Business Casual Activewear? Forum

[Prudent_Jurist]

Guy here. Not sure what to really call it. I know LuluLemon makes slacks and polos that are super comfy, but I’m curious if there are other brands— sportswear or non-sportswear— that make business-casual-esque clothing.

The office I’m starting at in March is pretty lax on attire, so I’m looking for something clean and professional but light and comfortable. I don’t think I’d mind splurging on Lulu, but I’d like to compare prices first.

[TigerIsBack]

I mix between lulu pants and the Peter Millar pants that are for golf because those to me look a bit more dressy than the lulu ones. Both hold their form as long as you hang them up after they dry, so it's nice that it also saves on dry cleaning.

[Prudent_Jurist]

I mix between lulu pants and the Peter Millar pants that are for golf because those to me look a bit more dressy than the lulu ones. Both hold their form as long as you hang them up after they dry, so it's nice that it also saves on dry cleaning.

Nice! Thanks for the tip.

[HenryHankPalmer]

I am a big fan of Mizzen and Main.

https://www.mizzenandmain.com/

Their shirts are super comfortable, especially if you are in a warmer climate.

[rshackleford123]

I mix between lulu pants and the Peter Millar pants that are for golf because those to me look a bit more dressy than the lulu ones. Both hold their form as long as you hang them up after they dry, so it's nice that it also saves on dry cleaning.

Another one to throw into this mix are the Nike golf pants. They don't look as dressy as the Peter Millar, but are closer to the lulu pants in price range. They're practically all I've worn to the office since COVID started, given that we live in a world where being able to wear pajama pants in the office still hasn't been normalized.

[Anonymous User]

Not trying to yuck anyone's yum here, but I do not understand the appeal of this category. To me, the style of these pants always looks sort of "off" (can't fully articulate why) — and perhaps I just do not find a well-fitted pair of khakis or dress slacks as uncomfortable as other people clearly seem to.

[Anonymous User]

I like the Lulu pants but I think the Rhone pants are even more comfortable. So much so that I rarely wear my Lulu pants now. Rhone shirts are also great too.

[Prudent_Jurist]

Not trying to yuck anyone's yum here, but I do not understand the appeal of this category. To me, the style of these pants always looks sort of "off" (can't fully articulate why) — and perhaps I just do not find a well-fitted pair of khakis or dress slacks as uncomfortable as other people clearly seem to.

For me it’s mostly a comfort thing. For my legs, because I do Olympic-style weightlifting for exercise and my thighs are bulky, stretchier pants are much more comfortable than even well-fitting khakis. I also get warm really easily, and activewear-type shirts and pants tend to help with that.

I don’t mind the look either. Seeing partners and clients wearing similar getups also boosts confidence that it’s not unprofessional where I’m located.

I do have slacks and dress shirts that are comfortable on my body, but I like having options. Especially in the summer months, when things get really hot where I live, a breathable short-sleeve polo is a God-send.

Plus, my wife is a NP, and her Figs scrubs are basically pajamas you can wear in the hospital. So, why not be comfortable especially if I’m going to be in an office for 8-10 hours? But if you’re comfortable in khakis and whatnot, more power to you!

[The Lsat Airbender]

Not trying to yuck anyone's yum here, but I do not understand the appeal of this category. To me, the style of these pants always looks sort of "off" (can't fully articulate why) — and perhaps I just do not find a well-fitted pair of khakis or dress slacks as uncomfortable as other people clearly seem to.

I agree. Outside of strenuous exercise, where you want to wick sweat, a pair of chinos and an Oxford shirt is as comfortable as I could possibly want to be (and more flattering on most men, unless you're very muscular).

Then again I don't live in e.g. Atlanta where both the climate and culture make "golfcore" a lot more natural.

[notinbiglaw]

Rhône, Lulu, Bonobos, and certainly a few others, all use similar performance fabrics to make what you might call activewear dress pants. I basically got every shade of grey and khaki Lulu commission pants. You have to pay attention to know they aren’t just regular khakis/slacks. Like you could tell but people don’t care.

Mizzen and Main advertises their “sweat wicking” dress shirts a lot. Generally you just look for “performance” fabric dress shirts that fit you the best. Honestly they pretty much all the same other than cut and some detailing.

Most made to measure dress shirt places have some performance fabric options too.