Business casual for men: what to wear
Chinos or wool trousers + a collared shirt + (blazer or knit) + leather shoes or loafers. No tie needed.
Most offices, interviews at less conservative companies, conferences, work dinners.
- When
- Working hours
- Tie
- No
- Jeans
- Depends
- Sneakers
- Depends
Three outfit ideas
Monday
Navy chinos, a white Oxford shirt, a grey blazer and brown loafers.
Meeting day
Grey wool trousers, a light blue shirt, a merino sweater and derbies.
Friday
Dark jeans, a knitted polo, an unstructured blazer and white leather sneakers.
What to wear
- Chinos or wool trousers
- Oxford or poplin shirts, knitted polos
- A blazer without matching trousers
- A V-neck sweater or cardigan
Shoes
Loafers, derbies, suede desert boots; minimalist leather sneakers in relaxed offices.
Accessories
A leather belt, a watch.
What to avoid
- Graphic tees, shorts, athletic shoes
- A full suit and tie – too formal
Colours
Neutral basics with one accent colour.
In summer
In summer: linen trousers, short-sleeved cotton shirts (women), sockless loafers in relaxed offices.
In winter
In winter: merino knits, flannel trousers, ankle boots, a wool coat.
Details that make the difference
- Belt and shoes in the same leather colour; a simple watch on leather or metal.
- Your collar should sit close: one finger's room between collar and neck.
- The tie tip should reach the belt buckle – no higher, no lower.
- Without a tie, undo only the top button.
About business casual
Today's office standard: no suit or tie, but polished – chinos, shirts, blazers, blouses, loafers. Business casual took off in 1990s US tech companies and the 'Casual Friday' tradition (rooted in Hawaii's 'Aloha Friday'). After the pandemic it became the everyday standard in most offices.
Smart casual for men
Dark jeans or chinos + a shirt, polo or knit + (blazer) + leather shoes or clean sneakers.
Other codes for men
Frequently asked
01Business casual: is a tie required?
No – a tie isn't needed and would often look too formal.
02Business casual: are jeans OK?
It depends on the place: dark jeans with a blazer are sometimes accepted, but trousers are the safer choice.
03Business casual: are sneakers OK?
Only minimalist leather sneakers without logos, and only in relaxed settings; running shoes, no.
04Are jeans business casual?
Dark, straight, unripped jeans are accepted in many offices, especially on Fridays, worn with a blazer or shirt. Not in conservative firms.
05Are sneakers business casual?
Minimalist leather sneakers (no logos) increasingly yes; running shoes no.