site visit attire

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Updated: Sep 23, 2020 131 Comments · by Kat

Looking Professional, In the Factory

Business Casual · Career · Comfort · Fashion Gaffes · Professionalism · Travel · Wear to Work · What To Wear To...

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I am going on a site visit to a factory near Seattle. The visit includes riding in a small plane and then visiting a large factory so I will need to be casual, wear flat comfortable shoes, yet still look professional. Any advice? Although I am a senior associate I will be the sole representative for my client and want to make sure I come off as professional as possible.

Kat Griffin is the founder, publisher, and editor-in-chief of Corporette. You can read more about her here .

04/26/2012 at 1:23 pm

Jeggings???? To look professional????

No. Just…no.

Anonsensical

04/26/2012 at 1:28 pm

I wear them every casual Friday, usually with flat riding boots and a dressy sweater or blazer, and get lots of compliments from the more stylish female attorneys at work.

04/26/2012 at 1:34 pm

Seriously, no jeggings.

04/26/2012 at 7:35 pm

Yup, Jeggings… Unsubscribed.

I thought that maybe this was a late April Fool’s joke. Dark skinny jeans made of actual denim, yes . . .knit jeggings, no no no.

04/26/2012 at 1:51 pm

I have stretch denim “jeggings” from Calvin that are awesome and definitely on the pants size of the equation, though comfortable and stretchy, they play like jeans but are great tucked into boots. I wear them with blazers or sweaters and I love them.

04/26/2012 at 1:57 pm

I have black ponte knit pants (more like leggings) that I sometimes wear to work. With nice shoes and a blazer on top, people have actually mistaken them for a “dressed up” look (including a director-level colleague, who thought I had had dressed for a client meeting). This, considering I wear pencil skirts and pantyhose almost daily.

Meanwhile, I felt more like I was wearing yoga pants. Comfortable but good-looking=win.

04/26/2012 at 2:29 pm

Where did you get these? I’ve been looking for something like that!

04/26/2012 at 3:07 pm

Express, believe it or not. I got the “skyscraper” ponte knit pants, so they’re extra long and needed hemmed, but I liked that they had extra room around the ankle. They have regular skinny ones, too.

04/26/2012 at 9:32 pm

No jeggings for plane flight or factory visit. This is where you wear a pants suit or pants and a blazer, with a shirt or something sorta high necked. Dark or neutral, keep jwelry to a minimum. You will be stared at in the factory, so don’t give them a lot to stare at.

Jeggings are not for work – but they are adorable and I love them. Bought mine at Burlington for $7.00 and they do look great.

04/26/2012 at 2:07 pm

there are jeggings that are thick denim, basically look like jeans, just a little more stretchy. That are not ‘pajamajeans.’ No where close. I think Kat is right on with this suggestion, but maybe it needed a little more specificity, since apparently people have very different ideas about what ‘jeggings’ means.

04/26/2012 at 2:31 pm

Agreed. I’ve done the factory visits and rides in private plane. I would recommend trousers, khakis, or even jeans and a button up blouse or knit shell and blazer (it may well be extremely cold on the client’s plane, if it is not a jet).

04/26/2012 at 2:34 pm

Having trouble posting here. If it is a small private plane, you may well have to do some awkward climbing in and out of the plane. Flat shoes or boots are a must. If you have not traveled in a small plane before, I would recommend the little airsickness prevention bands that you put around your wrist. I don’t consider myself particularly sensitive, but it is very easy for me to get queasy in a hurry if the ride is bumpy in a small plane. In that case, turn on your air vent full strength and aim it at your face. An ice cold regular canned coca-cola also helps, and many private pilots will have them available for you.

04/27/2012 at 4:51 am

Even though Kat denies it above, jeggings means leggings with a denim look. What she recommends is stretch skinny jeans, which is not at all the same.

momentsofabsurdity

04/26/2012 at 1:30 pm

My thoughts :

On many factory floors, you will need to wear protective gear to tour certain areas, and will have to leave personal items outside. Therefore, slimfitting pants and a slimfitting top are a must, as you may have to pull on a second pair of pants or jumpsuit or a gown over them. Similarly, while I agree with covered fit shoes, you may need to pull bootie covers over them, so make sure they are not too bulky. Wear contacts, if you wear glasses, so you don’t need to deal with safety goggles over your eyewear and any reflection problems that might cause. Make sure you have a hair elastic with you. Put your really really important stuff (like ID for flying, keys, credit cards) in a small card wallet you can stick in your pocket, because there’s a good chance you’ll leave your bag outside.

In general, as someone who visits factory floors often for work, Kat’s suggestions are spot on. By jeggings, I assume she means heavier weight pants with more stretch in them than regular slim fit pants, that look more like denim than leggings, but feel more like leggings. If you’re uncomfortable with that, slim fitting or skinny trousers should work just as well, but you will not have the same range of motion for climbing in/out of small planes, walking all over the factory, etc.

04/26/2012 at 3:26 pm

From my SIL who works at Boeing (where I suspect Reader D might be traveling to?), on the goggles point:

“The only thing she didn’t mention was GOGGLES! The ones they hand out at the door are totally embarrassing, and usually much too large for a women’s face. If you comment on this site often, you might suggest she buy some at home depot that don’t look like they were made for an old grandpa driving a Cadillac. :-)”

Otherwise, she says Kat nailed it.

04/26/2012 at 10:29 pm

No one will laugh at you if you wear the embarrassing, ugly safety goggles. But they will laugh at you if you bring your own goggles. Plus you have no guarantee that yours will offer an appropriate standard of protection for the situation.

Otherwise, wear slacks you can move freely in, and sturdy flat shoes/boots. Don’t worry about steel toed boots or anything unless someone tells you specifically that you need them (I never have). No scarves or dangling jewelry. No jeggings.

A question I would ask of the person from the site is if steel-toed boots are required. A lot of factories require anyone who is on the floor to wear them, and if you don’t have them, they will provide you with spat-like covers for your shoes. In my experience, these spats are made for men’s shoes, and do not fit well over ballet flats or most other women’s shoes. If there will be more than one factory visits in your future, I would recommend purchasing a pair of steel-toed shoes or boots, which are far more comfortable than the spats.

04/26/2012 at 1:52 pm

This is what I was thinking as well – she should find out if steel toed boots are required. There are actually lots of different styles out there now, and while not necessarily super fashion forward, not necessarily super industrial looking, either.

And they should count as a reimbursable expense, imo.

Go for composite

04/26/2012 at 6:33 pm

If you do need to get steel-toed shoes, I would actually skip the steel-toe and buy composite-toe. It’s the same strength (at least as far as I know!) but much lighter, which makes a big difference after a day of walking around.

