‘It would be silly not to allow’: Gen Zers are now wearing activewear to the office

Bosses must brace themselves because Gen Zers are bringing a controversial trend to the office.

Bosses and anyone who believes in traditional dress codes must brace themselves because Gen Zers are now wearing activewear to work.

The youngest working generation is known for pushing fashion boundaries. They’ve brought back low-rise jeans and made slogan T-shirts cool again, and now they’re claiming lycra is also corporate wear.

Millennial PR boss Grace Garrick, who runs the agency MVMNT, has a gaggle of Gen Z employees who she says are often hanging out in exercise gear in the office.

Ms Garrick said she “allows it” because her Gen Z staff are “much cooler” than her and can pull off the traditionally casual clothes and still look professional.

Grace allows her stuff to wear what they want. Picture: Instagram/GraceGarrick

She's happy as long as staff are productive. Picture: Instagram/GraceGarrick

The PR maven admitted her views are a little skewed because one of her clients is activewear giant Lorna Jane, but she explained she’s less concerned with what people are wearing and far more concerned with productivity.

“It would be silly not to allow activewear in the office,” she said.

Ms Garrick said she believes that when you’re dressed for action, “you’re more inclined to be mobile and get active and get things done” so she’d be “silly” to ban the non-traditional workwear option.

She likes the lifestyle approach Gen Z has to work. Picture: Instagram/GraceGarrick

The PR boss loves how Gen Z workers have fun with office wear. Picture: Instagram/GraceGarrick

The young boss argued that you can throw a blazer over anything and look like you’re capable of closing a business deal.

“This whole conversation taps into something bigger! Gen Z is approaching work so differently to the way we did,” she said.

“They’re not just chasing job titles; they’re chasing balance. They want to feel good while doing the work, and if that means wearing activewear to the office, they’ll ask for it.”

They're blending office wear with activewear. Picture: TikTok

The Gen Zers have embraced activewear for work. Picture: TikTok

Ms Garrick said she’s happy to see the shift, especially that wellness is at the forefront of the trend.

“As a boss, I think as long as the team is happy and comfortable and gets the job done, I don’t mind what anyone wears as long as they’re presentable,” she said.

Athleisure brand Halara’s president Jessica Thompson said the line between officewear and casual clothing has officially blurred.

“As more employees split their time between home and office, the demand for clothing that seamlessly blends comfort and professionalism has grown,” Ms Thompson said.

“The shift towards flexible, stylish, and functional workwear is reshaping traditional office attire, with workers embracing athleisure-inspired pieces that prioritise both ease and style.”

Activewear in the office is now a thing. Picture: Supplied

Ms Thompson pointed out that flexible workwear makes sense because workers don’t sit at their desks all day anymore.

“It’s not unusual to hop on a video call after lunch and see a colleague still in their active wear from a midday gym session,” she said.

The active wear boss said that she’s seeing a growing emphasis on health and wellness in office culture.

“Employees want outfits that offer them convenience and allow them to integrate exercise and self care into their workday without compromising their professional image,” she said.

Originally published as ‘It would be silly not to allow’: Gen Zers are now wearing activewear to the office