Men across the country feel they are stuck in a “style rut” when it comes to clothing – as over half of those who work in an office admit they repeat outfits each week, according to research.
The average man has just five different looks on rotation when it comes to going into the office, and will wear the same shirt three times a week, according to a poll of 1,000 males.
In fact, men are wearing an average of just 41 per cent of their entire wardrobe – with one in ten choosing to wear the same jumper as often as four days a week.
As a result, four in ten said they don't feel good in their current clothes, and 29 per cent believe a style overhaul would make them feel more confident.
But 40 per cent feel more self-assured when they are wearing their favourite item of clothing.
Just over half (53 per cent) have noticed male workwear trends shift in recent years, from a plain suit and tie to more stylish outfits that can be worn for multiple occasions.
So, when shopping for new clothes, 48 per cent look for items that can be worn for various events and can see them through from day to night.
The study comes as 28 per cent admit they struggle to dress appropriately for different occasions, and a third need just two or three “go-to” shirts in their wardrobe.
Almost a quarter (23 per cent) look for airy and comfortable fits in their clothing, while 22 per cent want pieces that are easy to look after.
The survey was commissioned by clothing company Charles Tyrwhitt, whose spokesman said: “In the past, men could rely on a simple shirt and tie uniform for most of life’s occasions.
“However, today there are new style territories – from the “smart” business meeting, to a “regular” day in the office, to “working from home”.
“So it’s no wonder men feel stuck in a rut in their current wardrobe – as new codes of dressing create new challenges.
“We’re striving to provide a simple solution to the problem of “what to wear” for the man who wants to look the part, but doesn’t always know where to begin.”
The research, carried out via OnePoll, also found half of men (51%) who work in an office like feeling smart at work.
Of those, two in five (41 per cent) feel they are taken more seriously when they are wearing an outfit that has been well executed, while 47 per cent feel more productive.
And 45 per cent like using their personal style as a way to express themselves.
Smart trousers, a t-shirt, and a simple shirt are the top three pieces of clothing that office-working men feel most “put together” in.
Furthermore, 38 per cent own a “lucky shirt” to wear to occasions such as a job interview, meeting a partner’s family for the first time, and a big pitch at work.
The spokesman for Charles Tyrwhitt added: “Feeling smart at work can really differentiate work life and home life, so it’s no wonder men like to dress differently when they in their workplace.
“You can’t go wrong with having a collection of staple basics in your wardrobe to mix up depending on the occasion – and having smart trousers and simple shirts are a perfect place to start.”
