Clothing creates a sense of belonging but also marks distinctions. This is particularly true in the professional world, where dress codes play an important role.
Since the early 20th century, two large occupational groups have often been described in everyday language as “blue collar” and “white collar”. These terms are based on typical work clothing and serve as common, but not uniformly defined, categories: Blue overalls mark tradespeople and industrial workers, while white shirts distinguish office workers and administrators. Workwear thus creates an immediately recognizable distinction between classes. This workwear creates a class affiliation that is recognisable at first sight.
This Thing of the Month is on display until 2. March 2026 in the exhibition “Milieuthings – Of Class and Taste”.
