The Ultimate Job Interview Dress Code Guide for Men

Gentlemen, deciding what to wear for a job interview can be challenging. First impressions can influence an employer’s perception of you, after all. 

But fret not, this guide has all you need to know on what to wear for a job interview.

Before you start putting an outfit together, here’s what to keep in mind:

  • Research the company’s dress code. For an accurate idea, check their company profile, social media and website for photos of a typical day at their office.
  • Invest in a go-to outfit that makes you feel confident.
  • Keep your grooming and hygiene in check.
  • When in doubt, always dress up! It’s always better to be overdressed than underdressed.

Now that we have that out of the way, here are the three dress codes you need to know to conquer any job interview. 

1. Dressing It Up for the Formal Dress Code

A formal dress code is a standard for most job interviews. It’s also your safest go-to when you’re not sure about the company’s dress code.

When dressing formally, the goal is to look confident and capable. So make sure your clothes fit you just nice. Your outfit shouldn’t be oversized, but it shouldn’t be too tight either. 

Tip: For an in-depth guide on how your clothes should fit, check out HowClothesShouldFit.com.

What to wear when dressing formally: 

  • Stick to a white or light-coloured collared shirt.
  • Get a blazer or a two-piece suit (they fix the trouble of matching your jacket to your pants!).
  • Find a comfortable pair of trousers that matches your blazer.
  • Opt for leather shoes in styles like Oxfords, Brogues or Loafers.
  • Don’t skip on socks!
  • Make sure your clothes are wrinkle-free.
  • Unless the company specifically mentions it, you can get away with not wearing a tie. But we recommend checking with the company and owning a tie in a neutral colour just in case!
Sri (left) and Brian (right) dress to the nines in Bottoms Lab’s Momentum Long Pants.

2. Striking a Balance with the Smart Casual Style

With the smart casual dress code, you get the best of both worlds. Smart casual takes the sophistication of formal wear and marries it with comfort. 

Because of this, more and more offices are opting for the dress code.

The key to achieving the perfect balance between sophistication and ease is dressing neat, conventional and comfortable. 

What to wear when dressing smart casual:

  • Trousers or chinos
  • Collared button-up shirts or flannels
  • Blazers or jackets
  • Sweaters paired with a collared shirt underneath
How do I know if it's too casual? If you wouldn't wear it to a first date or a wedding, then it's too casual. 

Photo of Hafiz in a flannel shirt with Bottoms Lab's Momentum Long Pants and sneakers.

Sri on the right in a Bottoms Lab Cool-Flex Jeans and a collared shirt worn underneath a thin sweater.
Hafiz (left) dresses down his Bottoms Lab’s Momentum Long Pants while Sri (right) keeps things comfortable in Bottoms Lab’s Cool-Flex Jeans.

What not to wear when you’re dressing smart casual:

  • Running shoes, slippers or sandals
  • Shorts, ripped jeans or sweatpants
  • Graphic tees, sleeveless shirts, hoodies or shirts with loud patterns

3. Look and Feel Your Best at a Virtual Job Interview

As virtual job interviews become more common, the chances you’ll get called in for one is high.

But just because it’s virtual doesn’t mean you should take dressing up less seriously! Never underestimate what the right outfit can do for your performance.

Get in the winning mood and choose items that make you feel strong, bold and confident.

What to wear to a virtual job interview:

  • Follow the company’s dress code.
  • Opt for a white or light-coloured shirt.
  • Don’t skip on wearing pants! (Avoid running into any embarrassing onscreen situation – better safe than sorry!)
Important: Your appearance includes your background!

Most interviews have cited that interview backgrounds play a significant role too. Keep anything in sight plain and tidy.
Brian (left) kicks it back in Bottoms Lab’s Cool-Flex jeans, while Hafiz (right) opts for the tried-and-true Momentum Long Pants.

Dressing up for a virtual job interview is slightly different from a face-to-face one. For virtual interviews, you must also consider what you’ll look like through your webcam. 

What not to wear to a virtual interview:

  • Bright and reflective accessories.
  • Small and busy prints like pinstripes or polka dots (these patterns can often look distorted on camera and be distracting).

Prepare for a virtual job interview with our how-to guide here: How To Prepare For An Online Job Interview

Build your style arsenal with functional menswear essentials at Bottoms Lab.

With high-quality materials, versatile designs and innovative fabrics, Bottoms Lab has you covered for both work and play!

Go ahead and crush your goals in style & comfort. Shop Bottoms Lab here.

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More tips on acing your job interviews here: