A new trend of “gross” work outfits is trending in mainland China, with young people wearing their worst pajama bottoms and hairy slippers to work as a tongue-in-cheek rebellion against bad work conditions, low pay, and long hours. They are sharing their outfits online under hashtags like #grossoutfitforwork and #uglyclothesshouldbeforwork, sparking a competition of who wore it worst. The hashtag #grossoutfitforwork has garnered over 140 million views on Chinese social media platform Weibo, with users sharing their own takes on the trend.
The trend started gaining traction after a Douyin user named Kendou S went viral for a video in which she showed off her “gross” outfit that her boss criticized her for wearing. In response, other users started sharing photos and videos of their own outrageous work outfits, including mismatched pieces and layers of clothing. Many users are using the trend as a way to express their frustration with low pay, bad bosses, and dismal work conditions, with some sharing stories of being given money to wash their clothes or being prohibited from shaking hands with clients.
The trend of wearing “gross” outfits to work comes as young Chinese people are facing a tough job market, with high unemployment rates among 16- to 24-year-olds. Many are embracing the philosophy of “lying flat” or rejecting the rat race and consumerism in favor of a less stressful life. Some have even thrown “resignation parties” and are paid to become “full-time children” as a way to escape the pressures of traditional employment. The trend of “gross outfits” appears to be a way for some disenchanted Gen Z individuals to make a statement amid gloomy economic prospects.
While the examples of extreme outfits that have gone viral on social media may be more extreme, the trend of casual dressing for work has always been popular in China and is likely to continue. Especially in workplaces where long hours and overtime are the norm, as well as with a younger generation that has become accustomed to working remotely during the pandemic. Despite the extreme outfits shown online, many workers are still opting for a more casual look, such as sweatpants and slippers, which have become more accepted in the workplace.
China’s state-run media have weighed in on the trend, with People’s Daily calling it a form of “self-deprecation” as long as employees dress appropriately, have a correct work attitude, do not affect others, and do not involve issues of principle. Although the trend of wearing gross outfits to work may be seen as a form of rebellion against traditional work norms and expectations, many participants in the trend still prioritize looking good outside of the workplace. As temperatures rise, some participants have started to share their gross outfits for the spring season, with examples like grubby mustard toe socks and broken black sandals with gaudy plastic baubles being posted on social media.
Bohan Qiu, a 29-year-old founder of a creative PR and brand consultancy, has noticed a shift in workplace attire in China, with many employees opting for a more casual look while still maintaining a sense of professionalism. He believes that the trend of casual dressing for work will continue, especially in workplaces where long hours and remote work are common. Despite the extreme examples of the “gross outfits” trend, Qiu believes that casual dressing has always been popular in China and will remain so in the future.
