel pleasantly snug without squeezing, have a seamless toe to prevent rubbing, and stay put as you move around. Well-designed compression socks are ideal precisely because they help you stay comfy even when you’re on your feet, or sitting at your desk, all day long. 

Style and Comfort Tip #3: Look For Quality Fabrics

There’s nothing worse than sitting at your desk or going about your day, and then realizing that your clothes are itchy, irritating, or smelly. That happens most often when you wear items made from fabrics that are poorly constructed. Materials designed for both style and comfort are lightweight and breathable, so you stay cool and energized no matter where your day takes you. Here’s what to look for:

• Moisture wicking technology. Whether it’s socks or a blouse, if you’re wearing materials that trap moisture, you’ll be a sweaty mess by the end of the day. While cotton is a natural fabric, it’s not the best choice for socks precisely because when cotton gets wet, it stays wet. When selecting the best socks for work, look for fabrics that wick moisture away from your skin.
• Breathability. High quality fabrics will move heat away from your body while allowing air to pass through, so you feel fresh and comfortable. If they’re engineered with special technology that keeps you cool, it’s a double win.
• Stretch. High quality materials are never restrictive since they’re designed to fit your body perfectly. Look for stretchy, yielding fabrics that encourage easy movement.

Style and Comfort Tip #4: Have fun!

Just because you’re prioritizing comfort doesn’t mean your personality has to go out the window. We created Crazy Compression because we got tired of seeing blah socks that were boring to put on and had zero character. Our compression socks let you play around with exciting patterns and colors so you can express yourself while also providing gentle pressure to your feet, ankles, and calves, which improves blood circulation and increases energy levels. So, go ahead, get a little crazy!