04/26/2012 at 1:33 pm

Echoing the above: NO JEGGINGS AT WORK EVER. EVER. EVER. Obviously Anonsensical is doing something right, and I congratulate her. Without a pic, I honestly can’t imagine how she’s pulling it off. But I went into law because I lack imagination, so…

04/26/2012 at 1:54 pm

They’re dark skinny jeans with a lot of stretch to them. Not sure where y’all draw a line between skinny jeans and jeggings but to my mind, they’re the same thing ~ jeans that are so skinny they’re like leggings. I’ve noticed even Express and BR have been calling their super skinny denim “denim leggings” or “jeggings” these days. Is it purely a matter of the cotton to spandex ratio? How soft or thin the fabric is? The presence of pockets?

04/26/2012 at 8:01 pm

No, it’s both. I would never, ever wear skinny jeans or jeggings to work. Depends where you work, but not in my big company at a high level job. This is just not at all acceptable. Even at the factory- were I to dress down, it’d be in normal-fitting pants.

04/27/2012 at 4:52 am

Ruby’s right..

I work in construction management, so it may not be completely transferable, but I think you would be fine in a pair of khakis and a collared shirt. Definitely wear boots. That is typically what we and the other professional people wear daily or when making a site visit.

04/26/2012 at 2:08 pm

Yes, this. Boots over jeggings is NOT professionally appropriate for the field. Ever. Khakis, medium-to-dark denim, cargo pants, or any combo of the previous are ok. You want thick fabric for the pants so that the magical factory dust stays on your pants and does not travel through onto your skin. If steel-toed boots aren’t required, Timberland’s or something similar. A French braid or very low ponytail for goggles/hardhat accommodation. Jackets are good and make sure you bring more business cards than you need to hand them out to whomever appropriate.

Try to wear something with pockets so that you can stick your wallet, keys and phone in them. Stay away from dangly jewelry – necklaces, earrings, etc. I’d say a watch and not-fashiony rings would be ok (like a wedding or engagement ring). Depending on the type of factory, I’d say do NOT wear contacts bc the particulate matter in the air can get stuck in your eye and teary red eyes are not the most professional look either. And some chemicals can bond to your contacts and be really irritating.

lostintranslation

04/26/2012 at 2:36 pm

This x100. Kat’s response is like me giving lawyers fashion advice from reading John Grisham novels. Do NOT wear jeggings/riding boots. The decisive factor is the actual product. Heavy industry -> Ru’s instructions. I work in automotive/electronics industry which has super clean manufacturing facilities, so I wear dark trousers, a collared shirt, loafers or boat shoes, and minimal makeup. I wear a lot of dresses to work otherwise, but in this case I stick to a much more boring/unisex look and find it to work better.

04/26/2012 at 2:40 pm

Khakis are awful, though. I don’t mind them on men, in the right context. But for women, there is always a more flattering and stylish option that is still appropriate.

04/26/2012 at 2:43 pm

J.Crew and Old Navy have some relatively stylish ones that work. They are certainly not the most fashionable pants in the world, but they do stand up well to factory conditions. I’m an environmental consultant, so when I do site visits, I wear a company polo, khaki pants and steel-toed shoes if it is a factory. That is usually as dressy as it gets for most industrial facilities.

04/26/2012 at 2:46 pm

Yes, my comment was too broad. I understand that khakis are essentially the uniform for certain jobs. When offered a choice, though…

04/26/2012 at 2:55 pm

I agree, every day when I’m not doing field work, I wear anything-but-khakis. It took me 2+ years to find a pair of khakis that I didn’t mind wearing every day. Apparently there is no market for nice looking women’s khaki pants, so no one makes them!

Nice khakis

04/26/2012 at 2:58 pm

J.Crew Favorite Fit Chinos (Factory) – they have them in a khaki color that I did not purchase because I don’t need khaki color pants, but I own them in grey and black. Very flattering.

04/26/2012 at 6:02 pm

Express Columnist barely-boot pants are available in khaki. I don’t own them in khaki, but I own them in other colors and they’re one of the most flattering cuts of pants I own. I also own a pair of khaki dress pants from Ann Taylor that I like, but they’re from a few years ago.

04/26/2012 at 3:17 pm

New York and Company also offers pretty reasonable chinos that are appropriate for the field.

eastbaybanker

04/26/2012 at 3:37 pm

I also visit construction sites occasionally. I wear what I would always wear to work, but a more boring, unfashionable, and sensible version of a typical outfit. I’ve gotten feedback from construction types on white collar visitors who try to dress the part. Basically, they think we look ridiculous when we try to blend in (see jeggings and riding boots!) So I still dress for my professional role. No khakis and polo shirts for me, thank you.

Basic rules of thumb: – No skirts, so I’m not flashing anyone on a ladder or open elevator. – No bright colors or large accessories, since I prefer to keep a lower profile in a dirty high testosterone workspace and not come off as too girly. – No scarves or anything dangling that could get caught. – A purse that leaves both my hands free. – Older trouser pants that I could get dusty and wouldn’t be too sad. – My go to shoes are an old pair of black leather ballet flats. They’re too old to wear to the office but are still a plain closed toe professional shoe that I don’t care about getting dirty. I’ve visited a fair number of dirty job sites and never felt like I needed work boots.

04/27/2012 at 4:59 am

I’d also caution about Kat’s “nice shirt” injunction. A nice shirt here is one that you can lean in to look under something without flashing whatever guys happen to be present. And let’s not even mention maintenance issues. But if you feel an unstoppable urge to wear a silk shirt, at least put a crew-neck t-shirt on underneath. And likewise I’d think twice about the usual jewelry – it’s not just avoiding an expensive accident, it’s that any accident could lead to removal of body parts. You don’t really want to make headlines about cracking graft techniques, and even a wedding ring can be downright dangerous. That said, you should not be touching anything, but safety should be a primary consideration.

04/26/2012 at 1:36 pm

I 100% agree with the NO jeggings comment. Especially because factory/plant environments are typically more conservative.

I recently had a business trip that included a lot of time in a server room, which has similar consideration to a plant. I wore comfortable grey trousers (mine were a moderately wide-leg cousin to khaki’s, not wool, but any professional trousers would work), sturdy shoes (mine were Tsubo’s that have a wedge heel because my trouser length needed a heel, but flats are obviously fine – I agree with the sturdy-ness factor, though, for safety purposes), thin sweater or knit top, and an unstructured blazer or cardigan. I chose grey & black for my color palette because I was only there for 2 days & needed everything to interchange easily (and fit in my carry-on).

Stay away from scarves or anything else that could get caught in machinery, including flowy tunics an big necklaces or earrings. If you have long hair, you might want to put it back or in a half-up style that could accomodate a hard hat. In some environments, you might also have to wear a hair net, anti-static or steel-toed shoes, or other safety gear (should be provided for you), so the idea is to wear separates that are easy to manage.

Honestly, this is a time when function should take consideration over stylishness, although you can still express your style in a print top, color palette, etc. No scarves or big jewelry!

04/26/2012 at 2:19 pm

Totally agree. Call me crazy Kat but part of looking professional is dressing appropriately. If you wear a statement necklace, be prepared to take it off at the factory because it can strangle you. Function over form, all the way.

