What to Wear to a Job Interview (Men)

For a men's job interview, dress one level above the company's everyday dress code: a navy or charcoal suit for corporate roles, shirt, trousers and blazer for business-casual workplaces, and a sharp smart-casual outfit for creative ones. Whatever the formula, the fit, clean fabric and polished shoes matter more than the label.

An interviewer forms a first impression in seconds. Your outfit cannot get you the job, but it can quietly remove doubts. The goal is to look prepared, comfortable and credible for the role, so the conversation stays on your skills.

Step 1: read the dress code

Research before you choose. Look at the company website, social media, the team page and recent photos, or ask the recruiter directly: "Is there a dress code I should be aware of?" Recruiters are glad to answer.

• Corporate (law, banking, consulting, insurance): a suit, tie optional depending on the firm.
• Business-casual (most offices, tech, marketing): shirt, tailored trousers and a blazer, no tie.
• Creative or start-up: smart-casual, such as a well-cut shirt or knit polo with good trousers. If unsure, go one step smarter than the team. See our guide to business-casual vs smart-casual for the difference.

Formula 1: the suit

For corporate interviews, wear a single-breasted suit in navy or charcoal, a white or pale blue shirt, a plain tie if appropriate, leather oxfords or derbies, and a belt matching the shoes. Keep the jacket buttoned when standing and open when seated. Our suits and blazers are cut to a fitted shoulder and comfortable waist, so you can sit through a long interview without tugging at anything.

Formula 2: shirt, trousers and blazer

The most useful formula for most interviews. A blazer in navy or mid-grey, tailored trousers in a contrasting tone, and a plain shirt in white, light blue or ecru. Leather shoes, brown or black. It is formal enough for a bank branch and relaxed enough for a design agency. Choose shirts in smooth, long-staple Egyptian Giza cotton, which holds a crisp collar and looks neat after a commute, and trousers with a clean taper and a slight break.

Formula 3: smart-casual

For relaxed workplaces: dark chinos or tailored trousers, a fine-knit polo or an ironed shirt without a tie, and clean leather shoes or minimal leather sneakers. Skip the blazer only if you are certain the team never wears one. Our smart-casual guide breaks down the balance.

Fit and fabric

Fit beats price. Check four things in the mirror:

• The shoulder seam ends exactly at the edge of your shoulder.
• The shirt collar sits flat with room for a finger, and the cuff peeks out of the jacket by about a centimetre.
• Trousers have a fitted seat, a comfortable waist and a break that just touches the shoe.
• You can sit, reach and shake hands without pulling.

Choose fabrics that hold their shape: wool or a wool blend for suits, 2-ply cotton poplin or twill for shirts. Avoid anything shiny, thin enough to show your undershirt, or heavy enough to make you sweat. Linen can work for a summer interview in a relaxed field, but expect creases and bring a jacket that keeps the look tidy.

Colour palette

Stay with navy, charcoal, grey, white, light blue and ecru. Add one controlled accent, such as a burgundy tie or a brown leather belt. Black suits are best kept for evening events.

Grooming

Fresh haircut a few days before, neat beard or clean shave, trimmed nails, light fragrance or none, shoes polished and pressed clothes. Iron the night before and check for lint, loose threads and a missing button.

What to avoid

• Visible logos, graphic prints and loud patterns.
• Wrinkled shirts, scuffed shoes and shirts with frayed collars.
• Trainers that are worn, sandals and shorts, even in summer.
• Over-tight or over-baggy clothing, because it signals either discomfort or carelessness.
• Wearing something for the first time on the day. Try the full outfit a week before.

Frequently asked questions

Should I wear a suit to every interview?

No. Wear a suit for corporate roles. For business-casual or creative workplaces, a blazer, shirt and tailored trousers is smarter and fits better.

Do I need a tie?

Only for formal corporate settings. If the dress code is unclear, bring a tie and decide when you see the office.

What colour shirt is best?

White or light blue. Both are neutral, look fresh on camera and pair with any suit or blazer.

Can I wear sneakers?

Only in creative or start-up settings, and only clean, minimal leather ones. In every other case wear leather shoes.