Wearing Industrial Goggles and Geonbbang Pants... Fashion Boundaries Disappear

[Asia Economy Reporter Yujin Cho] ‘Workwear,’ which combines practicality and style appeal, is emerging as a fashion trend. Originally starting as work clothes for the labor class, workwear has come to refer to fashion that is comfortable yet highly functional. In particular, the unique sensibility of workwear, characterized by excellent materials, natural colors, and ample storage space that highlights details, is attracting the attention of millennials in their 20s and 30s.

Oakley, a sports brand, offers the ‘Sutro,’ sunglasses that strongly convey the workwear sensibility. At first glance, this product looks like industrial goggles, but it can be comfortably worn not only during sports but also in everyday life. The frame is made of durable yet lightweight O Matter material, providing optimal comfort, and the nose pads use Unobtainium rubber material that prevents slipping even when sweating. Additionally, the Prism lenses maximize color contrast for clear vision and block ultraviolet rays, faithfully fulfilling the primary function of sunglasses.

Outdoor sports brand Patagonia Korea’s ‘Industrial Hemp Workwear’ was created for workers in various work environments. It focuses on enhancing durability and comfort so that the body is safely protected without being affected by harsh environments, allowing workers to fully concentrate on their tasks. To maximize the functionality of workwear, eco-friendly hemp is blended with recycled polyester and cotton derived from organic cotton, increasing abrasion resistance by about 25% compared to regular canvas fabric. The collection consists of a total of 15 styles, including overalls, aprons, jackets, and pants, each equipped with functions necessary for different types of work.

Outdoor lifestyle brand Timberland has launched the ‘Gray Collar Collection,’ which combines street style with sustainable materials. It reflects the lifestyle of modern people who enjoy outdoor activities even in urban life. It is defined as gray collar, positioned between white collar and blue collar. The collection features the first leather waterproof boots designed to keep workers comfortable and dry even after long exposure to outdoor environments, such as the 6-inch Yellow Boot, reflecting Timberland’s workwear heritage from its origin story to the present.

Brand Lab’s vulcanized shoe brand Excelsior has launched ‘Volt Workwear,’ a retro mood reinterpreted in a modern way. Workwear, the foundation of Amekaji style, is inspired by the work clothes of American workers in the 1900s. It has become an essential coordinated look for many celebrities and fashionistas. Volt Workwear is available in four earth-tone colors, including beige, brown, and olive.