04/26/2012 at 1:39 pm

I agree with Kat’s recommendations. I work in a factory-type environment with polished concrete floors, plenty of oil/grease in spots that I might want to talk, and hazardous chemicals. I would recommend skipping your favorite shirt, pants, and shoes, just in case something spills, you step in grease, etc. I wouldn’t worry about being too informal, since most of the warehouse/factory staff work in jeans, t-shirts, and usually wear rubber boots or steel-toe boots, and some kind of apron and glasses. The office staff usually “upgrades” to khakis or trousers and a polo shirt, so that they can go into the shop without being hindered. You might also want to be aware of temperature changes between the factory and office, and consider dressing in layers in case it goes to the extreme.

04/26/2012 at 1:40 pm

That should be walk, not talk :(

04/26/2012 at 1:41 pm

It depends what kind of factory. A sawmill is one thing, but most modern factories are cleaner than my house. It’s highly unlikely a visitor will be let anywhere near machinery with moving parts.

SpaceMountain

Yes on the boots, or lace-up flat shoes. I had a client with some factory-type settings, and it seemed like every visit, I was called out on my shoes and forced to cover them up or change into something else. It was embarrassing, as I was the only woman in the group and they always found something wrong with my shoes. That and my jewelry.

04/26/2012 at 1:42 pm

I tried this threadjack yesterday but I think it was too late in the day – anybody have recommendations for blogs focused on Attorney Working Moms? I thought Corporette was going to have something (does anybody remember a discussion about this by Kat in one of the pregnancy/maternity posts?) but I don’t see anything. Just looking for a blog community of mom’s who are attorneys and all it comes with. Thanks!

I remember that post and was looking forward to it, too…

I recall Kat talking about doing a Corporette Moms newsletter of some sort, but I’m not sure what even happened to it. To tell you the truth, though, while I absolutely love what Kat’s done here, I’m not sure that I’d be thrilled with the idea of a Corporette Moms newsletter from her, because she’s never been both a ‘rette and a mom. Don’t get me wrong; I completely respect that she’s decided to stay (sort of) home with her munchkin and that she’s made this site into something that is actually something like a full time job, I’m just not sure how much Corporette Mom advice she can give. I was wondering if that was why the project seems stalled.

Of course, if she did it as more of an aggregator of others’ contributions – I’m sure that that would be really great.

04/26/2012 at 3:42 pm

Kat, do you read the comments? I would be really curious to find out about Corporette Moms, plus-size Corporette, and other projects that I vaguely remember you mentioning.

None of these projects are dead… just not ready yet.

04/27/2012 at 9:22 am

Great – totally looking forward to it Kat! Hope it comes out soon!

04/26/2012 at 1:47 pm

Two-part threadjack:

1. Is there anything you do when you’re extremely sore from an intense workout the day before?

2. I’m joining a new gym and plan on negotiating the cost. Any advice/tips from those of you who have done this?

another anon

04/26/2012 at 2:02 pm

For the soreness, drink a lot of water. Take some tylenol or ibuprofen. And try to get up and walk around a bit–it can hurt at first, but I find that the movement makes me feel better.

04/26/2012 at 2:16 pm

Go for a short job or walk, just to loosen up the muscles/keep the blood flowing. Also, stretch after the walk so your muscles don’t tighten up too much.

04/26/2012 at 2:17 pm

Eat protein.

Tired Squared

What did you do in your intense workout?

For soreness, I usually try to stretch out the muscles I worked the previous day. For example, if I did lots of squats/lunges/leg stuff on Wednesday, then I like to do a quad stretch, a couple of (easy) lunges, and probably a squat or two on Thursday. I don’t know the science behind it, but I feel like it really helps to stretch out the sore areas so you can go on with your day.

04/26/2012 at 3:06 pm

Hot tub or hot shower and movement.

My recipe for success

04/26/2012 at 4:45 pm

(1) It is counterintuitive but get up and get some activity. Long walk, light jog, easy yoga, etc. It will be painful at first but will then feel ooh so good. (2) Stretch then stretch some more later. (3) Eat healthy (think protein, veggies, fruit like bananas). Feed your body. Feed your muscles. (4) Water water water. You want to add as much fluid as possible to help your body flush out that lactic acid and to rehydrate. (5) Sleep.

Yay for you to get movin!

The negotiation part? No clue. My gym is flat fee, no haggle.

04/26/2012 at 1:49 pm

Sorry, but the parade of horribles in this post is kind of cracking me up. Poor Reader D has a lecherous client look up her skirt on the plane stairs, gets sucked into a propeller, then finally gets to the factory (which apparently is circa 1920s in terms of cleanliness and work conditions) and has to walk on some sort of open grating plankway (where more lecherous workers look up her skirt), trod through puddles of greasy gross chemicals and climb over piles of pipes and machinery, only to have to avoid getting sucked into the killer machinery they are for some reason allowing her to get up close and personal with!

04/26/2012 at 1:56 pm

Reminds me of poor Mrs. Palsgraf.

04/26/2012 at 3:25 pm

I just laughed SO MUCH at this. It is my first year in practice, and frankly, I am just really pleased with myself that I even got the Palsgraf joke. Yay for law humor.

BigLaw Optimist

04/26/2012 at 4:23 pm

I’m a few years out and appreciated this joke very much.

04/26/2012 at 7:38 pm

This cracked me up! But…I supervised a 6 month document production at an oil refinery and I can tell you that this parade of horribles is NOT that far-fetched! No plane, but definitely circa 1920s cleanliness & working conditions, open grating plankways, puddles of greasy gross chemicals, climbing over pipes & machinery, lecherous workers, tramping through dirty fields — yes, yes, yes to ALL of that! Ugh!!!

Another time we got an emergency call at 8am to go to the refinery — thankfully I’d worn pants that day to work. My co-worker had on cream very-high heels, barely long enough pink skirt, & brocade-ish pink & gold jacket (absolutely beautiful, just not very refinery-worthy). The refinery workers still call her “Tinkerbell” — affectionately, but she was trying to be taken seriously, not be equated with a Disney fairy. From that day on, I kept an extra pair of pants and real shoes in my car, just in case.

04/29/2012 at 1:28 pm

Tinkerbell?

I’ll bet they all remembered her!

04/26/2012 at 1:53 pm

Ugg this got trapped in moderation – anybody read any good bl@gs for working mom’s who are attorneys? A little less fashion focused a little more mommy focused? Thanks for any recommendations!

No jeggings! Most modern factories are very clean environments, i’d eat off their floors before I would my own. I would say business casual, nice trousers and a button down or sweater. That is what I usually wear to work. I only wear jeans on casual Friday, never anything that ends in “eggings.” Flat or low heeled boots, or even oxfords are fine. I usually wear 2-3″ heels and never have an issue. Just make sure your toes are covered.

04/26/2012 at 1:58 pm

Instead of jeggings, try these: http://www.secondclothing.com/product.php?id=3

I wear style 18. I’m wearing them now since I’m working from home. They’re awesome. They have a zipper and pockets so they’re actually jeans. And they make my a$$ look great.

