Does wearing sweatshirts make you look unprofessional?

Question

Does anyone else agree that the rules of what to wear via video work calls are questionable? Some days I feel like I need to wear a really nice workwear top and other days, I just want to wear a freaking sweatshirt. So can you wear a hoodie/sweatshirt? How do you stay casual but still look professional during these times?

Carol Hack Broome · Answer

I put on a comfy, round neck tshirt and throw a jacket over it for the video calls.  The jacket gives me a polished look, and I can take it off as soon as the conference is over.

Kmmmm · Answer

I agree and I think that dressing professionally makes you feel more professional.  My great-grandmother, who lived to be 100, used to get COMPLETELY dressed - head to toes - every day.  I asked her if she ever kicked back in her PJs and she told me that if she did that, her body would think she was sick and she would get sick.  I think there is something to that - your mind and body tend to take cues from what you are wearing.  It can't HURT to dress up a little bit.

LEANNE TOBIAS · Answer

I feel more professional with a professional quality top: blouse, shell with jacket or sweater, etc.

I like the “quick fixes” given here.

My rule of thumb:  Wear something that you’d feel comfortable wearing to work. Extra points if your clothing is comfortable and easy to get on/off.

Shelby C · Answer

I think that these are unprecedented times and we are all juggling a lot. We're struggling to find our new normal. I think that a t-shirt or sweatshirt is fine in some environments, while in others you may want to put on a jacket or sweater to make it look more polished.

Mandy Trouten · Answer

I agree that such expectations are questionable; but, then again, I think that work should be based solely on work skills and the ability to get along. The only wardrobe rules I could see instituting would be the basic requirement that your chest, back, midriff, and down to at least your knees be covered with sufficiently opaque, non-skintight material, and that you not be wearing any kind of slogan or image that could reasonably be interpreted offensively.

With that being said, I would strive to do work-related video calls dressed similarly to what the company expects. Hoodies are generally frowned upon, professionally. A regular sweatshirt could be paired with a collared blouse and look good. However, I would suggest opting for a more upscale sweater, cardigan, or blazer.

Anonymous · Answer

Do you have a nicer sweater or top that you could pop on for a web call? I've been keeping it VERY comfy when I'm working and not on a call, but I have a nicer top I'll put on for external-facing calls so I don't look like I've lost all control of my life lol. Love Carol's jacket suggestion too!

Anonymous · Answer

I would never, ever wear a sweatshirt or anything with a hood for a video call. I still want to be professional, even in a casual job atmosphere. Have a basic black top or two handy and change them up with a different necklace or scarf.  I always keep a black cardigan on the back of my chair for video-call emergencies. Amazing how it can even make a gray T-shirt look better in a fix!

Does wearing sweatshirts make you look unprofessional?

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