This site has limited support for your browser. We recommend switching to Edge, Chrome, Safari, or Firefox.

FREE Express Shipping on orders over $300*

Soft Tailoring vs. Fluid Suiting: What’s Right for Your Work Style?

Soft Tailoring vs. Fluid Suiting: What’s Right for Your Work Style?

Choosing the right workwear is about balancing comfort, functionality, and personal style. When it comes to structured vs. relaxed workwear, two dominant styles emerge: soft tailoring and fluid suiting. Both offer distinct advantages depending on your work environment, daily routine, and personal preferences. But how do you decide which one is right for you? Let’s break down the differences and explore the key pieces that define each style.

What Is Soft Tailoring?

Soft tailoring is all about structure with flexibility. Made from soft yet slightly heavier fabrics such as ponte and scuba, this style delivers a refined, polished look while allowing for movement. Unlike rigid traditional suiting, soft tailoring is designed to fit and flatter without feeling restrictive.

Key Features of Soft Tailoring:

  • Clean lines and defined shapes
  • Slightly heavier fabrics with structure
  • Maintains shape while offering comfort
  • Ideal for a polished, professional look

Essential Soft Tailoring Pieces:

  • Structured Blazers & Work Jackets: A tailored work jacket provides instant polish and can be layered over a dress or top for an executive feel.
  • Fitted Work Pants: From classic black pants to the sleek Corbin pants, these offer definition and a streamlined silhouette.
  • Work Dresses with Shape: Work dresses in structured fabrics hold their form while offering sophistication.
  • Cropped Jackets: A cropped jacket adds modern edge and proportion to your workwear ensemble.

What Is Fluid Suiting?

Fluid suiting offers relaxed elegance, allowing the fabric to move naturally with your body. Think of soft, draping materials like dry-touch jersey, which provide comfort similar to track pants but with a refined aesthetic.

Key Features of Fluid Suiting:

  • Soft, liquid-like draping
  • Ultra-comfortable and breathable fabrics
  • Moves effortlessly with the body
  • Perfect for a more relaxed approach to office dressing

Essential Fluid Suiting Pieces:

  • Flowing Work Tops & Blouses: A work top in a soft, fluid fabric provides effortless elegance and pairs seamlessly with trousers or skirts.
  • Relaxed Work Pants: Whether it’s culotte pants or Monroe pants, these pants allow for ease and comfort throughout the workday.
  • Unstructured Blazers & Jackets: Unlike structured suiting, these pieces drape naturally, offering a more effortless look while still maintaining professionalism.
  • Work Skirts with Movement: A work skirt in a fluid fabric allows for freedom of movement while maintaining style.

Soft Tailoring vs. Fluid Suiting: Which One is Right for You?

Choosing between soft tailoring and fluid suiting depends on your work environment, personal preference, and lifestyle needs. Here’s how they compare:

Feature Soft Tailoring Fluid Suiting
Structure Defined & polished Soft & flowing
Comfort Tailored yet flexible Ultra-relaxed
Key Fabrics Ponte, scuba, heavier knits Dry-touch jersey, lightweight fabrics
Best For Formal office settings, corporate wear Creative workplaces, casual-chic styling
Styling Sharp blazers, fitted pants, defined dresses Relaxed tops, draped skirts, wide-leg pants


How to Mix Both Styles

You don’t have to choose just one—a blend of both soft tailoring and fluid suiting can create a balanced and versatile work wardrobe. Here are some ways to mix the two:

Final Thoughts: The Best of Both Worlds

Whether you prefer the polished precision of soft tailoring or the effortless movement of fluid suiting, both styles offer something unique for your work wardrobe. The key is to choose pieces that align with your lifestyle and allow you to feel confident and comfortable in any professional setting.

Explore our workwear collection to find your perfect fit. With Australian-made quality and precision tailoring, redefine professional style on your own terms.

New Arrivals

The Nadine Dress is a standout choice in Australian women’s workwear, offering a flattering silhouette and all-day comfort in one elegant design. Available in size 8-24 for plus size & petite women of Australia and New Zealand.
 
New
 
New
The Tristan wrap top is thoughtfu lly designed for both comfort and style. Featuring a flattering peplum silhouette, its hemline dips gracefully at the back, offering extra coverage and a feminine touch. Crafted from a dry touch jersey base with a timeless spotted design. Available in sizes 8-24.
 
New
The Paeton Top in burgundy spot is a standout piece in our luxe separates collection, combining everyday comfort with elevated design. Crafted from a premium soft-touch jersey fabric with gentle stretch, this functional women’s top is designed for a relaxed fit—though you can size down for a more tailored silhouette.
 