I can wear jeans to my new job so I’m actually going to buy another pair.

Those look awesome! What’s the fit like? I have trouble finding jeans because of my waist-to-hip ratio ~ most stuff gaps horribly, which is precisely why I gravitate to denim leggings over heavier and more structured jeans.

04/26/2012 at 10:24 pm

The fit is good – no gaps at the waist. And because they’re built like yoga pants they’re very flattering.

04/26/2012 at 2:00 pm

If you’re in a factory where there will be lots of dust or grease, wear dark colors and shoes that you don’t mind messing up. Speaking from experience on that one, unfortunately!

No Jeggings!

04/26/2012 at 2:01 pm

I definitely say NO to jeggings tucked into boots. I live in the Pacific Northwest and have been on a tour to one of my firm’s client’s factories. The best thing to do is to wear professional clothes that don’t attract too much attention to the fact that you’re an outsider – make it seem like you know the client’s business and are more like “one of them.” The jeggings look is just too trendy for a factory. Just wear comfortable pants and sturdy flats or boots (with no heel). Definitely no heel whatsoever.

This kind of coincides with another issue that I want insight on. Although there are plenty of women in the law, when a female lawyer is interacting with a male client in a male-dominated industry, should we be making concessions about our appearance and behavior? I used to work in construction management before attending law school and was told multiple times to tone down my femininity on the job-site (e.g., loose fitting shirts and pants, hair pulled back, minimal make-up, no perfume). Yes, the statements were likely discriminatory, but (and this is definitely no excuse) tight skirts and heels were distracting to the workers and caused talk.

When we are dealing with clients that have certain *opinions* about women in the workplace, is it just in our best interests to make ourselves appear more masculine? Or do we just stick to our guns and wear what we normally wear?

04/26/2012 at 2:05 pm

What about straight-leg jeans? On Fridays, I’ll wear black or a dark rinse straight-leg jean tucked into riding boots. I do wear a blazer but more often than not I’m wearing a tee underneath.

I’m an engineer and wear fluttery dresses and heels to the office every day. But when it comes to field work, I make sure that I’m dressed appropriately for that environment – nothing that flutters, make sure everything is covered and proper foot attire. I don’t think that has anything to do with femininity but function. It can be dangerous for you to wear a skirt and heels to a job-site. Workers are REQUIRED BY LAW to wear full-length pants and shirts with sleeves.

As for opinions about women in the workplace, those can be ignored, says the chick who shoes up to the field in a bright red hijab. I’m a professional, my gender is not what’s important here. My ability and skill are what matter, and appropriate attire is part of that.

04/26/2012 at 2:24 pm

I think some of it depends on your own level of comfort and the difference between “feminine” and “hot”. I work in a male-dominated industry, and during my interview, I was asked specifically about how I would feel about this type of environment. I feel like my colleagues treat me with respect, and I don’t feel ogled at all in my office, but when I attend industry tradeshows, there’s definitely an air that women are eye candy, not professionals. I think you can be feminine, but not “hot”. I wear knee-length skirts and conservative heels, but I usually do the husband test: if I put it on and husband reacts with anything other than a boring, “See you after work”, I assume it’s too eye-catching for the office. If it’s an attitude that woman should be home baking cookies, heck no you shouldn’t have to put up with that. But, if it’s that the general mentality will be too mentally undress you, I would choose to dress more conservatively. In my case, I feel comfortable in skirts and well-fitting but not tight dresses/blouses, but for others, that may mean pants and loose-fitting tops.

I’m a construction lawyer and site visits are not uncommon. Jeans (not jeggings!), flat boots, a blazer only if site and temperature appropriate (I’ve attended inspections in 113 degree heat and 30 degree cold). All of the other lawyers, clients, and experts are generally dressed similarly.

Dressing like a lawyer will make you look like a fool–I learned this one personally at my first site inspection. And at the last inspection I attended, one of the male lawyers was suited up and the others were teasing him.

Funny story….I once showed up to the construction site for CityCenter in Las Vegas in a skirt suit and heels. We didnt know we were going on a tour of the site after our meeting with management. They ended up finding me a pair of women’s work boots that I had to wear with my suit, which tore up my nylons. We all laugh about it now, but at the time it was uncomfortable!

I think it depends on the kind of factory. I have to do site visits to both plants and construction sites. I bought steel toed shoes for work–there really aren’t any great looking professional women’s options that I have found. I settled on some Keen shoes that look more like hiking shoes that the usual Franken-boot out there. There are also a few varieties that look like sneakers. I usually wear mine with dark jeans and and some variety of knit top (unlikely to get caught in machinery). If I wear jewelry, I keep it close to the body (i.e. stud earrings instead of hoops). Depending on the weather, I might wear a sweater, jacket or blazer over the knit top. For my job, hard hats, safety glasses and ear plugs are also typically required. Because of that, I usually pull my hair back in a low ponytail.

04/26/2012 at 2:20 pm

I’m surprised that anyone would recommend skintight clothing of any nature to someone who will be the sole representative of the company. Regardless of whether you believe leggings/jeggings are pants (I land on the ‘no-they’re-not’ side), no one can deny that their whole purpose is to be skintight. If you would wear a skintight shirt to work, why would you wear skintight pants?

04/26/2012 at 2:22 pm

I don’t think jeggings are necessarily unprofessional, but I agree that they sound too trendy for this type of thing.

I also think “factory tour” can mean a lot of different things. A denim factory is going to look a lot different than a hot dog factory, which is going to look a lot different than a furniture factory, or computer factory, etc. Not to mention, the “tour” could be long walks on the floor, or it could be through sterile hallways looking down on the floor, and peeking into the work rooms.

Is this something you can ask the client? I think you can keep it simple and not too “girly.” I’d just write to your contact and ask, “Is there anything special I should plan to pack for our factory tour, like boots or other gear?”

04/26/2012 at 2:27 pm

Thinking of the workout and previous Zumba posts:

http://splitsider.com/2012/04/a-look-back-at-the-1987-crystal-light-national-aerobic-championship-with-host-alan-thicke/

This video is mesmerizing.

I used to go to a lot of data centers and have to do tours of them looking for smoke detectors, flood protection, etc. Avoid cuffed pants if you don’t got with the pants-tucked-into-boots look. I got a stiletto heel caught in a cuff on my pants, tripped, and got saved from hitting the floor by my client. It was not one of my finer moments. . .

04/26/2012 at 2:39 pm

that has happened to me in the office with a few pairs of wide leg dress pants. that’s why i avoid stiletto heels (i’m a chunky heel girl), avoid pants, and if i have cuffed pants i stitch the cuff shut before i embarrass myself.

04/26/2012 at 3:16 pm

You did tours in stilettos????????? But why????

04/30/2012 at 9:06 am

I didn’t know we were going that day — we were there all week and it was impromptu. I learned my lesson though!

04/26/2012 at 2:35 pm

No skin-tight pants. Chinos please.

