With the COVID-19 pandemic, working from home became widespread overnight, completely transforming the way society works. Several years have passed since then, and while more companies are now requiring employees to come into the office, dress codes have remained relaxed.Choosing what to wear on weekdays has actually become more of a headache. With this newfound freedom, you have no choice but to decide for yourself what to wear every morning. That’s why it’s worth rethinking how you incorporate knitwear—which pairs well with smart-casual outfits—into your wardrobe.
The Current State of Urban Work StylesBack to the Office.Dress Code Remains Flexible
According to a survey by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, more than one in three companies reported that they had “returned to an office-centric model” or that “office attendance had increased slightly” (Tokyo Metropolitan Government, “Survey on Corporate Attendance Status,” May 2026).The most frequently cited reason for this shift was improved communication and teamwork. It appears that the value of working face-to-face has been reevaluated. On the other hand, companies that continue to allow remote work account for about 70 percent, and a new way of working—where both home and the office serve as workplaces—is becoming part of everyday life in urban areas.
Regarding attire, more workplaces have begun allowing clothing other than suits in an effort to create an environment where employees can perform at their best. This trend is not limited to private companies. In the Tokyo metropolitan area, Saitama and Chiba prefectures are promoting a more casual dress code for their employees year-round.Saitama Prefecture cites sweaters, sweatshirts, chinos, and sneakers as examples, while Chiba Prefecture mentions cardigans and turtlenecks (Saitama Prefecture, “Promotion of Casual Attire (Office Casual),” June 2026; Chiba Prefecture, “Casual Attire for Staff,” April 2026).The era when a suit was the only option is now a thing of the past.
However, both prefectures require consideration for the occasion and those around you. In other words, you cannot wear just anything. Not too casual, not too formal—clothing that strikes that balance is what is needed on weekdays today.
New Criteria for Choosing Clothes, as Indicated by Changes Among DesignersIs the Spotlight Shifting from Outerwear to Knitwear!?
These changes are also affecting designers.When the OTOKOMAE editorial team toured the Fall/Winter 2025–26 trade shows, they found that more than half of the brands—citing mild winters—had significantly reduced their offerings of outerwear, which had previously been the star of the show, and were instead announcing a strategy to focus on knitwear and coordinated sets.Moving beyond the heavy gear of midwinter, there is a growing trend toward clothing that can be worn across seasons.
As work styles have changed, designers have also begun to focus more on knitwear.If the mild winter means you’re wearing heavy coats less often, it’s a smart move to redirect part of your outerwear budget toward knitwear you can wear every day. However, while we use the term “knitwear” broadly, materials, thicknesses, and care instructions vary widely. If you plan to wear them daily, it’s worth revisiting your selection criteria.
It looks put-together, is machine-washable, and has just the right thicknessThree Rules for Everyday Knitwear
If you go to the office several days a week, your criteria for choosing clothes will change. Here, let’s take another look at the three conditions we should look for in knitwear meant for daily wear.
First, it should look put-together. The more often you meet people, the more you’ll feel self-conscious in clothes that are too casual.
Second, it should be easy to care for. The more often you wear a piece, the more important it is that you can wash it at home.
Third, I’d like to mention durability—the ability to wear it until it’s worn out. If you put it on almost every day, delicate fabrics will pill and lose their shape quickly. Will it hold its shape even after being worn and washed several times a week? That’s the deciding factor for a knit you wear every day.
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How to Choose and Care for Knits Based on Their PurposeThe Dilemma: Your Special Knit Isn’t Suited for Wearing Every Day
When people think of a special winter knit, many probably picture sweaters made from cashmere or fine wool.They’re light and smooth, and just slipping them on makes you stand a little taller. However, because the fabric is so delicate, it’s prone to pilling from friction, and dry cleaning is usually the only option. That’s precisely why they’re difficult to use as everyday wear—it’s their Achilles’ heel. They can be too warm in heated offices or on trains, and wearing them multiple times a week will only accelerate wear and tear.If you’re going to spend five weekdays with it, you need a sweater that serves a different purpose. That’s the one that truly deserves to be called your “trusted companion.”
