The seemingly "normal" but not "trivial" outfits of tech CEOs
Updated: Sep 27
Style is not just what we wear, but how we present ourselves to the world. For successful men, especially tech CEOs, fashion is a powerful language that speaks louder than words. Mark Zuckerberg in his signature gray T-shirt, or Steve Jobs in his black turtleneck, are all classic images. The stories behind these choices reveal more about the man and his work philosophy.
1. Fashion style of technology CEOs
Mark Zuckerberg and the simple gray t-shirt
In an interview for the show "Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee," Mark Zuckerberg revealed that he owns several identical gray T-shirts, all neatly folded in his closet.
Mark Zuckerberg is famous for wearing a gray T-shirt to every event, from internal meetings to meetings with partners. This image has become so familiar that it is considered the "uniform" of the Facebook boss. One notable time was when Mark Zuckerberg wore a gray T-shirt to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping in 2015, his simplicity but no less confident left a deep impression on the public.
Steve Jobs' turtleneck
Steve Jobs' favorite black turtleneck was created by Issey Miyake, a famous Japanese fashion designer. Jobs once said that he had enough turtlenecks to last him a lifetime. These shirts were not only comfortable but also reflected Jobs' minimalist yet classy style.
Steve Jobs inspired many people not only through his technology but also through his unique fashion style. His black turtleneck, simple yet personal, has become an indispensable part of his legacy.
2. The value of ordinary t-shirts
Both Steve Jobs and Mark Zuckerberg chose minimalist outfits, each with their own style but sharing the same philosophy towards effective work. Are you curious about the story behind these choices?
Asserting Your Personal Style
In fact, many celebrities also follow a consistent style of dressing, such as Karl Lagerfeld with his sunglasses, stand-up collar shirt and stylized tie, or Barack Obama often appears in blue or gray suits. These choices help them create a consistent image, easily recognized and associated with their personal brand. A gray T-shirt would be just a normal shirt when standing alone, but when worn by Mark Zuckerberg, it is a brand.
Company Related Images and Messages
For CEOs like Steve Jobs and Mark Zuckerberg, the way they dress is not only a reflection of their personalities, but also a message about their companies. Jobs, in his black Issey Miyake turtleneck, represents Apple's focus on clean design and consistent values. Meanwhile, Zuckerberg, in his gray Brunello Cucinelli T-shirt, conveys a youthful, modern, performance-focused company image.
Reasons From The Owner
Both Jobs and Zuckerberg had specific reasons for their choices. Jobs shared that wearing the same outfit every day helped him eliminate unnecessary decisions, thereby focusing on more important issues in work and creativity.
Similarly, Zuckerberg also chooses a gray T-shirt to reduce distractions and save energy for important decisions. For them, minimalist clothing is not only convenient but also a tool to optimize work efficiency and maintain focus.
Both men express a minimalist philosophy of living and working through their outfits, but each has his own approach and reasons. Jobs values consistency and steadfastness, while Zuckerberg focuses on simplicity and efficiency, while opting for high-end materials for comfort.
3. Why not cheaper shirts?
Mark Zuckerberg’s grey T-shirt isn’t a mass-produced item, but a custom-made one from Italian designer Brunello Cucinelli, known as the “King of Cashmere.” These shirts cost between $300 and $400 each, so you might think they don’t have to be that expensive. But the shirt is worth every penny, and here’s why.
Quality and Durability
Brunello Cucinelli T-shirts are made from 100% combed cotton, which is soft, comfortable, and durable. Not only do they look great, they also retain their shape and color over time. Investing in quality T-shirts means Zuckerberg doesn’t have to worry about changing his outfits often, ensuring consistency in his style.
Respect For Work
As CEO of one of the world's largest tech companies, Zuckerberg needs to appear professional and trustworthy. Choosing a high-end brand like Brunello Cucinelli helps him maintain respect for his work and his clients, even without wearing a formal suit.
Minimalism does not mean low quality
Zuckerberg pursues simplicity not only in his clothing but also in his philosophy of life and work. However, this minimalism does not mean sacrificing quality. He chooses the best in minimalism, sending the message that Zuckerberg values quality and detail, which are essential for success in his work.
It can be seen that the fashion style of CEOs like Steve Jobs and Mark Zuckerberg has proven that simplicity in clothing can bring great efficiency in work and life but still show class in a subtle way. These are also valuable references for the lifestyle of modern men.
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