04/26/2012 at 2:37 pm

I think it really depends on the site visit, and the people you’re going to meet with.

I have been on site visits which involved boat rides, walking distances over open fields, and hiking through muddy wetlands. Professional wear in any of those circumstances would be a bad idea , and in addition to being unsafe and hazardous to my clothes and shoes, would show me up to my clients as being out-of-touch with the realities of their work.

More important than “looking professional” for a site visit, one should look appropriate for the situation, and don’t be dressed too much better than the people you’re meeting with. If they wear khakis and polo shirts every day, and you are meeting at their workplace, don’t show up in a pantsuit with pointy-toed flats, no matter how trim-fitting and professional.

04/26/2012 at 8:30 pm

This reminds me of the time I went to a two day meeting, end of day one client MD announces he’s booked a bonding activity and husles us to the waterfront where he’s booked a spead boat trip. As in we’re all in suits and have to put on waterproof jackets and pants because we’ll be soaked. I was the only woman and wearing a skirt suit and heels. I got major props for getting my boss to hold his jacket up to protect my modesty while I rolled my skirt up and slipped those pants over it and managing to board and alight without falling in said shoes. military project so women weren’t really expected when it was booked apparently.

04/26/2012 at 2:41 pm

One other thing that I didn’t see get mentioned is that some manufacturing floors, usually those in clean room areas, do not allow anyone to enter the floor wearing make-up. I would ask in advance if this is a policy at the site you are visiting so you can be prepared. I’ve seen women be asked to wash their faces so that they could be allowed to tour, and it’s never a comfortable situation. So I would definitely ask in advance!

04/26/2012 at 2:54 pm

Wait, what?! How on earth is that relevant? Wearing makeup is not the same as showing up wearing heels or dangly jewelry.

04/26/2012 at 3:02 pm

You’ll note that she said those in clean room areas. Clean room areas must, absolutely must be spotless. In these industries there can be no risk of contamination, and makeup can transfer. It’s a low-risk, but given that said transfer can ruin the work product, it’s a precaution that must be taken.

04/26/2012 at 4:04 pm

Even in less than clean room facilities, make-up can totally transfer. We had an employee that tainted samples we were testing for quality control purposes because her foundation/mascara/whatever got into the solutions we were testing. Caused a mystery spike on the HPLC that took us forever to figure out. Not quite the same thing as just being a visitor, but it CAN happen, so check ahead.

04/26/2012 at 11:01 pm

I work in a lab that does trace analysis. For the work we do, we don’t have to wear bunny suits, but we definitely have seen contamination in our samples from makeup. We are on the dirty end of what could be considered a cleanroom.

04/26/2012 at 3:05 pm

This! Happened to me.

04/26/2012 at 2:45 pm

I have a bad, bad case of baby fever.

That is all.

04/26/2012 at 3:23 pm

Oh man, so do I. While I have no desire to go through the first year again (ever!), I want another toddler like crazy! Every adorable thing my little guy does basically feels like a kick in the ovaries.

04/26/2012 at 3:40 pm

This is why tumblr exists. And nice friends that let me borrow their babies.

04/26/2012 at 10:25 pm

I visit my brother and his wife every other day pretty much because their 6 month-old baby boy is adorable and my biggest fan.

04/26/2012 at 2:50 pm

I don’t think I’ve ever commented even though I regularly read this blog. I am an accountant and HR director at a factory, and I would recommend against it for a visiting professional. Trust me when I say that all the guys in the factory will be looking at your body and/or your clothes and be distracted from the purpose of your visit. The rest of the outfit sounds fine. I would sub jeggings for regular jeans or dress pants.

Depending on the factory, sometimes you have to put on safety toe caps over your shoes. I would inquire of the client if they are required, and if so, do not wear really nice shoes because the safety toe caps sometimes scuff them.

04/26/2012 at 2:57 pm

can i just say that these comments are fascinating to me? it’s all so interesting and different to me.

04/26/2012 at 3:13 pm

Ha, that’s C for me every day. I’m always riveted by the intense discussions about hose v. no hose, skirt v. pants, hair styles, etc., that lawyers engage in. Worlds away from my every day =).

04/26/2012 at 3:41 pm

I am loving this too. It’s a big world out there — sometimes I lose perspective, and this thread is such a fascinating reminder of all the different ways that people can be awesome and “overachieving.”

AnonInfinity

04/26/2012 at 3:11 pm

The aspect that jumped out at me for this was the small plane! I might get to ride on a small plane next week. I’ve never had a problem with motion sickness on big airplanes. Will I have a problem on the small one? I also don’t feel ill in cars or buses unless I try to read while riding.

04/26/2012 at 3:34 pm

The main difference I have noticed is just that a smaller plane can be bandied about a lot more easily than a commercial plane. It takes a less powerful wind to move a smaller plane, so it happens more often. It also depends on the day, though; sometimes it is not even noticeable. You’ll notice more turbulence upon ascent and descent because of the change in winds at different altitudes. Sometimes, if you have a friendly pilot, he will enjoy explaining these things if you have questions (that’s how I learned)!

Seconding Alli about noticing the plane getting moved around some in the air. I’m a good flier, but on very small planes (the kind that you island-hop on in the Caribbean) I simply can’t look out the window as we’re landing because you notice how much the plane is tilting back and forth as the pilot gets the wheels aligned with the ground. I’m sure it’s not much more than a commercial jet but it still gives me the willies!

I never have, even when the pilot once did ‘roller-coasters’ for us. And I *do* sometimes get carsick even when not reading. However, I’ve never been in a small plane during great turbulence (except for aforesaid rollercoasters).

04/26/2012 at 3:48 pm

Your comments make me feel better. I was a little nervous about the prospect of getting sick in front of people from my firm.

04/26/2012 at 7:55 pm

I get motion sick on everything and have no problems on small planes unless there’s a lot of turbulence. Small planes fly lower to the ground, which I find to be better for perception than large planes (most motion sickness is perception-based, after all). I was super worried the first few times, and brought a bag, but I’ve been on that plane lots of times with no problem.

04/26/2012 at 11:32 pm

If you get carsick while reading, you may have problems in a small plane, but only if the weather is bad or you fly over a forest fire (my absolute worst ever flight). You get more constant turbulence in a small plane, and I am talking a six seater.

I am also not particularly sensitive, but I have had some pretty miserable small plane rides. The little bands you put around your wrists seem to help some.

If you do start feeling bad, open up your air vent all the way and point it directly at your face. A can of regular (not diet) canned coca-cola may help.

All this air blowing on you, although necessary to keep down airsickness, can be extremely cold. I actually bought a fleece blanket and left it on our firm’s small plane, so a shawl or pashmina over whatever else you are wearing is a good idea.

If the weather is not bumpy, it’s great. Helicoptors even more so. One of the most fun amazing things I have done as a lawyer was ride in a helicoptor over Waveland, Bay St. Louis, and other areas on the Mississippi Gulf Coast after Hurricane Katrina.

