"Workwear is changing across many parts of the world. Such a shift was accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, as many of us swapped our office attire for tracksuits and slippers. Data from global hiring platform Indeed shows that the UK isn't immune to this shift in attitudes. The traditional suit and tie are no longer in style, as many employers move towards more relaxed dress codes."
"In July 2025, 3.3% of UK job postings referenced casual dress, more than ten times higher than pre-pandemic figures. Commonly used phrases include 'smart casual' or 'dress for your day'. Mentions rose sharply early in the pandemic, eventually peaking at around 4.0% in early 2023. Before the pandemic, references to casual dress were present in less than 1% of job listings, and in the first half of 2019, it remained at just 0.2%. Since May 2021, however, it has never fallen below 3%."
""The pandemic triggered widespread changes in how people in the UK work, impacting expectations around where and how we work, but also what we wear," noted a blog post written by Indeed economists Callam Pickering and Jack Kennedy. "For employers, a relaxed dress policy can say a lot about workplace culture. And in a competitive hiring landscape, offering flexibility, even in attire, can help attract top talent," they continued."
Workwear in the UK has trended toward more casual dress, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic and sustained by generational shifts and tech sector influence. In July 2025, 3.3% of UK job postings referenced casual dress, more than ten times higher than pre-pandemic figures, and mentions peaked at about 4.0% in early 2023. Before the pandemic, casual dress references were under 1%, and in early 2019 they were 0.2%. Since May 2021 the share has not fallen below 3%. Relaxed dress policies signal workplace culture and can help employers attract talent. Remote work increased emphasis on wellbeing and productivity over appearance.
Read at euronews
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