New
A size 18 woman wears a mini-length, reversible slip in black jersey fabric. The slip has thin straps and is worn with a V neck to the front. Made in Australia to layer under dresses and separates. Plus size slip dress for women. Available in size 8-24.
 
New
Elevate your wardrobe with the L+F Fabric D-Ring Belt, a versatile new accessory designed to bring definition and polish to your women’s workwear looks. Crafted to complement our signature jersey dresses and skirts, this waist-cinching belt is the perfect styling tool to create a flattering silhouette with ease.
 
New
Add a touch of effortless polish to your outfit with the L+F Black Fabric D-Ring Belt, the ultimate accessory for modern women’s workwear. Designed to perfectly complement our signature L+F jersey dresses and skirts, this versatile black belt cinches the waist to create a flattering silhouette and adds a refined finish to your look.
 
New
Introducing the Kean high turtleneck top from the Light Layers collection, a stylish and functional piece designed to elevate your wardrobe as the seasons cool. This long-sleeved top features convenient thumb holes for added comfort and warmth. Made from a blend of stretchy Tencel wool fabric, it offers both flexibility and coziness, making it the perfect layering piece for cooler weather.
 
New
 
New
 
New
 
New
 
New

Soft Tailoring vs. Fluid Suiting: What’s Right for Your Work Style?

Choosing the right workwear is about balancing comfort, functionality, and personal style. When it comes to structured vs. relaxed workwear, two dominant styles emerge: soft tailoring and fluid suiting. Both offer distinct advantages depending on your work environment, daily routine, and personal preferences. But how do you decide which one is right for you? Let’s break down the differences and explore the key pieces that define each style.

What Is Soft Tailoring?

Soft tailoring is all about structure with flexibility. Made from soft yet slightly heavier fabrics such as ponte and scuba, this style delivers a refined, polished look while allowing for movement. Unlike rigid traditional suiting, soft tailoring is designed to fit and flatter without feeling restrictive.

Key Features of Soft Tailoring:

  • Clean lines and defined shapes
  • Slightly heavier fabrics with structure
  • Maintains shape while offering comfort
  • Ideal for a polished, professional look

Essential Soft Tailoring Pieces:

  • Structured Blazers & Work Jackets: A tailored work jacket provides instant polish and can be layered over a dress or top for an executive feel.
  • Fitted Work Pants: From classic black pants to the sleek Corbin pants, these offer definition and a streamlined silhouette.
  • Work Dresses with Shape: Work dresses in structured fabrics hold their form while offering sophistication.
  • Cropped Jackets: A cropped jacket adds modern edge and proportion to your workwear ensemble.

What Is Fluid Suiting?

Fluid suiting offers relaxed elegance, allowing the fabric to move naturally with your body. Think of soft, draping materials like dry-touch jersey, which provide comfort similar to track pants but with a refined aesthetic.

Key Features of Fluid Suiting:

  • Soft, liquid-like draping
  • Ultra-comfortable and breathable fabrics
  • Moves effortlessly with the body
  • Perfect for a more relaxed approach to office dressing

Essential Fluid Suiting Pieces:

  • Flowing Work Tops & Blouses: A work top in a soft, fluid fabric provides effortless elegance and pairs seamlessly with trousers or skirts.
  • Relaxed Work Pants: Whether it’s culotte pants or Monroe pants, these pants allow for ease and comfort throughout the workday.
  • Unstructured Blazers & Jackets: Unlike structured suiting, these pieces drape naturally, offering a more effortless look while still maintaining professionalism.
  • Work Skirts with Movement: A work skirt in a fluid fabric allows for freedom of movement while maintaining style.

Soft Tailoring vs. Fluid Suiting: Which One is Right for You?

Choosing between soft tailoring and fluid suiting depends on your work environment, personal preference, and lifestyle needs. Here’s how they compare:

Feature Soft Tailoring Fluid Suiting
Structure Defined & polished Soft & flowing
Comfort Tailored yet flexible Ultra-relaxed
Key Fabrics Ponte, scuba, heavier knits Dry-touch jersey, lightweight fabrics
Best For Formal office settings, corporate wear Creative workplaces, casual-chic styling
Styling Sharp blazers, fitted pants, defined dresses Relaxed tops, draped skirts, wide-leg pants


How to Mix Both Styles

You don’t have to choose just one—a blend of both soft tailoring and fluid suiting can create a balanced and versatile work wardrobe. Here are some ways to mix the two:

Final Thoughts: The Best of Both Worlds

Whether you prefer the polished precision of soft tailoring or the effortless movement of fluid suiting, both styles offer something unique for your work wardrobe. The key is to choose pieces that align with your lifestyle and allow you to feel confident and comfortable in any professional setting.

Explore our workwear collection to find your perfect fit. With Australian-made quality and precision tailoring, redefine professional style on your own terms.