04/27/2012 at 5:09 am

I get car-sick easily, and cannot read at all, but mercifully I haven’t gotten plane-sick yet. Use the same approach as you would in a car: try to keep your eyes on the horizon. You may however have a terror problem :-). I’m afraid I don’t have anything helpful to say about that.

04/29/2012 at 1:27 pm

I sick-up easily and find that it’s best to get onto whatever it is that going to be moving having eaten a meal 2 hours before. If I’m hungry I’ll feel sick faster, but if I’ve just eaten there is a good chance I’ll lose it.

If you are prone to get motion-sick packing something small and starchy to eat might be a good idea.

04/26/2012 at 3:35 pm

I’ve been on numerous plant site visits as an attorney. I don’t know what kind of plants y’all go to, but I wouldn’t eat off the floor of any of the ones I’ve visited! I agree on the general outfit: jeans (you want natural fiber if there’s any chance of sparks/heat); LONG sleeves regardless of the weather (some plants require it); flat shoes — I’ve never had to buy steel-toed boots, but have worn both cowboy boots and Merrell-type shoes which were fine; small jewelry; hair pulled back if long; nothing flowy or loose. You will be given hard hat, goggles, ear plugs. and take Advil w/ you — plants are hot (even in winter) and very noisy. I always have a headache after a site visit. BUT it is kind of fun in a nerdy sort of way and interesting to see how everyday products are made. Plus it’s very good professionally for you to be able to say that you know/understand what happens on the manufacturing floor. Good luck!

04/26/2012 at 4:15 pm

I have visited factories before. I find that separates work best for this setting. Do not wear jeggings. Way too trendy. Factories are generally conservative places.. you don’t want to appear so trendy or done-up that you stand-out or come off as not really understanding your client’s business. You may be able to get away with basic jeans but you won’t know that til you’ve been there once or twice. For a first visit, black pants would work just fine (though not your suit pants — depending on the factory, you could run the risk of ruining them) – even black or beige chinos if they are pressed will work fine. Wear a jacket of some kind, but wear a blouse underneath that you wouldn’t be embarrassed to be seen wearing in the workplace without a jacket. That way, if you show up to find your client contact in a polo and jeans, you can shed the jacket without a second thought. For shoes, wear loafers if you have them. A lot of factories require hard soled shoes on the factory floor, plus if you have to do any climbing or moving around, you’re better equipped in loafers than in ballet flats. Do NOT wear your fanciest jewelry even if it is your standard office attire — keep jewelry minimal and understated and be prepared to remove it if asked. Some factories prohibit jewelry on the floor. Also bring a hairbrush and maybe a nice barrette or something to pull your hair back neatly — you may be asked to wear a hard hat and the brush/barrette may help you feel more put together when you’re finished. Good luck!

Coach Laura

04/26/2012 at 5:45 pm

I’ve done a lot of factory tours, inspections and construction site visits (and I’ve flown in private planes too but not all in the same visit) and I vote for blazer, dark wash jeans, close-fitting top (crew neck thin knit sweater or silk shell or turtleneck in the winter), flat boots and sunglasses. No necklace (safer). Diamond stud or other fancy earrings (not dangling). Nothing that can flap (e.g. tie blouses, scarves) or gape in the wind (e.g. v-neck or button front blouses) on the airfield or outside. If you are having to climb into/around/through anything, not only do you not want a skirt but you don’t want to show half your b r a (is that word moderated?)

If your hair is long, tie it back or bring something to do it with before going outside. If you are at a muddy site, tuck your pant legs into your boots. Like other posters said, be prepared to wear a hard-hat (low ponytail works best) and to shed the jacket to put on protective clothing. I love visiting clients…just like a field trip in school – a chance to learn something and possibly experience something new.

04/26/2012 at 6:07 pm

I agree, no to the jeggings, not even the jeggings recommended by Kat in her “update”, unless you are 25 or under, very petite, and have a perfectly proportioned body, in which case, you will look good and appropriate in anything! Otherwise, never wear skin-tight pants to work unless you are very comfortable around and familiar with everyone you will be meeting that day. Otherwise, the first thing that people you don’t know will notice is “she’s wearing skin-tight pant,” and you will feel awkward, self-conscious, and out of place all day (in my opinion).

04/26/2012 at 6:31 pm

I do quite a bit of construction law. When I am attending site inspections, if it is residential I will do khakis and a blazer with a short sleeved, appropriate shirt underneath (somtetimes we do several homes at once and it gets warm outside) so I can take the blazer off. I wear a pair of black Keens with them – they are black leather but with a great sole so you aren’t going to fall over, and they have a little toe protection.

If it is something commercial, industrial, or destructive testing (my favorite), where I know dirt is a possibility, I do dark jeans and a nice polo shirt with the same Keens, or maybe a cotton/more casual blazer – like something from Eddie Bauer – depending on who the client is. Like everything else, know your client and your company.

04/26/2012 at 6:37 pm

Here is the link. I know all you fashionable people will probably hate these, but they sure do the job! http://www.zappos.com/keen-briggs-ii-black-full-grain~1?zlfid=111&recoName=zap_pdp_sub

04/26/2012 at 7:52 pm

Okay, Reader D, we need more info. I work in Seattle at a big company with factories and go to them often despite being suited lawyer type so can advise quite clearly on this. However I also visit other types of factories that are different beasts and need different dress. Can you share more about which one or at least industry/type?

Kat- not such a unique question- many companies have manufacturing facilities that require visiting at times. Surprised it would seem so unusual. Also jeggings: would personally never ever ever wear in any work setting, ever. It would stick out bizarrely at my company on a professional factory visit to the extent that people would think she might be an admin or intern or something.

I host delegations often including high level officials from around the world and CEO types to our factories often. We send out a standard dress code. The first thing you need to do is ask for it. I make the admins call and send it multiple times because often the senior people never see it. At a minimum, you need closed-toed shoes that don’t have tow cleavage or you may not get to go in let alone go to the cool spots. People wear business suits with comfortable flat shoes. They do not need to be boots. Your hair down is fine- you won’t be that close to machinery in most cases. You may walk a lot, you may have a cart to ride in. We provide safety goggles so prepare mentally to look silly. Now for other factories/facilities I’ve been to that are different beasts, if it is primarily outside, you need a hardy parka and to think that through. If it is a messy place, you might want to wear stuff you don’t prize (eg chemical residues, aerating processes spitting out stinky stuff, poop plant, etc.) for those places, I wear machine washable outfits but still 100% professional (no jeggings).

Jewelry- whatever- normal professional seems most logical (silver chain etc.). Overflowing diamonds would look weird next to the floor workers and with your goggles, vest if required, etc.

True story: I once had a very high level US gov official in the factory for a visit along with a dozen others. I had ensured the dress code was sent. She didn’t get the memo and showed up in peep toes. I was in a prickly situation: the tour guide could get fired if she was let on the floor for the violation. This person had a lot of influence over our industry, so very awkward. We had to keep her carted for the most part but I managed to do so and herd her around without drawing attention to the situation. But seriously: request the dress code in advance. Don’t embarrass yourself or others.

