The business wardrobe is moving away from casual and back to a more a professional look, and "corporate comfortable" is the new direction in professional appearance. What do I mean by corporate comfortable? I will share some secrets about how we can look professional and feel comfortable at the same time.

Fabrics
Stretch fabrics are showing up in everything from business suits and dress shirts to casual slacks. I am always looking for the new fabrics with stretch when shopping for my clients and for myself. I don't think I would purchase a pair of fitted slacks, blouse or jacket without it. That little bit of "give" in the fabric allows freedom of movement. Check the labels, many will say "stretch" right on them. It is the small percentage of spandex (typically around 3 percent) that makes the garment comfortable. I highly recommend stretch fabrics as part of your corporate-comfortable wardrobe.

Natural fabrics
Examples of natural fabrics are cotton, fine wool and linen. You can't go wrong with natural fabrics - they tend to be comfortable. Don't worry about wrinkles – it's OK to have a couple of wrinkles in your cotton or linen garments. A fellow image consultant told me, "Brazilian businessmen roll on the bed to wrinkle their linen that's just back from the dry cleaners." If you don't like wrinkles, purchase the natural fabrics with a little of the new spandex that is added to keep them crisp and smooth.

Man-made fabrics
It's not your mother's polyester. The new microfiber fabrics are very comfortable, durable, stain resistant and wear well. Many are machine washable and do not pill like the old polyester. (Remember shaving the balls from your favorite old poly shirt?) Tencel(tm) is a beautiful, man-made fabric that has the soft smoothness of brushed silk combined with the weight of rayon. Try the new man-made fabrics to update your corporate-comfortable look.

Proper fit
Do you keep "someday" clothing in your closet? "I will fit into this again someday." If the garment's season (winter, summer, etc.) has passed and you have not worn it, you probably will not wear it again next season. Discard it. Give it away to charity or a friend; it will make your soul feel good. Sell it at a yard sale or consignment shop if it is a quality garment two years old or less. If you just can't bear to let it go, put it in a box under your bed. The next time you clean under there you will be inclined to throw away the box.

Waist size - Don't wear garments too tight around the middle. Check the seam allowance, some garments may be let out a little, giving just enough room for comfort. Look for "cheaters" in the waistband. I call cheaters those small sections of elastic at the back of the waistband. Be sure cheaters or full elastic waistbands are not exposed. Wear them with a belt or with a shirt or jacket that covers the waist.

Sleeve length - The right sleeve length can make a big difference in comfort and appearance. Sleeves that are too short or too long are very uncomfortable. The sleeve should end at the bend of the wrist. Most jackets will require some sleeve-length adjustment. Proper sleeve length will also make the garment look more finished and professional.

Get measured for the right sleeve length in dress shirts. Men's dress shirts can be purchased with the exact sleeve length; it is the second number listed on the collar. A 16/34 shirt has a 16-inch collar and 34-inch sleeve. Find out yours.

Shirt collar - You should be able to fit two fingers in the collar of your shirt when it is buttoned.

Tailor
A good tailor is important. Search around until you find one you like. The more your tailor gets to know your likes and dislikes the more he or she can help you. Ask your tailor about proper fit and get to know what can and what cannot be altered.

Shoes
Low heels. A professional shoe should have some heal but 1 inch is all you need. A shoe with a heel is also more flattering. If you like more of a lift in your heel, choose chunk or wedge heels - wider at the bottom is more comfortable. The most uncomfortable shoes are the stiletto-heel, pointed-toe sandal or pump. The higher the heel, the more it will cause back, leg and foot pain. In addition, strappy sandals have no foot support.I recommend leather shoes. Leather breathes and forms to your foot; canvas and man-made materials do not. Don't wear the same shoes every day. Allow the leather to dry out and return to its original shape by alternating between a couple pairs of shoes.

Think of your shoes as an investment. Low quality shoes will not be comfortable and will not last as long. Good quality leather shoes are easily maintained for a professional, corporate comfortable look.

Hosiery
Hosiery is a very controversial topic right know. Bare legs are in fashion. Bare legs are not a professional look if you consider the old rule: The more skin exposed, the less professional the look.

Pantyhose - If you have a bit of a belly, control top pantyhose can be very comfortable because it gives you the extra support needed to firm the middle. If the waist is what is uncomfortable for you, try thigh-high hosiery or sheer-to-waist pantyhose.

Stockings - While thigh-high or knee-high stockings may be an alternative for comfort, BE ABSOLUTELY POSITIVE you cannot see the top of the stocking below the hemline! Check the view in the front and back when you sit and when you walk. Also check the vent of the skirt as you walk.My suggestion for corporate-comfortable hosiery is to find a style that fits you. Try many brands until you find the one that feels like a second skin. If you choose to go bare in a professional environment, wear a long skirt or slacks.

Conclusion
The business world has gone from cookie-cutter tailored suits, dress shirts and blouses to jeans and T-shirts in the workplace. The next generation of business attire will combine the best of both worlds. The professional business look and casual comfort are important to this business generation. Corporate comfortable is the new business image.

Lori B. Johnson is a certified image consultant specializing in professional image. You can find out more about Lori and her company, Your Best Image, at www.yourbestimagepid.com or call 866-286-5405.Copyright 2003 Your Best Image, Personal Image development. All rights reserved.