Designed for Urban Everyday WearWhy THE WOOSTER SWEATER Is Your Go-To Knit
While we all want to choose clothes that last, there’s a difference between a piece you treasure and keep tucked away, and one you can wear until it’s worn out. What you want in a go-to piece is the latter.You can save your cashmere and superfine wool sweaters as special winter treats. But for your everyday urban life from Monday through Friday, you’ll want a go-to companion you can reach for without a second thought.GENTLEMAN PROJECTS’ THE WOOSTER SWEATER was born from the question of how to achieve a modern, classic look—by global standards—through knitwear.Its design addresses each of the three principles mentioned earlier. Whether you’re working or playing, you can slip it on without a second thought. Wash it, and wear it again tomorrow. The Wooster is the perfect knit companion for men who grow stronger with each passing day.
Refugio sunglasses: 75,900 yen (Toyoda Trading Press Room 03-5350-5567 ) GARNI bracelet: 119,900 yen (GARNI tokyo 03-3770-4554 ) Other items: Stylist’s personal collection
| Sweater | Click here for more details |
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| Slacks | Click here for more details |
Precise Silhouette and Reversed Knit StitchA Polished Look
A semi-oversized fit that’s slightly roomier than a regular fit. By adjusting not only the body width and length but also the shoulder and sleeve lines, this silhouette strikes a balance between ease and structure, creating a modern and refined look.While the knit structure is the classic single-rib knit, a key feature is the deliberate use of the beautiful reverse side of the knit as the outer face, which brings out a three-dimensional play of light and shadow. Even as a solid-color piece, it never looks flat and possesses the refined elegance suitable for the office.
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Machine washable at home; you can fix snags yourselfEasy Care
The fabric is 87% cotton and 13% polyester. Since it’s machine washable at home, you don’t need to take it to the dry cleaner every time you wear it—even if you wear it several times a week.Even if you accidentally snag it and a thread pops out, there’s no need to panic. The knit has excellent elasticity, so if you gently massage it by hand and apply a steam iron, you can restore it to its original condition to a certain extent. Precisely because it’s a garment you wear every day, it’s a relief to know you can easily take care of it yourself.
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A knit fabric that will last 10 years, created by six strands of yarn and time-honored craftsmanshipDurability That Withstands Heavy Wear
The source of its durability lies in the blend of two types of yarn. The star of the show is a yarn made by combining six strands of high-quality cotton.First, a set of three strands is created by combining two straight, tightly twisted strands with one strand featuring a textured surface—similar to bouclé yarn—characterized by loop-like knots. Two such sets are prepared and then twisted together to form a single strand.This labor-intensive process creates a yarn with complex texture, providing natural elasticity and a comfortable, non-clingy feel against the skin. The other component is a special, highly elastic polyester yarn that prevents the sagging often associated with the heaviness of low-gauge knits. The two yarns work in tandem to help maintain a neat knit pattern, even after being worn and washed multiple times a week.
Bell & Ross watch: 694,400 yen (Bell & Ross Boutique Ginza 03-6264-3989) Other items: Stylist’s personal collection
| Sweater | Click here for more details |
| Slacks | Click here for more details |
Manufactured at a long-established factory in Yamagata that has specialized exclusively in knitwear for over 70 years. It is precisely in the subtle details—such as the balance of yarn blends and the adjustment of knitting tension—that the artisans’ skill truly shines.It is precisely because of this foundation that the sweaters remain reliable even when worn nonstop through the three seasons of spring, fall, and winter. It’s no wonder the brand claims they’ll last for over 10 years.
Whether you’re working or playing, you can count on WOOSTERA Wide Range of Colors Named After Cities
The color lineup includes 10 shades named after cities, such as TYO gray, NY black, and MLN midnight navy.In addition to classic black, navy, and gray, the collection also features knitwear in vibrant blues and greens. Get one classic color for work and one accent color for weekend fun. With different colors to choose from, you can count on WOOSTER for both work and play.
Breitling watch: 1,457,500 yen (House of Brands Japan 0120-105–707 )
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| Nylon Pants | Click here for more details |