04/26/2012 at 7:56 pm

meant TOE cleaveage not tow…

04/26/2012 at 8:15 pm

Having read through the other comments: agree it depends which factory. In many, jeans/khakis are the right choice. In my company’s, where the visit is a hosted thing (and you wouldn’t remotely be confused or blended in with a worker there, as you are clearly on a guided tour visit, you aren’t outside in the elements or touching things) professional attire is best. Definitely ask your hosts for expectations. If you wore casual clothes to mine, it might be okay, but you will feel dumb if those you are meeting with are all in suits as usual. There are often offices in the factory too, so you may then convene for meetings. No one would be offended or think you didn’t ‘know the industry’ for being dressed at the usual professional that you are. I have been to other places where that would be the case though as others say. Have fun!

Shoes- I prefer sturdy loafers.

04/26/2012 at 10:09 pm

Why wouldn’t you just wear a standard pantsuit with flats? or a pair of slacks with a blazer (I often do this when I want to look professional but don’t need to don an actual suit… some favorite combinations are charcoal grey pants with a grey/black checked jacket, brown pants with a grey jacket, or black pants with … just about any jacket). You’re walking around at a factory and sitting on a plane. Both of those things can easily be done in normal work clothes. It’s not like you’re hiking Kilimanjaro.

04/26/2012 at 11:12 pm

Every factory is different so definitely contact to see if there are specific regulations the floor you’ll be on. No scarves or loose pieces of clothing, no jewelry that can get caught in any equipment and hair that is pulled back if it can be are probably good practice regardless.

I’m a professional who works in a lab located in a factory in the Midwest, and I would be horrified to see someone show up in jeggings, even if they were not a professional. Trousers are fine.

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BuilderSpace

How to Dress for Construction Management (Complete Guide)

Affiliate Disclaimer:  Some of the links below are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Finding the right outfit for a construction management job can be tricky. The clothes need to look good both on the site and during management meetings in the office. So, what kind of outfit would look good and also meet a construction management job’s physical demands?

To dress for a construction management job, break down your look first. For your tops, polos and flannels would be ideal. Pair them with khaki pants or chinos and the occasional pair of jeans. A jacket could be added too. A good-quality leather watch and sunglasses will complete the look.

Keep reading to learn what and how the different clothing pieces can help put your outfit together, along with the accessories that will go with your clothes and more.

Nail the Outfit: Footwear, Bottoms, Tops, etc.

Unlike dressing for the office or a corporate job, it’s not that straightforward to recommend a particular ensemble of clothing and footwear for a site job. Quite a bit of mixing and matching would be needed to get the look right. The outfit you wear for a construction management job should be fairly rugged and also not be clunky.

Note: The choices of outfits and accessories for both male and female construction project managers would be quite similar.

Since you would be juggling between the office and the site, you may have to look for a pair of versatile shoes to suit both conditions. Besides comfort and looks, the shoes should be easy to clean too. If there are scuffs, you should be able to get rid of them quickly. Regardless of the pair you go with, make sure you wear shoes that let you walk around with ease and comfort and still look professional.

Many construction project managers alternate between two pairs of shoes at work since finding a pair that equally fits in both office environments and the ground is complicated. If you choose to rock the same pair for both working scenarios, go with boots.

The boots, however, should not look too outdoorsy and must be versatile enough to go with a pair of a polo shirt or a regular shirt and chinos, and look good in office environments too. Look at something like the Bruno Marc suede chukka boots . They pair well with different kinds of bottoms – not just chinos. The Red Wing Men’s 595 chukka boot is another solid pair of boots.

If the construction site terrain is a bit too rocky, you will have to set aside a pair of dedicated boots that you can wear right before stepping on the field. The Timberland Pro Pit Boss Steel-Toe and Caterpillar Second Shift Steel Toe Work Boot would be ideal.

If you prefer no taking your shoes off and putting on another pair or would like to rock more office-friendly footwear, you can cover your understated boots with covers every time you head outdoors.

The Thorogood Shoe-In Closed Toe overshoe , for instance, would be great. Just slip your feet into these shoe covers without removing your shoes. Besides being easy to slip your feet into, they are easy to clean and lightweight too.

Note that the boots a construction project manager wears and those working on the ground wear are different. In other words, the boots that the construction workers wear should be safety-rated or have a minimum level of sole thickness.

The leather boots the workers wear should be protected with a sealer from the dirt and puddles on the site. The boots that do not meet industry requirements would be illegal to rock on a construction site.

For more comprehensive information on what to avoid when buying boots, watch this video:

Employees working at the construction management side of things, however, need not meet such requirements. If most of your work is in the office and you spend little time outdoors, or at the work floor, you may even wear loafers and switch to steel toe shoes every time the need arises.

Never wear a loafer when you have to wear PPE (personal protective equipment) such as a hard hat, protective glasses, gloves, and a reflective vest. The boots mentioned above would be more appropriate in those scenarios.

As a professional working for a construction business, you can never go wrong with slim chinos. Your slim and tapered pants would instantly put you above your subordinates, who predominantly wear straight-fit khakis or a rugged pair of jeans. Wool dress or heavier cotton pants would be fine, provided it’s the right time of the year. During warmer parts of the year, linen and cotton pants would be more comfortable.

Denim trousers are not recommended as they would look out of place within a meeting room. Even a formal-looking pair of jeans or something that hasn’t been pre-washed may not cut it. A pair of relaxed-fitting jeans with a bit of fabric stretch is great for construction workers who are likely or supposed to work on the ground-pounding the pavement.

A pair of jeans is not completely out of bounds, however. If you like denim pants, wear them on the weekends or if not meeting clients or spending time at your desk in the office. Besides looking odd, jeans are not comfortable when you spend most of your time seated.

Before you wear your jeans, however, make sure your company is okay with it. Some construction firms may not like to see their managers wear jeans to work.

Most construction project managers or superintendents wear flannel shirts or polos. A standard collar shirt is typical, but you can experiment with shirt collars now and again. Besides the straight point, cutaway, and semi-spread collars, you could try the band or wingtip-collar look. Set aside your polos for the summer, thanks to their increased breathability.

If the settings are semi-casual, toss on a third layer – for instance, a jacket. There’s no scope for a blazer here – both on the worksite and in the office. Since you would be wearing polos and flannels underneath and chino to go with them, the blazer would look completely out of place.

The jacket you wear should be the right length, not bulky, and easy to move around in. A blazer gives the sporty vibes and is not the most movement-friendly too. Medium-weight jackets with a quilted or fleece lining and large pockets are ideal. They are comfortable throughout the year. If it gets way too cold, you could layer the jackets with more clothing.

