As its name suggests, workwear originated for purely practical purposes, designed for those in manual work who needed functional, hard-wearing clothing that would help get the job done. Today, workwear is permeating mainstream style, thanks to its versatility, comfort and ease-of-wear. In a market driven by fast fashion, the timeless, durable nature of workwear is a breath of fresh air, an antidote to the throw-away culture that consumes us.
Helping to spearhead the revival of workwear is Uskees, a Manchester-based brand with a range that centres around traditional workwear styling, brought into the 21st century. Classic work shirts, overshirts and jackets comprise its core range, with a focus on utilitarian silhouettes and durable design. Expect versatile colourways, understated, boxy cuts and functional detailing.
At the core of Uskees is sustainability, but the brand recognises that the term has become an overused industry buzzword, so prefers to practice sustainability through taking real action. By creating garments that last, it can help to reduce the amount of clothing that ends up in landfill. This approach influences its choice of materials, which are carefully considered to ensure ultimate durability. The use of organic cotton and natural corozo buttons, as well as a plastic-free promise, align with Uskees' wider vision for made-to-last clothing that goes easy on the planet. If that's not enough, all Uskees products come with a free repair kit, tailored specifically to each product with the appropriate materials for mending. A free repair service also exists for those more significant repairs.
Forget trends and seasonality and invest in clothing that will stand the test of time. Uskees is a no-brainer for functional, versatile staples that will look just as great now as in ten or even twenty years. As the label's manifesto reads, "Fast fashion has been king for too long. Long live Uskees."
Explore the Uskees collection.
Want more workwear? Read our guide to the best men's overshirts in 2021.
