Fitting hoodies into a woman's wardrobe
Tech companies may not have dress codes, but they do have de facto uniforms. "Hoodie signals young talent," said a Palo Altan techie when asked about the Valley dress code. What about their sisters-in-code? "The fact that a distinct style for women hasn't emerged is a reflection of their place in the ecosystem -- ambiguous," writes Aimee Groth.
The stereotypical male engineer wears jeans, a tee, and a hoodie. His better-dressed cubemate wears slacks and a rumpled plaid shirt -- with a hoodie thrown on top. Some women are happy to rock the hoodie and jeans like their male counterparts. Other women struggle to adopt a feminine personal style in a male-dominated workplace.
One option is to not give a shit. 🤘 Wear whatever you want to wear -- dress code be damned. Frankly, it's sexist that the de facto dress code is traditional male clothing. Wear dresses, skirts, and blouses without caring whether you fit in.
But for those who want to blend in, one approach is to reinterpret the male uniform with a more flattering cut and luxe fabric. We love cashmere hoodies for this purpose. The shape remains casual and comfortable, but the material adds elegance and fits better into a traditionally female wardrobe. Unlike cotton swag hoodies, cashmere hoodies come in a variety of cuts to accommodate a spectrum of shapes.
For fit, a women's sweater will offer a closer cut than a typical swag hoodie. If you're seeking a boxier cut, stores for men and boys also offer cashmere hoodies.
Any of these options would look at home in a tech office. Pair a cashmere hoodie with your favorite jeans and a plain t-shirt, and you've got an upscale take on the uniform.
