Denim Dos and Don'ts for the Workplace

An expert shares tips on how to wear jeans professionally without undermining your authority

Mar. 17, 2026 at 2:50pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Denim expert Jane Herman says it's possible to wear jeans to the office, but the wrong pair can negatively impact how you're perceived by colleagues. She advises choosing a style that fits your company's culture, avoiding overly distressed or embellished denim, and paying attention to details like fit and styling to achieve a polished, intentional look.

Why it matters

In a time of economic uncertainty, how employees present themselves at work can influence how their competence and professionalism are viewed by others. Wearing the right pair of jeans can help convey confidence and authority, while the wrong choice could undermine an employee's standing.

The details

Herman, who founded the denim brand The Only Jane, says the key is understanding your company's dress code and culture. In a more corporate environment, jeans may not be appropriate at all, while in a more casual workplace, a beat-up vintage pair could work. Regardless, she advises avoiding anything too distressed, low-rise, or embellished. Instead, she recommends translating the fit and details you like in other pants to find the right jean, and paying close attention to styling with the right belt, shirt tuck, and accessories.

  • Herman was brought up selling jeans in her father's stores.

The players

Jane Herman

A Los Angeles-based denim expert and founder of the clothing brand The Only Jane.

Jose Cortina

A professor of management and entrepreneurship at Virginia Commonwealth University's School of Business, whose research shows that how employees dress at work affects how they are perceived by others.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The most important thing you can look for and try to nail when you're buying a pair of jeans is the way that they make you feel. You want emotional, intangible things like feeling confident, and secure, and at peace with yourself.”

— Jane Herman, Founder, The Only Jane

“If you're looking for something that's elevated for the workplace, a good place to start is with a designer that isn't a denim brand, like Kallmeyer, which makes a very trouser-y jean that is really polished. Khaite is a great place to go for a very polished, grownup jean and Nili Lotan makes beautiful, beautiful jeans.”

— Jane Herman, Founder, The Only Jane

The takeaway

Wearing jeans to the office can be done successfully, but it requires careful consideration of your company's culture, the specific style and fit of the denim, and how you style the look. With the right approach, jeans can convey confidence and professionalism rather than appearing sloppy or undermining your authority.