Once upon a time, office dressing came with a rulebook. Suits were sharp, shoes were polished, and comfort was something you enjoyed once you got home. Fast forward to 2025, and the UK workplace tells a very different story.
A new study from TK Maxx reveals that British office style is entering a new era — one defined not by rigidity, but by what might best be described as Power Casual. It’s smarter than the Zoom-era hoodie, more relaxed than the old nine-to-five uniform, and firmly rooted in comfort.
The Return to the Office (On Our Terms)
With over a third of UK employees (38%) now spending more days in the office than they did last year, the daily question of “What do I wear?” has returned — albeit with new complexity. Nearly half of office workers (45%) say they dress more formally now than a few years ago, signalling a move back towards polish. But this isn’t a wholesale return to pinstripes and ties.
Instead, “formal” has been quietly redefined.
Today’s office aesthetic sits somewhere between smart (27%) and smart casual (25%). Think relaxed tailoring, soft-shouldered blazers, well-cut trousers with a touch of stretch, and shirts that feel as good at 8am as they do at 6pm. The blazer, in particular, has reclaimed its role as the great mediator — bridging professionalism and practicality with ease.
Comfort Is King
If there’s one statistic that defines modern workwear, it’s this: 47% of UK office workers say comfort is the number one influence on what they wear to work — ranking above looking professional (37%) and even dressing for the weather (33%).
Hybrid working has blurred the lines between home and office, and for 37% of employees, that makes getting dressed more confusing than ever. Yet rather than dressing down, many are dressing smarter, simply demanding that their clothes work harder for them.
Breathable fabrics, forgiving fits and versatility are no longer bonuses — they’re non-negotiables.
A Generational Shift in Style
Interestingly, it’s younger professionals who are leading the charge back towards smarter dressing. Among those aged 16–34, 62% say their wardrobe is now more formal than it was previously. For senior leaders and C-suite professionals, that figure rises to 72%.
Workwear, it seems, still carries weight. Clothing remains a signal — of intent, credibility and self-respect — but the message has evolved. Authority no longer requires discomfort.
Investing in the Work Wardrobe
Workwear remains a serious investment. Nearly three quarters (72%) of employees buy clothing specifically for the office, with 40% maintaining a dedicated “work-only” wardrobe. Younger workers, in particular, are keen to keep boundaries intact — 81% of those aged 25–34 prefer to separate office attire from casualwear.
The average spend per outfit now sits at £119.75, with men investing significantly more (£141) than women (£99). It’s a reminder that dressing well for work is still seen as worthwhile — not just for appearance, but for how it makes us feel.
Over a quarter (28%) say dressing for work is a way to showcase personal style, while 24% admit the right outfit genuinely motivates them for the day ahead. Clothes, as ever, do more than clothe us.
Dressing for the Modern Office
The modern workplace demands flexibility — and so should your wardrobe. TK Maxx highlights a few guiding principles that feel particularly aligned with this new Power Casual mindset:
- Invest in versatile staples
Timeless pieces — a good blazer, tailored trousers, crisp shirts — form the backbone of any functional office wardrobe. - Choose comfort with polish
Stretch fabrics, breathable materials and smart silhouettes keep things sharp without sacrificing ease. - Add personality thoughtfully
Accessories, footwear and texture allow individuality to shine without undermining professionalism.
With access to big brands and quality workwear at up to 60% less than RRP, TK Maxx positions itself as a practical solution for navigating this new era — where style, comfort and adaptability all carry equal weight.
The New Office Uniform
Power Casual isn’t about lowering standards; it’s about updating them. It reflects a workforce that values self-expression, comfort and confidence in equal measure. As offices continue to evolve, so too does the language of dress — quieter, more relaxed, but no less intentional.
After all, clothes still make the man. They just don’t have to make him uncomfortable anymore.
