An Informal Guide to Workwear: Form, function and fashion

A.W. Sylvester

ISBN 10: 1849949697 / ISBN 13: 9781849949699

Published by Batsford, 2025

Seller Inventory # 9781849949699

Synopsis:

An Informal Guide to Workwear offers a fascinating overview of the 20 most important workwear pieces, discussing their history, function, construction and materials.

Workwear has transcended its utilitarian roots to become a staple in modern wardrobes. Originally designed for labour-intensive jobs, today’s workwear blends durable, well-made and sustainable clothing with fashion. In a world of increasingly fast fashion, workwear provides a sustainable alternative as a statement of endurance and quality. An Informal Guide to Workwear explores the links to the past and the incredible history of how this style became a staple. Workwear pieces include:

• berets, popularised by Claude Monet and Che Guevara, among others
• blue jeans, America's sartorial gift to the world
• the siren suit, famously worn by Winston Churchill during the war
• the shop coat, donned by Christian Dior in a show of democratic solidarity with the workers in his atelier

Featuring vibrant illustrations by Michael Parkin, this book is perfect for anyone interested in discovering more about the history of fashion and style. 

About the Author:

A.W. Sylvester is a prominent fashion writer with a substantial following of over 26,000 on Instagram. Known for his insightful analysis and deep dives into fashion trends, Sylvester has written extensively in the fashion and cultural realm (Vice, GQ Style and Permanent Style), and for brands like Mr Porter, Drake's, Turnbull & Asser, and Globe-trotter.

Bibliographic Details

Title: An Informal Guide to Workwear: Form, ...
Publisher: Batsford
Publication Date: 2025
Binding: Hardcover
Illustrator: Parkin, Michael
Condition: New