Coworking Dress Codes: Save Money, Look Great

By now, we’ve seen study after study about the true perks of coworking spaces. They include improved productivity, time saved commuting and better mental health. Have you stopped to realize, though, that coworking spaces also typically offer a more relaxed approach when it comes to attire?

You likely know some offices are now requiring employees to return to the office. Not only are their work clothes likely out of style by now, but they also may not fit. Sadly, about half of working Americans reported gaining nine to 20 pounds during the pandemic.

Refurbishing a wardrobe can be a sizable investment and can cost an average of $350 a month. While that might sound drastic, buying attire ranging from dress shirts and blazers to dresses and nice shoes is a significant expense.

At coworking sites, wardrobes reflect the type of work the person does

Not surprisingly, those fortunate enough to benefit from coworking spaces are able to dress much more casually. At coworking sites like My Space Downtown in Panama City, Florida, “People definitely dress down, but still take pride in how they look,” says Michelle Sparks, office manager. “Their clothes reflect the type of work they do and are not as uniform as an office setting, nor as costly.”

Remote work also allows for a more versatile wardrobe. Sparks adds, “Our members love the fact that they can wear the clothes they already have and wear them for work and play.”

The good news: some employers are rethinking costly dress codes

Employee pushback on formal dress codes has increased following years of remote work during the pandemic. Having grown accustomed to the perks of working from home, employees now recoil at the cost of expensive clothes as they yearn for more comfort and a chance to have clothes that express their unique identities.

Sparks says, “One of the most frequent things I hear from coworkers at our site is an appreciation for the fact that they can dress in comfort and be expressive of their personalities,” Sparks says. “They still want to look nice, but they want to make their own choices and keep to a reasonable clothing budget.”