Silicon Valley is a hotbed for trailblazers in tech, who are eager to change the world with their brilliance. Home to entrepreneurial icons recognized by name alone, from the late Steve Jobs to Elon Musk, Evan Spiegel and many more, Santa Clara Valley is the place for those with big ideas, impactful inventions and a powerful drive—but it’s not necessarily synonymous with high fashion. Rather, many entrepreneurs there like to keep their wardrobes simple and easy; something we saw with Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg and his signature grey Bruno Cuccinelli t-shirt and zip-up hoodie, and Jobs and his signature black, long-sleeve turtle neck by Issey Miyakeworn with blue jeans.
Jobs pioneered the popular approach of wearing the same thing every day, eliminating one decision each morning to theoretically save more mind space for thinking about Apple.
These entrepreneurs’ casual choice of dress, prioritizing convenience over corporate, has caught on and inspired professionals and consumers alike. And with the pandemic triggering a changeover to a more lax dress code in offices overall, these tech moguls’ personal styles can offer quick, everyday solutions. To make selections even simpler, stick with neutrals, like black, grey, navy and white.
Here are five low-maintenance wearables that can be easily applied with branding to keep end users confident and comfortable enough to take over the world..
First thing’s first: start with a core staple. The Eco-Jersey Crew T-Shirt, shown in eco true black and available in a unisex, slim fit, fits the bill.Made from a blend of organic cotton, recycled polyester and rayon, it’s versatile enough to dress down or up. Available in eight colors.
Alternative Apparel / PPAI 217134, S5 / www.brandwearunited.com
Leather jackets are a staple of Elon Musk and Susan Wojcicki’s wardrobes, serving as an easy way to elevate jeans and make a simple tee look “cool.” The Men’s Designer Lamb is a racer-style, slim-fit jacket made from soft lambskin leather. Details include a stand-up snap collar, contrasting red piping on the inner lining, two front slash pockets and an interior breast pocket.
Nucom / Burk’s Bay / PPAI 110826, S6 / www.nucomltd.com
At first Zuckerberg received backlash for wearing hoodies on TV and to formal events, but now, the much-loved item is a favorite in home and physical offices alike. The Independent Trading Co.-branded Heavyweight Full-Zip Hooded Sweatshirt, shown in solid charcoal, features a cozy 100% cotton face, fleece-lined hood and ribbing at the cuffs and waistband. Available in inclusive, unisex sizing, XS-6XL.
S & S Activewear / PPAI 256121, S12 / www.ssactivewear.com
The wardrobe of Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, which Business Insider describes as one of the “best-dressed people in Silicon Valley,” includes a selection of high-quality polos, and the Greg Norman Play Dry Heather Solid Polo is a great addition to a work wardrobe. Lightweight with stretch, it’s moisture-wicking and offers UPF 50+ protection. Made from polyester and spandex, the lightweight polo features a shark embroidered on the wearer’s left sleeve. Shown in navy heather.
Vantage Apparel / PPAI 113235, S10 / www.vantageapparel.com
Amazon founder Jeff Bezos has been seen many times accessorizing with a vest and the Lacey Vest, available in a companion men’s style, offers a similar look. It’s windproof with a water-resistant nylon shell, and features two zippered pockets and a drawcord hem. Hand-stuffed with polyester filling, details include a collar and side panels, and a slight drop-tail hem. Shown in gray.
Tri-Mountain / PPAI 134335, S11 / www.trimountain.com
