In my family, over my lifetime, more people started working more hours outside the home. So choices were made when buying clothes to get items that required less work. Less hand washing. Less dry clean only. Less wash separately. But the clothes still had to look professional. I still have a “permanent press” cycle on my washing machine. I think it’s a relic from that transitional era.

I have seen the shift to more casual work clothes over my lifetime. I remember some places had a day or two of “casual” days. Sometimes employees would have to pay a few dollars to wear casual items. I really don’t remember when places transitioned to such casual clothing. I think I worked a lot for a couple of years, blinked my eyes. And everyone was wearing sweat pants. Is there anyone who was paying attention who can fill me in? What happened?