Do Clothes Matter When We Work From Home? Inside the WFH Fashion Debate

Delving deep into why what you wear at home matters: a debate on sweatpants versus 'real' clothes in the WFH era.

By Medha deb

Created on Sep 30, 2025

Delving deep into why what you wear at home matters: a debate on sweatpants versus 'real' clothes in the WFH era.

Do Clothes Matter Not at All or Like…a Lot…When We’re All WFH?

As millions worldwide shifted to remote work in the wake of a global pandemic, a pressing but previously niche debate exploded in relevance: what should we wear when working from home (WFH)? The conversation quickly split into camps. One side champions the comfort and practicality of sweats and loungewear; the other argues that real clothes maintain professionalism, productivity, and even sanity. This article explores both sides of the WFH fashion debate, grounding arguments in psychological, professional, and personal perspectives while offering actionable insight for today’s remote workers.

The Two Sides: A Debate in the Digital Age

Cosmopolitan‘s editors encapsulate the larger cultural conversation: Is it okay to give in to the siren call of sweatpants and hoodies, or do we need to get dressed “as if” to feel like we’re truly working? The debate covers not just clothing, but larger issues of identity, routine, mental health, and societal expectation.

The Case for “Real Clothes” While WFH

Why change out of pajamas or sweats if you’re not leaving the house? Because, says one camp, putting on real clothes makes a real difference.

Maintaining Routine and Motivation: Daily rituals, like getting dressed, help transition the mind from ‘home’ to ‘work’ mode. Even if you’re only moving from bed to a nearby desk, this simple act helps signal that it’s time for productivity.
Psychological Effects: Clothing can influence self-perception, confidence, and mental clarity. Wearing office-appropriate attire, even in a home environment, may boost focus and energy, partly by reducing the cognitive dissonance of blending work and rest spaces.
Professionalism on Video Calls: For many, videoconferencing has become a daily anchor. Choosing “real” clothes signals respect for colleagues and clients—even if only the top half is visible.
Boundary Setting: Changing clothes after the workday can help draw essential boundaries between work and leisure, a vital need given the blurred lines wrought by remote setups.

Key quote: “Putting on actual clothes acts as a mental nudge that yes, I am working—even if my environment is anything but the traditional office.”

Arguments in Favor of Dressing Up

Respect for the Job and Oneself: Dressing well, even when no one is watching, reflects self-respect and professionalism.
Increased Productivity: Several anecdotal accounts and psychological studies reinforce the notion that we work harder, think clearer, and procrastinate less when we “look the part.”
Maintaining Social Rituals: Social interaction, even digitally, comes with cues and norms—including dress code. This is especially relevant when virtual meetings substitute face-to-face encounters.

Further, there’s concern that letting sartorial standards slide could make it harder to transition back to office norms. The way we dress is a reflection of both external expectations and internal standards.

The Cozy Crowd: Advocating for Loungewear and Comfort

While some find solace in structure, another WFH faction finds empowerment in comfort. If you’re feeling anxious during a global crisis, shouldn’t your clothes adapt to give you ease?

Emotional Comfort: Loungewear can be calming during times of uncertainty. Many report feeling less anxious and better able to focus when they’re comfortable.
Practicality: With no commute and little need for formality, it feels natural to reach for leggings, sweatpants, or an oversized tee.
Freedom From Judgment: Remote work gives individuals more autonomy. Many relish the opportunity to dress for themselves, not office codes or societal expectation.
Financial & Time Savings: Less spent on wardrobe updates, dry-cleaning, and less time spent on outfit planning translates to more energy for work or personal pursuits.

Key quote: “If I’m more comfortable in my joggers, then I’m more efficient and happier, period. Why force myself into hard pants—there’s a pandemic happening!”

Arguments for the Comfort-First Approach

Mental Health Benefits: Reducing stress in any form, including the pressure to appear a certain way, is important for emotional stability and wellbeing.
Individual Productivity Profiles: Some truly produce best in a relaxed environment. For creative roles or solo work, comfort may directly support output.
Authenticity and Expression: For some, personal style has always been about more than external validation. WFH is a chance to explore a style that feels right without outside pressure.

How Clothing Affects Psychology and Productivity

The science of enclothed cognition – the psychological effect of clothing on cognitive processes – suggests that what we wear can influence our moods and performance. Studies have shown that clothing associated with professionalism can increase abstract thinking and attention. Conversely, extremely casual attire may cause some individuals to feel less focused, although others might benefit from the stress relief of comfier clothes.

