10 Reasons Why Workwear Is Better Than High-End Streetwear

Workwear is a timeless American tradition, and here are 10 reasons why it's better than today's high-end streetwear.

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Complex Original

Image via Complex Original

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Yesterday, we gave you an argument that high-end streetwear is better than workwear. But don't get it twisted, workwear is better than high-end streetwear. There, it's out there. And before you throw your hands up, start verbalizing your vitriol, and banging out furious responses in the comments, take a second to look at the evidence.

High-end streetwear has taken off recently. Borrowing elements of designer goods like premium materials and progressive cuts, high-end streetwear does its best to blend runway fundamentals with a savvier, tougher edge that's been present since streetwear's beginnings. While the traditional idea of streetwear will never die and will always be fantastic in its own way, high-end streetwear is little more than a passing trend, unlike a similar genre that's enjoyed recent popularity: workwear.

The Americana reboot of the early 2010s may be considered a trend in itself, but here's the thing: most brands devoted to a trend die out as soon as the the trend does. However, the heritage movement is interesting in that guys were rediscovering brands that have been in production for decades, not months. Those labels continue to exist long after their popularity may fade, because—as the name implies—these clothes are made for work; they don't need to be cool, they just always will be.

Workwear is part of our nation's structure—people literally built America's in workwear titans like Woolrich, Carhartt, Timberland, Levi's, and Pointer. And it's not only that the labels were on the backs of U.S. labor, many workwear brands have production roots in the U.S., creating jobs in their own ways.

Sure high-end streetwear is features premium design and looks streamlined, and we're not here to purely badmouth or reject the movement. But that being said, someone's gotta make a stand. These are 10 Reasons Why Workwear Is Better Than High-End Streetwear​.

When you pay more, you can expect more

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Workwear is more comfortable

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Workwear goes beyond sidewalks and city streets

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Classic brands have been around for decades

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Much of streetwear is inspired by workwear

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Workwear supports industries that require durability

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You can inherit (or pass down) heritage pieces

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Made in the U.S.A.

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Workwear looks better with age

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Workwear is more transitional and versatile

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