First impressions are important, especially in a job interview. What you wear can influence how the interviewer sees you before you even speak.
For men, the right interview outfit shows professionalism and confidence. It also shows that you understand the role and the company’s expectations.
Different industries have different standards. A suit may be perfect for a law firm, while a creative agency might prefer something more relaxed. Choosing the right clothes tells the employer that you respect the opportunity and take it seriously.
In this piece, we will explain what men should wear to a job interview. We will also cover preparation and grooming tips, as well as common mistakes to avoid. By the end, you will know how to dress in a way that makes a strong and professional impression.
Before deciding what to wear to your interview, there are a few important things to keep in mind:
Research the company: Take some time to look at the company’s website, LinkedIn or other social media pages. If possible, ask someone who works there what the typical dress code is. This will help you understand whether you should dress formally or more casually.
Think about the role you’re applying for: Different jobs call for different styles. For example, a finance or law role usually means a suit and tie. On the other hand, a tech start-up or creative job might be more relaxed and let you get away with smart casual clothes.
Make sure your clothes fit properly: Even the best outfit looks off if it doesn’t fit. Take a moment to try on your clothes and check that they’re comfortable and tailored to your shape. If something feels too loose or tight, consider adjusting it.
Try your outfit on well before the interview day: Don’t wait until the last minute. Put your outfit on a few days before to check for any issues like stains, missing buttons, or wrinkles. This gives you time to fix problems or choose something else if needed.
Prepare your whole outfit in advance: Lay out everything: shirt, trousers, shoes, belt, and any accessories. This reduces stress on the interview day and helps avoid forgetting anything important.
Ensure your clothes are clean and well-pressed: Wrinkled or dirty clothes can give a poor impression. Take the time to iron your shirt and trousers, and make sure your shoes are polished and tidy.
Choosing the right outfit depends on the industry and company culture. Here are some smart options that work well for most interviews:
Suit or Blazer: A well-fitted suit or blazer instantly makes you look more put-together. A full matching suit is ideal for formal roles in law, finance, or high-level corporate positions. A blazer on its own is a good option for business casual settings like education, client-facing, or marketing roles.
Shirts: A crisp, button-down shirt is a must. White, pale blue, or light grey are safe colour choices. Go for long sleeves, even in warmer weather. Formal shirts work best for suits, while Oxford shirts can be dressed down for creative or casual workplaces. Always iron it.
Trousers or Chinos: When wearing trousers, choose a dark or neutral shade that matches your jacket. For business casual or creative roles, chinos are a solid option. They are more relaxed but still show effort. Avoid anything too tight or too baggy.
Jumpers and Knitwear: Fine knit jumpers or a smart cardigan can be layered over a shirt for a more relaxed, smart casual look. This is a great option for cooler weather. It is also ideal for roles in start-ups, design firms, or education. Just make sure they are free from lint or pilling.
Dark Jeans: Only wear jeans if you're certain the company has a casual dress code. Choose dark, slim-fit jeans with no rips or fading. Pair them with a shirt and blazer to keep it polished. Suitable for tech companies, agencies, or artistic roles.
Your shoes say a lot about you. Even if the rest of your outfit is perfect, worn-out or inappropriate footwear can ruin the impression. Here are some common types of shoes men can wear to an interview and when to wear them:
Oxford Shoes: These are the most formal options. They’re sleek, simple, and perfect for traditional corporate roles. Stick to black or dark brown, and make sure they’re polished.
Derby Shoes: Slightly less formal than Oxfords, these types of shoes make you appear very smart. They work well for most office settings, including interviews for admin, sales, or mid-level roles. Choose neutral tones like black, brown, or tan.
Brogues: These have decorative perforations that add a bit of character. Brogues can be dressed up or down, depending on the rest of your outfit. They are great for roles in creative industries or companies with a smart casual dress code.
Loafers: Loafers are a good middle ground. They are stylish and versatile. Pair them with chinos and a blazer for interviews at start-ups or more relaxed companies. Just make sure they’re in good condition.
Chelsea Boots: These are smart, modern, and great for cooler weather. A black or brown leather pair works well for both business casual and smart casual interviews. They add a bit of edge without looking unprofessional.
Smart Trainers: While this is a good option, they should only be worn if the company culture is casual. Go for minimalist designs in neutral colours like white, black, or grey. Avoid ones with loud logos or chunky soles. They might suit a tech start-up or design studio, but still need to look clean and intentional.
Watch: A classic, simple watch can add a professional touch. Avoid anything too flashy.
Belt: Always match your belt to your shoes in both colour and style. It’s a small detail that pulls the whole outfit together.
Tie and tie clip: If you wear a tie, keep the pattern simple and colours neutral. A tie clip is optional, but can be a nice finishing touch.
Bag or portfolio: Carry a smart bag or portfolio for your CV and documents. A clean laptop bag or leather folder works well. Avoid backpacks if possible.