Clothing Style	Potential Benefits	Potential Downsides
Business Attire	Boosts professionalism, focus, self-image	Less comfort, may feel forced or artificial at home
Smart Casual	Balances comfort with readiness for video calls	Still requires effort and some planning
Loungewear / Sweats	Maximal comfort, stress reduction	Risk of reduced motivation, harder work/life separation

The Reality: WFH Fashion in Practice

Whether for psychological edge or sheer convenience, people approach work-from-home dressing differently. Many find a middle ground, adopting a hybrid approach: business on top, comfort on bottom.

Video Call Top-Readiness: Button-down shirt or blouse on top, gym shorts or leggings out of frame.
Rotating Wardrobe Formula: Some set up a limited capsule closet of ‘WFH-appropriate’ items, splitting the difference between pajamas and pencil skirts.
Personal Dress Code: For solo workers or those without video obligations, true aesthetic freedom reigns.

Office culture, job role, home environment, and individual psychology all play a part in shaping what feels right. There’s no universal answer—only strategies that work for specific personalities and working situations.

WFH Fashion and the Broader Fashion Industry

The WFH surge isn’t just transforming bedrooms into offices; it’s also reshaping the global fashion industry. Demand for athleisure, loungewear, and basic essentials has soared, while interest in formal officewear has decayed. Brands are pivoting, introducing more comfortable staples, while some designers experiment with “elevated loungewear”—styles that split the difference between formal and casual.

Retail Trends: Massive increase in sweats, leggings, hoodies, and ‘Zoom-ready’ tops.
Marketing Shifts: Campaigns highlighting comfort, productivity, and utility have become the norm.
Fashion Cycle Changes: Fewer seasonal trends, more emphasis on perennial, versatile items.

Will formal office dress codes ever fully recover? Many experts believe hybrid wardrobes are here to stay, even after people return to offices. The era of the ‘hard pant’ may truly be coming to an end.

Finding Balance: Ritual, Respect, and Reality

Ultimately, the most sustainable approach may lie in self-awareness. Each person’s optimal WFH style will depend on their own habits, psychological needs, and external obligations. Experts and experienced remote workers recommend experimenting to find the right balance of comfort and structure:

Start your day as if you’re going to work, even if it means just switching to a fresh pair of comfortable clothes.
Reserve certain outfits for video-heavy days or important meetings.
Create rituals—like putting on makeup or jewelry—to mark the beginning of your workday.
If motivation wanes, try dressing up for a few days to see if energy improves.
For some, color and accessories lift mood and signal alertness.
Remember to change after work to create boundaries between your jobs and personal time.

No matter your choice, respect for colleagues, the work, and one’s own wellbeing are the underlying themes. And as WFH culture evolves, so too do its styles, meaning that there is room for both the suited-up and the cozy-at-heart.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Does what I wear at home really affect my work performance?

A: For many, yes. Psychological studies have shown that clothing can influence cognitive performance, mood, and motivation. However, individual differences matter, so what helps one person may hinder another.

Q: Is it unprofessional to wear sweats on video calls?

A: If your company culture is flexible and the call is internal, sweats can be acceptable. However, for external meetings or client presentations, it’s best to dress up your visible half to maintain professionalism.

Q: Are there hybrid solutions?

A: Absolutely! Many workers opt for a ‘work shirt, lounge pants’ combo or stick to comfortable but styled basics for all-day wear that look presentable on camera.

Q: Have fashion brands responded to the WFH trend?

A: Yes. Major and niche brands have expanded loungewear, athleisure, and ‘Zoom-ready’ categories. There’s more emphasis on comfort and versatility, sometimes at the expense of traditional office attire.

WFH Fashion Quick Tips

Consider your work environment: more formal for visible/on-camera roles, more relaxed for solo projects.
Invest in versatile basics—T-shirts, soft blouses, leggings or pants you wouldn’t be embarrassed to answer the door in.
Use color or accessories to brighten drab days and express personality.
Have a dedicated workspace and dedicated work clothes (even if comfy) to create psychological boundaries.

Final Thoughts: Express Yourself, But Respect the Work

The WFH era has forced us all to reconsider our relationship with clothes. For many, comfort is king. For others, getting dressed is an act of self-preservation or confidence. The only unifying truth: What you wear at home—whether sweats, a blazer, or something in between—should ultimately support your productivity, mental health, and sense of identity. In this unprecedented time, creating new rituals, holding on to a bit of normalcy, or redefining what ‘professional’ means are all valid. Wear what empowers you.

References

Author

medha deb

Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.

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