- Does your interview outfit really matter?
- What should a man wear to an interview?
- Formal business attire
- Casual business environment
- Dos and don’ts for men’s interview attire
- Key takeaways
The designer Tom Ford said, “Dressing well is a form of good manners.” And when it comes to men’s interview attire, knowing what to wear is the best way to show respect for yourself and others. In this article, we’ll discuss the best interview outfits for men, no matter the work environment.
You have the skills. You have the experience. And now you have an interview. While you might like to let your resume speak for itself, as a job candidate, you’re presenting the “whole package” and you need to wear the appropriate clothing. You don’t have to be a fashion expert, but some basic clothing options should be a staple in every man's professional wardrobe, keeping in mind fit, texture, fabric, and color. Even though it might seem trivial in this era of Zoom calls and working from home, employers do care what you wear to an interview, and the right attire can actually stack the deck in your favor.
In this article, we’ll discuss appropriate interview attire for men for every situation including:
Why it’s important to dress professionally for an interview
What should a man wear at an interview?
The dos and don’ts of interview attire
Does your interview outfit really matter?
Short answer? Yes. It’s vitally important to know what is unprofessional to wear to a job interview. How you present yourself at an interview provides the all-important first impression of you as a competent, capable employee. You might have the most amazing resume in the world, but if you’re not dressed appropriately, it will leave the interviewer with a negative impression.
Dressing in suitable attire for an interview conveys a lot about you, including
Your sense of professionalism. It’s not just a matter of “looking right,” it demonstrates that you understand the expectations a potential employer has of you.
Your judgment. If you show up to an interview in a conservative field wearing jeans and a polo shirt, it shows the employer that you don’t understand the business and that you don’t care about their company culture or standards.
Respect for the employer. When you've dressed appropriately, it demonstrates that you take the job seriously and respect the hiring manager’s time. It also shows that you understand the requirements of the job, and demonstrates that you can fit in with the current company dynamic.
It demonstrates confidence. It’s like the old adage says, “When you look good, you feel good.” Dressing professionally helps you put your best foot forward in any interview situation.
What should a man wear to an interview?
No matter if you're interviewing at a conservative company, a casual business, or even a "hip" start-up, the three words to remember when putting together an interview outfit are: professional, professional, and professional.
Okay, maybe there’s a little more to it than that. While men’s interview clothing options are pretty standard, you do have some leeway in cut, color, and accessories. While most times a classic suit is your best bet, you can make some adjustments based on your career field and level of seniority. The most important thing you can do is to research the company and find out if they have any dress codes. Doing your research and dressing appropriately will show you can mesh with the company’s “vibe” and that the position is important to you.
One thing to remember: if your typical style of dressing doesn’t conform to a traditional gender norm, your interview attire doesn’t have to, either. It should still, however, be polished, professional, and a good fit for the company at which you’re interviewing. The goal should be the same no matter what you wear: well-fitting, not too large or small, and generally in neutral colors.
Statistical Insight
Studies have found that our first impressions of people are 76% accurate. You have control over the impression you make, so make sure that it’s a good one.
Formal business attire
If you’re interviewing for a job in a traditional office setting, you’ll want to opt for a simple, well-tailored suit in navy blue or dark gray, and should be single-breasted, either in a solid or subtle pinstripe.
Your shirt should be a crisp white button-down, and your tie should be a solid color or a subtle pattern (this is not the time to wear your tie with the cartoon mouse or palm trees on it).
Shoes should be a pair of black oxfords (or dark brown/oxblood if you’re wearing navy) and should lace up. Make sure that they’re polished and scuff-free.
A nice pocket square, either in white or a color that complements your tie, completes the look. And keep your jewelry simple — a wedding ring (if you wear one) and a classic watch should suffice.
Casual business environment
In recent years, many workplaces have relaxed their dress codes. Unfortunately, “business casual” is open to interpretation so doing your research is key. Can you be overdressed for a job interview? In theory, yes, but generally, it's better to be a little overdressed than underdressed.
A good, safe choice for men in a casual business environment can be a pair of dress pants with a classic button-down shirt, which can be in a solid color or have an understated pattern. You can go a little more casual by swapping out the trousers for a pair of flat-front khakis. Overall, you should favor neutral colors such as navy blue, dark gray, brown, or white. You don’t need a tie, but if you want to dress it up a bit, consider a blazer. And leave your hats at home (unless they're for religious reasons). While it will make you stand out, it won't be in a positive way and you risk being known as "the hat guy.” Basically, you want to dress one level above the day-to-day dress code at that business or company.
Examples of some casual business interview outfits:
A lightweight, solid-color sweater over a button-down shirt, and slacks
A button-down shirt with slacks and a blazer
A polo shirt with khakis (for very casual work environments)
Expert Tip
What about Zoom/Skype interviews?
Unless your research tells you otherwise, business casual interview clothing is usually best for online interviews. Avoid loud patterns, contrasting colors, or t-shirts. You want to feel comfortable, professional, and confident. And don't forget to wear actual pants. You might be tempted to wear sweatpants or pajama bottoms, but if you have to stand up for any reason, you’ll regret it.
Dos and don’ts for men’s interview attire
What not to wear in an interview is just as important as what you do wear. Things to avoid are:
Bright, flashy colors or garish prints
A T-shirt, even if it's under a blazer
Sneakers or flip-flop sandals
Anything that doesn’t fit or has rips, tears, or is dirty
Too much cologne or aftershave
- Make sure your nails are clean and your facial hair is groomed.
- Have your suit professionally tailored. A suit that fits poorly creates a negative impression.
- Wear dress socks, not athletic socks.
- Wait until the last minute to choose your outfit. If you discover something needs to be repaired or dry cleaned, you won’t have the time to do it.
- Wear shorts of any kind or length. Unless you’re auditioning for the cast of “Baywatch,” it’s never a good idea and makes you look unprofessional and a bit silly.
- Carry a backpack. Carry your documents in a classic leather briefcase or laptop bag.
Remember, professional appearance is an important step in getting the job you want. Dress how you want people to see you: as a competent, confident, skilled professional. Taking the time to put together the best interview outfit isn’t trivial — it puts you in the best light possible and makes you look like the best person for the job.
Key takeaways
How you dress at an interview provides the all-important first impression of you as a competent professional.
Dressing in suitable attire for an interview conveys your sense of professionalism, judgment, and respect for the employer.
Whether you’re interviewing in a casual or formal business environment, the goal should be the same: your clothing should fit well, be clean and pressed, and be in neutral colors.
