Spare clothing at the office can be handy if you often cycle, travel, give presentations or are sensitive to temperature differences. A clean top, an extra layer and possibly socks or shoes are usually enough. Only choose things that really suit your regular work clothes.
Why a small spare collection at the office pays off
Not everyone needs spare clothing. But if you regularly arrive wet, travel a long way or have unexpected appointments, a small set can be practical. The number of pieces depends on your working week and the space available.
The five parts of an emergency kit
- A clean blouse or shirt. Choose a colour that suits most of the trousers or skirts in your work wardrobe.
- A cardigan or blazer. For cold offices and unexpected appointments. A cardigan in grey, beige or navy suits many outfits.
- A spare polo or knit top. Handy if your shirt or blouse can no longer be saved.
- Small basics. Think of spare socks or tights, a stain pen, a small clothes brush and a few safety pins.
- Spare shoes, if needed. Handy if you often cycle or walk in bad weather.
For Women: blouse, cardigan and polo
For Women, the white regular-fit Cordelia can serve as a spare blouse. The light grey Veronique cardigan and the black Josephine are both slim-fit; so try an extra layer on beforehand together with the clothing you want to wear underneath.
For Men: shirt, polo and cardigan
For Men, the white Classic Tailored-Fit Hamilton shirt can be a neutral spare. The navy Atticus is slim-fit and comes with the size advice of one size up; the beige Maximilian cardigan is regular-fit and can serve as an extra layer.
What belongs to which situation?
| Situation | Reach for |
|---|---|
| Coffee or tea stain on your blouse or shirt | Clean shirt or blouse in white or light blue |
| Cold air conditioning | Cardigan or wool cardigan |
| Unexpected client appointment | Cardigan or blazer, clean blouse or shirt |
| Rain on the way | Spare socks and smart shoes |
| Warm day, creased clothing | Spare polo or knit top |
What do you better leave at home?
Mainly keep clothing you would actually put on. A delicate piece can be perfectly fine as a spare as long as you know how to care for it and can use it without extra preparation.
How to store spare clothing
Store spare clothing clean and dry. Fold knitwear if the product advice indicates it and use a hanger for blouses or shirts when that is practical. Check the set now and then, especially at the change of season.
First aid for stains
A stain pen in your drawer is worth more than it costs. Dab the stain as quickly as possible with a dry cloth, without rubbing, and use the pen according to the instructions. You do the more thorough work at home. You will find more about washing clothing on our care instructions page. For extra blouses and shirts, you can visit the collections blouses for Women and shirts for Men.
A small version for your bag
If you travel by public transport or by bike, you do not always need a wardrobe at the office. A small bag with a folded spare top, a stain pen and a few safety pins does a lot. A fine-knit cardigan takes up little space and fits in most work bags. That way you are prepared even when you work at a different location for a day.
For those who work hybrid
If you work part of the week from home, spare clothing at the office is extra handy. You do not always know in advance which day will bring an important appointment, and your clothing does not hang ready by itself on office days. Leave a basic set hanging that is always ready, and top it up when you have used something. That way you avoid having to improvise on a busy day.
Colours that make your spare set flexible
Choose spare clothing that suits the rest of your work wardrobe. White, light blue, grey, navy and beige are easy options, but bright colours or prints can be just as practical if you wear them often.
Shop the look
Cordelia: blouse with V-neck, white
Veronique: fine-knit lyocell cardigan, light grey
Josephine: knitted polo with V-neck, black
Hamilton: cotton shirt with Italian collar, white
Atticus: striped cotton polo, navy
Maximilian: wool cardigan with business cut, beige
Frequently asked questions
What do you keep as spare clothing at the office?
A clean top, an extra layer and possibly socks, tights or shoes. Match the set to your commute and working day.
Which colour of spare clothing is handiest?
The colour that combines most often with your own work wardrobe. Neutral shades are handy, but not required.
How do you prevent creases in spare clothing at the office?
Store blouses and shirts on a hanger or in a garment cover, and fold knitwear in a drawer with space.
How often should I replace my spare clothing?
Check the set at the change of season or after you have used something. There is no fixed replacement frequency.
