WHAT IS WORKWEAR?

Workwear, a style inspired by traditional work clothing, is known for its versatility and durability, two qualities that inspire SWENN’s designs.

WHAT IS WORKWEAR?

Workwear lends itself to versatility and durability, which is why SWENN draws inspiration from this style. SWENN’s designs have helped shape a unique collection that works both in the elements and as a casual chic look everywhere else.

The same way that clothing has adapted to fit both industrial miners and workers at sea, SWENN has taken workwear and made it casual to fit the everyday person.

FROM INDUSTRY TO FASHION

With roots in industries such as mining during the Gold Rush, workwear was designed to resist the wear and tear of everyday work. Over the decades, it has also become a source of inspiration for streetwear. Think Ben Davis, a workwear brand embraced by rappers in the ’90s.

Then there are the sought-after Levi Strauss jeans that have made their way into various vintage collections. The Orange Tag line, for example, once sold in worker outposts, now has become a recognizable find among collectors and resellers.

THE FIBERS

All the fibers used at SWENN help reinforce the idea of workwear. By using natural fibres like cotton and wool, we carry on the history of the working class. Traditionally, workwear garments were made using materials that were readily available and suited to the job, including cotton fabrics such as moleskin.

Cotton can be woven in different ways. Your classic jeans are made with a diagonal twill weave, which contributes to their durability and resistance to wear. SWENN’s chore coats use a plain-weave brushed cotton twill, that functions as a great barrier to the elements.

THE CHORE COAT

The chore coat is a great example of how workwear has made its way into the SWENN brand.

With roots in 19th-century France, the chore coat has a history spanning more than a century, making it a timeless piece, which is what SWENN is all about. With its vintage character, the chore coat has evolved from a practical garment for manual labour to a piece seen on red carpets of fashion week.

WEAR IT WITH PRIDE

SWENN’s designs are versatile pieces that can be dressed up or down. Workwear is inherently sustainable; it was born to be worn again and again. That is what SWENN hopes to emulate through each piece.

From coast to coast, these designs are meant for you, the people.

— Maya

REFERENCES & FURTHER READING

• AVANT Magazine, An Anthology of American Workwear
• Bleu de Travail: A Chore Coat Deep Dive Wear Are We