Photo: Nafula Sharleen/Facebook
In many societies, clothing is often seen as a reflection of status, professionalism and economic power.
Corporate wear, particularly suits, has long been associated with prestige, authority and upward mobility. But experiences abroad are challenging some of these deeply held assumptions.
US-based Kenyan businesswoman Nafula Sharleen says the perception that suits symbolize success does not necessarily apply in the United States.
Speaking about her experience living and working in America, she argued that formal dressing does not automatically translate to high earnings.
“Nikiwashow ukikam USA acha suits Jamuhuri, mnanishow ati hizo ni nyef nyef! Huku jobs wasee huvaa suti the pay is low unless it’s a top tier job ama self employment,” she said.
According to her, most top-tier white-collar positions paying six-figure salaries are highly competitive and limited.
She claimed that such roles are often secured by Americans and other nationalities, adding that for an African immigrant, securing those jobs requires elite academic credentials and strong networks.
“Top tier jobs unapata Americans, Chinese, Wahindi etc. Mtu mweusi Mwafrika kupata top tier job lazima umegraduate Ivy League, huna accent, uko exceptional kwa job yako na una connections kibao,” she stated.
Sharleen further argued that in many cases, manual and healthcare-related jobs pay better than some office-based roles that require suits.
She cited bank tellers earning between $17 and $20 per hour, claiming that some nursing home workers and manual laborers earn more.
“Huku kazi za healthcare na mkono ndio easy to get and pays very well. Kazi chafu ina dollars mob, but kazi safi unalipwa dollar kidogo,” she said.
Drawing from her own background, she revealed that she previously sold suits while in Kenya.
“Mimi mboka yangu Jamuhuri nilikuwa businesswoman wa plug za suits. Hii nimevaa ya red ni stock yangu,” she added, recalling her first month at Principia College in Illinois.
Sharleen concluded that in the US, blending in matters more than standing out through formal wear.
“Dress how you want to be addressed applies only in third world countries,” she claimed, noting that billionaires such as Facebook owner Mark Zuckerberg and Elon Musk often dress casually.