Think about it this way. People now want things to be as unique as possible because they have pretty much seen it all thanks to the internet. The traditional suit and tie style at work is starting to look bland. Though some companies don’t give it much thought, many others do. A brand cannot grow today if it has an aversion to innovation. This applies to workplace attire as well. 

For the modern professional, a more comfortable, versatile, and performance-oriented attire at work sounds more unique. 

And that brings us to the rise of performance wear in the workplace.

Being a sports & fitness industry must-have, no one expected performance wear to make its way into a corporate setting this soon. But the trend gained momentum post-pandemic, and many apparel brands are already on the bandwagon offering performance polos and shirts as workwear for the modern day professional.

For YouApparel, this led to more orders for UltraClub shirts wholesale. And we had to figure out why.

After working remotely for two years during the pandemic wearing yoga pants and sweats, us Americans got used to comfortable attire while working. As offices reopened, they started voicing their thoughts on a change in their wardrobe to balance comfort and professionalism at work. Sweats and yoga pants obviously don’t fit into the corporate casual category. 

These factors are likely to have influenced the trend of performance wear at work more than anything else. 

Comfort and breathability - Performance apparel are made from specific fabrics designed to move with the wearer, delivering flexibility, breathability and comfort that traditional shirts can never match. 

Moisture-wicking properties - Performance shirts and polos can regulate body temperature keeping the wearer dry for long periods of time. High stress job? Do sweat it if you are wearing a performance polo. Nobody will know.

Easy care - Some are resistant to wrinkles and most are machine washable, making them an excellent option for busy professionals.

Durability - Performance apparel are originally meant for sports & fitness environments. So they are designed to be durable. If you have used UltraClub polos before, you know what we are talking about. They just last. 

Just because performance wear at work is widely adopted, you can’t just go to work wearing a performance t-shirt unless you are doing pushups on your work desk. Let’s just stick to polos and shirts. 

Fit & Size - A polo that fits well enhances your appearance without compromising formality. A polo that’s bigger or smaller does the opposite. Always check the size guide to make sure you have the right fit. UltraClub shines here as well. An UltraClub medium polo will be true to American size.

Styling - Polos are versatile which means they can be paired with other garments for a comfy, corporate casual look. Try them on with chinos for casual or with dress pants for formal. Did we mention that polos come in a variety of colors? 

Outdoor Work - If you will be spending a lot of time outdoors for work, make sure you get a performance polo or shirt with UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) technology. 

Environmental Considerations - With sustainability gaining more prominence, you might want to think if that’s the way you should go. Many manufacturers employ sustainable production processes and incorporate eco-friendly materials into polos and shirts. 

If you are hesitant about wearing polos at work, you can find some decent picks at YouApparel. Try exploring UltraClub shirts for fun styles with a modern twist.

When you think beyond just comfort, you will see that the choice behind adopting performance polos and shirts is a testament to how function and fashion can coexist, enhancing the overall experience of the wearer at work. Whether you are an experienced professional or a fresher, performance wear helps you look and feel your best at work. 

If you found this writeup exciting and want to know everything there is on polos, check out one of our earlier blogs:Everything You Need To Know About Blank Polo Shirts