Dhaka’s 9-to-5 wardrobe, redefined
Workwear in Dhaka has now grown into a style of its own; it is not about copying Western officewear or clinging to rigid traditions, but about adapting to the demands of this city and its climate
Many of today's young professionals recall watching their fathers leave for work in polyester shirts tucked into heavy trousers, or their mothers carefully pleating stiff silk sharis that were starched to perfection but suffocating in the heat. Professionalism once meant enduring discomfort, because formality was seen as the ultimate sign of respectability.
Step into an office in Dhaka today, and the wardrobes paint a very different picture. Outfits look polished and professional, but they are chosen with comfort in mind, designed to survive long commutes and humid weather.
Digital creator Fariha Tasnim believes fabric choice is the foundation of any outfit, especially in Dhaka's unpredictable climate. She gravitates toward breathable materials and airy cuts, occasionally balancing them with a sharper, fitted blouse to achieve a more polished look.
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What excites her most, however, is the quiet return of traditional attire to everyday office life. "I think the growing trend of wearing shari to work is wonderful. It brings our cultural identity into daily office life, yet we don't seem to embrace it as much as we should," she says.
In offices today, linen and cotton sharis in muted shades of grey, off-white, powder blue, and pastel pink are becoming increasingly common. These sharis are lighter, simpler, and easier to wear, featuring slimmer borders, understated patterns and blouses designed with collars or elbow-length sleeves.
The salwar kameez has also evolved, with straight cuts and cigarette pants replacing the voluminous styles of earlier decades.
Fariha adds, "I often like to wear a kurti or kameez at work to keep a little versatility and not get lost in the world of corporate." Alongside kurtis, co-ord sets have emerged as dependable choices for young professionals who prefer something simple yet chic.
Footwear has shifted in the same way, with comfort guiding most choices. Flats and loafers are everyday staples, practical for long hours and commutes. Block heels, wedges and platforms are equally popular, offering height and style without the discomfort of stilettos.
Influencer Sukanan Chakma notes that men's footwear often depends on where someone works. In formal sectors like banking and law, oxfords and lace-ups remain standard, while loafers and slip-ons dominate in more relaxed offices. Start-ups, meanwhile, have embraced clean sneakers as part of everyday workwear.
During Dhaka's rainy season, however, professionals, both male and female, avoid delicate leather and thin soles that cannot handle wet streets. Instead, they turn to rubber-soled pairs or sturdier options with grip. For those in stricter dress codes, it becomes a routine to commute in sandals or trainers and switch into formal shoes once they reach the office.
The same shift toward comfort is visible in men's wardrobes overall. Polyester shirts of the past have been replaced with cotton and linen button-downs in slimmer fits. White and pale blue remain timeless, but muted pastels like mint, lavender and dusty pink are now common. Patterns are subtle, with fine stripes and small checks more common than bold prints, giving men's wardrobes a cleaner, modern appeal.
In terms of trousers, chinos in navy, olive or beige have become everyday staples. Skinny fits, once popular, are now avoided in Dhaka's humidity, with well-tailored straight cuts emerging as the preferred choice. Sukanan also points out that monochrome outfits are on the rise, since they help men look composed with little effort.
Accessories tie the look together, though they differ for men and women. Women keep it light with small studs, slim bangles or a structured tote bag large enough for laptops. Men often accessorise with slim tennis bracelets or wristbands.
"Watches remain timeless for both men and women. A simple piece completes an outfit without trying too hard," Sukanan says.
Belts add another finishing touch: slim leather in black or brown for men, usually matched with shoes, and slimmer styles for women, used as accents over kurtis or even shari blouses to add shape. Sukanan also points out that ties are making a comeback globally, with Bangladeshi men experimenting with floral or patterned designs as statement pieces.
Grooming finishes the look and keeps it professional. Women often go for neat ponytails or low buns, paired with light makeup and muted lipstick shades that feel fresh yet office-appropriate. Men keep it simple with tidy haircuts and well-trimmed beards, while some are embracing the clean-shaven look again. These small details pull everything together, keeping the overall style polished yet comfortable throughout the day.
Workwear in Dhaka has now grown into a style of its own. It is not about copying Western offices or clinging to rigid traditions, but about adapting to the demands of this city and its climate. The result is what many describe as "business comfortable" these days; stylish yet practical enough to survive the day, and polished enough to feel professional.