Carhartt jackets are extremely popular among construction professionals. The Carhartt Sherpa Lined Sandstone Sierra Jacket , for instance, can be commonly seen at sites. However, it’s not recommended to wear the Carhartt when interacting with clients – either via video calls or in person.If you want something more insulating during the colder months, swap the functional coats with wool v-neck sweaters. A button-up shirt would go nicely under the sweater — dry clean your sweater when it becomes visibly dirty or after having worn them five times.

If it gets too cold outside, you may wear a sweatshirt over the sweater or replace the underlying sweater with another sweatshirt. The outer sweatshirt can be high-visibility clothing so that anyone could see you coming. The inner sweatshirt can be highly visible, so your physical presence is obvious even during summers.

Accessories

Accessories are like the icing on the cake. They complete your look or give it the final touches it requires. There is a host of accessories to choose from, but not all accessories are needed. For instance, you don’t need a ring, a chain, bracelet, etc. at a construction site.

Some, however, are essential to elevate things: a leather belt, a watch, and sunglasses. The latter two lend a distinctive look and also offer great functional benefits.

Since you would be primarily wearing chinos and other semi-casual pants, the belt you wear should not be too formal. It should be ideally made of leather and have a rugged look too, but subtly so. This classic leather jean belt by Timberland is the exact kind. And no colorful belts, please. Stick to black or brown.

Adopt a similar approach with your watch. The watch should look and wear sturdy but must be elegant too. You need not spend hundreds or thousands of dollars on a watch. A Rolex would be great to have, but you don’t need it – certainly not at the expense of months of paychecks.

There are quite a few watches that would fit the bill and your budget too. Steer clear of the fashion watches. They will not just look inappropriate but will break easily too.

The Timex Men’s Expedition Scout watch is both elegant and reliable. Though extremely cheap, it’s quite a durable piece. If you have a slightly bigger budget, the Timex Men’s Expedition Field chronograph watch would be perfect. If you prefer something non-Timex, this Fossil Men’s Machine Stainless Steel Chronograph Quartz Watch is worth taking a look at.

Casio G-shocks are great timepieces, but they are a bit on the sportier side, particularly those with the rubber straps. You can wear these G-Shocks during the weekends, however.

If you really like your G-Shocks and would like to wear them throughout the week, go for the ones with the leather band. The Casio G-Shock GST S120L , for instance, with its black leather strap and metallic lugs, could take more than a few knocks. Having said that, G-Shocks are large watches and may not be to everybody’s taste.

Have a great pair of sunglasses handy as well since you could constantly be teetering between the outdoors and indoors during work hours. When indoors, take your sunglasses off and put them out of sight. The sunglasses should offer protection from the sun, the construction dust, and must look good as well. They must be resistant to heat and electricity too.

Ray-Ban Aviator sunglasses look good and offer great sun protection, but they may not keep the dust out of your sight. Therefore, consider a pair that wraps around your face and covers the sides.

It should look more like the Under Armour Men’s Force Rectangular Sunglasses , for instance. Ensure the sunglasses you sport has polycarbonate lenses, increased clarity, and a metal or polycarbonate frame for increased durability.

Get the Fitting Right

The right fit is key to any kind of clothing to look and feel good. But the significance of a proper fit increases multifold when it comes to dressing for construction management work. Most workers on the floor may not care much about fitting their cargo pants and flannel shirts. But as a manager or someone working at a level above them, you must set the bar or lead with example.

For starters, the shirt you wear should fit you right or not gather on your sides when tucked in. If you’re wearing a half-sleeve shirt, make sure the sleeves are not too airy or constricting. In other words, they shouldn’t dangle while you move your arms around or walk and not restrict your arm movements.

Know Your Colors

Dress taking colors into consideration. Each color communicates something about your personality and the nature of your job to the people around you.

• Grey and navy blue are fairly popular colors to sport at a construction site. They are ideal hues for pants, but you could also wear shirts and polos in those colors. The colors communicate authority while being stylish. These colors are quite versatile, too, or do well both in the office and on the site. They, therefore, are a must-have for any project manager, and not just a construction supervisor.
• The color black has a more authoritative and commanding vibe compared to grey and blue. These may not be ideal for wearing on the site, particularly in the hot sun, thanks to the color’s heat-absorbing traits. But if you have a meeting or two to attend, black should be it. Go black with your pants and pair them with a light-colored shirt or polo to achieve the right contrast.
• If you’re going to spend most of your time at construction sites, neutral colors such as khaki would be ideal. Khaki browns are extremely practical, in fact, as mud and dirt get easily camouflaged. If you cannot wear jeans to your workplace, the brown khaki would be your respite.

You can choose from the color as mentioned above palette or experiment with a few others. Use judgment or be sensible about the colors you go with. Do not sport colors that just don’t fit in with your work environment. Also, do not wear colors that indicate something.For instance, green is used by safety inspectors, probationary, or new workers. Yellow is sported by earth-moving operators or general laborers. Brown is for welders. As the manager of the operations, you may not want to be seen in the same colors.

Most importantly, irrespective of the colors you go with, make sure your outfit is clean, crisp, and well-pressed.

Learn the Dress Code Specific to an Organization

The aforementioned dressing recommendations should work in most construction management environments. Still, some outfits or specific combinations of different items could be more appropriate or conform better to certain construction companies’ work attire guidelines.

Here are a few ways in which you can easily and quickly ascertain the company’s dressing culture:

• Peruse the employee manual. Most construction businesses, like companies in other industries, provide company dress code descriptions. In the manual, they may specify work is business, business-casual, or casual. The manual could also help you learn if there’s a uniform culture in place. In other words, you’ll learn whether you must wear hard hats, coveralls, etc. while on the job.
• Look around. Take note of how your immediate supervisors and peers dress. Their dressing styles and patterns should give you a fairly decent understanding of how you must dress at work. Keep in mind that your bosses may dress a bit more formally. You can, therefore, tone down your dressing and should not look to completely emulate them.

Never wear sleeveless shirts or shorts unless you are absolutely sure they are acceptable in the company (it’s usually never the norm). Needless to say, your clothes should not be dirty or ripped.

Construction work can get quite messy, and you must, therefore, always be on top of your dressing game. In fact, it’s recommended you keep a set of alternative clothes handy in the office so that you could change whenever the need arises.

Unlike dressing for other jobs, a management position in a construction company warrants an outfit that is presentable and safe to wear at the same time. A set of spare clothes is not mandatory to have but can be helpful.

Remember, the kind of clothes you wear when heading to the site or when interacting with clients in the office should be the last thing on your mind. You must always have your dressing sorted well in advance so that you could spend more time and energy, focusing on things that truly matter to the business.

• Effortless Gent: How to Dress Sharp for Work: Construction Management
• Reddit: What to wear for construction management internship
• wikiHow: How to Dress for a Project Management Job
• NBS: What colours are safety helmets (hard hats) on construction sites?
• The New York Times: What 8 Workers Wore to Their Wall Street Construction Site

By Giovanni Valle

Giovanni Valle is a licensed architect and LEED-accredited professional and is certified by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB). He is the author and managing editor of various digital publications, including BuilderSpace, Your Own Architect, and Interiors Place.

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