Grooming shows that you take care of yourself and pay attention to the details, both of which matter in a professional setting. Here’s what to focus on:
Hair: Make sure your hair is neat and freshly trimmed. You don’t need a brand-new haircut the day before, but avoid anything overgrown or unkempt.
Beard or Facial Hair: Keep your beard or facial hair clean. Make sure it’s well-groomed and shaped. An unkempt beard can come across as careless, even if the rest of your look is smart.
Nails: Trim your nails and make sure they’re clean. Dirty or bitten nails are a small detail, but they can leave a bad impression. You don’t need a manicure just make sure your hands look presentable.
Fragrance: A light spray of cologne or deodorant is fine, but don’t overdo it. Strong scents can be distracting or off-putting in a small room.
Teeth and Breath: Brush your teeth before you leave, and consider using mouthwash or a mint. Interviews are face-to-face, and bad breath can make you loose the job.
Eyebrows, Ears, and Nose: Tidy your eyebrows, and make sure nothing is sticking out from your ears or nose. These are small things, but they make a difference.
Not every industry expects the same level of formality. Dressing to match the environment shows that you understand the culture and are serious about fitting in. Here’s what to wear based on the type of role or company:
Corporate: For corporate roles, stick to a full suit and tie. Choose a dark-coloured, tailored suit with a white or pale shirt. Keep your tie simple and shoes polished. This sector values professionalism. Also, don’t try to stand out too much with bold colours or patterns. Everything should be clean, classic, and formal.
Tech and Start-ups: These workplaces are usually more relaxed, but that doesn’t mean casual. A smart blazer, shirt, and chinos are usually a good choice. You can skip the tie unless you're interviewing for a senior role. Clean loafers or Chelsea boots are suitable options. Show you're put-together without trying too hard.
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Creative Fields: For creative roles like media, advertising, and branding, you’ve got more room to show personality, but you still need to look polished. Choose clothes that are stylish but not over-the-top. Consider a well-fitted shirt with smart trousers or even dark jeans. Add subtle details like a textured blazer or unique accessories. This is your chance to look creative and confident, without going too casual.
Retail or Customer-Facing Roles: Retail roles vary, but it’s best to go slightly smarter than what staff wear day-to-day. A button-down shirt, chinos, and clean shoes are a safe option. If it’s a high-end retail job, go more formal with a blazer or tie.
Trades or Practical Roles: Even if the actual job is hands-on like craft roles, such as construction or logistics, you should still dress neatly for the interview. A smart polo or shirt with trousers or chinos works well. No need for a suit, but avoid jeans or trainers unless you know it’s acceptable.
Even a good outfit can go wrong if you're not careful. These common mistakes can easily cost you that strong first impression.
Wearing clothes that don’t fit properly: Baggy shirts, tight trousers, or jackets that don’t sit right can make you look unprepared. Always try your outfit on before the day. If your clothes don’t fit well, get them tailored or choose something else. Well-fitted clothing looks sharper, feels better, and shows attention to detail.
Not dressing for the specific industry or company: Wearing a full suit to a relaxed start-up might make you seem out of touch. Turning up in jeans to a corporate interview can seem careless. Always do some research. Look at the company’s website, social media, or staff photos on LinkedIn. Try to match their level of formality or go slightly smarter if you’re unsure.
Wearing wrinkled or stained clothing: No matter how expensive your outfit is, if it’s creased or dirty, it gives off a lazy impression. Iron everything the night before. Even small stains or pet hair can be distracting.
Choosing loud or flashy colours and patterns: Unless you’re going into a creative role where bold style is encouraged, stick to neutral tones. Bright colours can draw attention away from what you’re saying. You want to be remembered for your professionalism, not your shirt.
Wearing casual items like hoodies, T-shirts, or trainers: Even if the company is casual, interview day is not the time to wear your favourite hoodie. You should always look like you’ve made an effort.
Over-accessorising: Big watches, flashy jewellery, sunglasses on your head, or chains can all be distracting. Keep accessories minimal. A belt, a simple watch, and a tidy bag or portfolio are enough.
Ignoring grooming: Showing up to an interview with unkempt hair, an untrimmed beard, or dirty nails sends the wrong message. It suggests a lack of care, even if the rest of your outfit is perfect. Grooming is part of the overall impression, and interviewers actually notice.
Wearing strong aftershave or cologne: A strong scent can be off-putting, especially in small rooms. Some interviewers may also be allergic or sensitive to fragrance. Keep it light, or skip it altogether.
Forgetting to check your shoes: Worn-out or dirty shoes can ruin your entire look. Make sure they are clean and match the formality of the rest of your outfit. Interviewers often notice shoes more than you’d think.
What you wear to a job interview says a lot before you even speak. It shows respect, attention to detail, and that you’ve taken the time to prepare. By dressing appropriately for the industry and avoiding common mistakes highlighted in this piece, you’ll walk into your interview looking the part and feeling confident. And when you feel confident, you stand a higher chance of securing that job.
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