5 Workwear Essentials: History, Styling & Why They've Lasted 100+ Years

Peter's Prism February 15, 2026
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Peter's Prism

@petersprism

About

Style through a Gen-X lens. Your destination for men’s style, fashion, and design insights from a seasoned visual designer with 25+ years of experience. As a New Yorker with an eye for detail, I explore how design shapes personal style, covering everything from minimalism and branding to product design, marketing, contemporary fashion, and menswear classics. I created Peter’s Prism to share ideas and spark conversations with style-conscious individuals who appreciate how design influences the way we dress and live. Your personal style is always evolving, shaped by the world of design—and when used intentionally, design has the power to elevate your wardrobe, mindset, and daily life. Subscribe to join a community passionate about refined style, smart design, and the intersection of aesthetics and function. Let’s explore how great design can enhance not just how we look, but how we experience the world.

Video Description

I made this video because I'm more drawn than ever to pieces with history that I can feel a personal connection to, however tenuous. Below is a selection of items from each category; please note that by using some of these links I might earn a small affiliate commission for each sale. As always, thank you for your support 🙏 😊 01:26 Introduction 02:28 Chore Jackets 04:57 Chambray Shirting 08:16 Corduroy 10:47 Work Boots 16:23 LL Bean Tote Bag 19:17 Why Does Any of This Matter? Book: An Informal Guide to Workwear by A.W. Sylvester: https://go.shopmy.us/p-43080747 CHORE COATS/JACKETS (While there is a distinction between 'bleu de travail' and 'chore coats', for the purpose of this video I'm calling them all 'chore jackets' since many retailers use this name for their interpretations of the former). Nimes: https://go.shopmy.us/p-30925420 (unfortunately the blue version is sold out) Le Mont St Michel: https://go.shopmy.us/p-43077851 (Also available in mustard, green, and off white) Alex Mill: https://go.shopmy.us/p-43078044 Reigning Champ: https://go.shopmy.us/p-43078154 Imogene + Willie https://go.shopmy.us/p-43078435 CHAMBRAY SHIRTS My Chambray Shirt video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MJv3WQ24fkw Naked & Famous 'True Shirt' selvedge chambray: https://go.shopmy.us/p-45763025 Buzz Rickson work shirt: https://ktku.co/1e8 J. Press: https://ktku.co/1dG (at the intersection of OCBD and chambray!) Beams Plus: https://go.shopmy.us/p-43079577 Iron and Resin: https://ktku.co/1dH Double RL: https://go.shopmy.us/p-43080157 Post O'Alls: https://go.shopmy.us/p-43080332 The Real McCoy's Serviceman Work Shirt: https://ktku.co/1e9 CORDUROY Kamakura needlecord button down: https://go.shopmy.us/p-43081779 Brooks Brothers wide wale cord trousers: https://go.shopmy.us/p-43081877 Brooks Brothers x Engineered Garments cotton corduroy fatigue 'dress' pants: https://go.shopmy.us/p-45764509 (I know these are slightly unusual but I love the mashup of a fatigue pant, tuxedo pant, and corduroy trousers!) Iron and Resin trucker jacket: https://ktku.co/1dI Portugese Flannel corduroy overshirt: https://go.shopmy.us/p-43082330 Beams Plus cropped & pleated corduroy trousers: https://go.shopmy.us/p-43082945 WORK BOOTS Grant Stone Brass Boot: https://ktku.co/1dJ Oak Street Bootmakers 'Mill Boot': https://go.shopmy.us/p-45765156 Alden Indys: https://ktku.co/1dK Red Wing 875: https://go.shopmy.us/p-43083202 Red Wing 'Roughneck': https://go.shopmy.us/p-43083450 Danner 'Bull Run Moc Toe': https://go.shopmy.us/p-43083568 Thursday Boot Co. 'Diplomat': https://go.shopmy.us/p-43296852 TOTE BAGS GQ's Best Tote Bags for Men https://www.gq.com/gallery/best-tote-bags-for-men Alex Mill 'Perfect' Weekday Tote: https://go.shopmy.us/p-45765503 LL Bean Boat & Tote: https://go.shopmy.us/p-43083687 Topologie Cloud Tote: https://go.shopmy.us/p-43084363 Steele Black Canvas Tote: https://go.shopmy.us/p-43084773 Porter 'Heat' Tote: https://ktku.co/1dO #mensfashion #styleguide #workwear #wardrobeessentials

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