Boom.
You’ve done it. You’ve landed the new dream job.
Your first day is Friday and your new boss has casually flicked you the text:
“Just wear business casual.”
Or, you’ve finally schmoozed your way to an invite for that big ticket industry event. And as you’re scanning the details you see the dress code.
Yep, you guessed it.
And like any occasion that has a set attire, you want to make the right impression.
The good news? You’re in the right place to learn how.
Business casual is a dress code that has divided opinion for decades. It’s also the most common.
And as workplace dress codes become less formal, our research suggests it will become even more popular.
This article will define business casual attire, explore its history and key elements, and feature a complete style guide for each clothing type and for different industries of work.
We’ll also fill you in on some optional pieces, what not to wear, and some emerging business casual trends.
Skip Ahead
What Is Business Casual Attire?
Put simply:
Business casual for men = a button-down shirt, dress pants or khakis/chinos, and nice shoes.
As a general rule, business casual is less formal than a suit, but more formal than jeans.
Compared to other Oxfords, the All Day has clean, simple lines. The seams are all done with a single line of high density stitching, so it has a bit more of a European look than most oxford shirts I see in the States. I'm a fan.
Like any dress code, there are exceptions.
For one, you should always conform to company culture. If it’s an industry event, consider the dress culture of the industry as a whole.
As an example, if you’re in Silicon Valley, business casual is the same as formal: a black t-shirt, jeans, and a zip hoodie.
But if you’re a banker, business casual is a bit different. You might pair chinos and loafers with a tucked in polo and a woven belt.
Perfect for business casual looks with chinos and a shirt, or for your free time paired with jeans. Given the insulating property of cashmere, you can wear it from autumn to spring.
And the older you are, the more you should err on the side of formality.
That said, millennial business casual isn’t all beanbags and hackie-sacks. Guys in their late 20’s to their early 40’s are ditching sneakers in favor of a more classy look like loafers, though the trend is still toward more slim and fitted clothes.
Morjas spent 17 months in research & development to craft their penny loafer, and it shows. Goodyear welted and handcrafted in Spain, they look as good as they feel on the fit, which isn't always an easy feat for loafers.
Business Casual Examples
This is a classic business casual outfit example for a more casual white collar environment.
The lilac dress shirt contrasts well with the check patterned charcoal dress pants and drives home the creative flair that business casual allows. The loafers and matching belt round out the outfit in traditional business casual style.
With light grey dress pants, a white dress shirt, a brown belt, and Chelsea boots as the base, the style is made more formal with the addition of a blue blazer.
As a general rule, you’ll be fine with a collared shirt and slacks. So long as your clothes are ironed or steamed, you’ll look neat and put together, which is the most important consideration.
Vests are fair game, but stick with either a quilted zip vest or a nylon puffer vest to keep it on the casual end of the spectrum.
Of course, you don’t have to ditch the jacket entirely—you can still rock it with a few modifications. Here I’m wearing a classic navy blazer, but my shirt is a bright floral piece that really keeps things casual. I’m also sporting a tool-watch, which is on the relaxed, weekender side of the spectrum. In hindsight, I’d ditch the beaded bracelet. It looks a bit off, but I’m glad it’s there so you can see what works and what doesn’t.
Business Casual Dress Code for Men: The Essential Guide
These are the key guidelines for each individual clothing type that make up a standard business casual outfit.
Shirts
The shirt is at the heart of any business casual outfit.
One major benefit to business casual is that it allows some leeway in terms of shirt styles. Again, your company culture will weigh in here.
Since you probably won’t be wearing a tie (more on this below), opt for a shirt with a nicely fitted collar that hugs your neckline on its own.
Slim fit is still in trend, but if slim doesn’t fit your body type, stick to a classic fit.
A few of my favorite brands for comfortable, flexible shirts suited to an office environment are Mizzen + Main, and State & Liberty.
Mizzen + Main is a fantastic choice if you want to go classic all the way. I recommend them if you want a more fitted look than what your dad wore, but you still want that timeless, iconic businesswear feel.
The Spinnaker is our favorite dress shirt built for comfort first. This has the highest stretch factor of any Mizzen+Main shirt, but the dual darts in the back keep it trim and classy looking.
State & Liberty is another top brand for me, but their shirts are much more slim. The brand advertises to athletes and bodybuilders, but I think they work really well for skinny guys who are really looking to cut out the tailor. If you’ve got more of a dad-bod, check out Mizzen + Main, but if you’ve been chiseling down, State & Liberty is more flattering.
State & Liberty is an excellent brand for fit guys who want flattering clothes for the office. The shirts embellish that hard work you’ve been putting in at the gym, and anything you pick up from S&L is going to be as comfortable as dress clothes can get.
Your business casual shirt should always be tucked in. Depending on your workplace (or the weather), chances are you won’t be wearing a jacket or additional layer at all times.
Because your shirt will be more prominently on display, it’s important that it’s not only tucked in, but tucked in properly (learn how here).
Industry Guidelines
- Traditional white collar. Stick to long sleeved dress shirts (like the Oxford) and classic colors such as light blue or white. Opt for conservative patterns like thin stripes or plain.
- Tech startups and creative roles. Trendier and casual is a lot more acceptable here. Casual fabrics and more flamboyant patterns will usually fly, as will rolling up your shirt sleeves. If it’s a startup and it’s your first day, a trim cut polo shirt is a smart choice.
- Sales and service roles. As a general rule, the more customer contact you have, the more formal your business casual attire should be. The button-down collar shirt is a widely acceptable go-to across sales, trade, or other customer service focused roles.
Pants
Dress pants and khakis are casual businesswear staples, and we don’t see this changing any time soon.
For khakis, you can go for any brand that’s within your budget. It’s more important that they fit right. As a general rule, opt for slim fit (not skinny).
There are a lot of “stretch” khakis made with technical fabrics out on the market today, but for business casual, classic cotton is the way to go.
My favorite chinos are from Everlane. They have a nice tapered fit and have a bit of stretch to them without looking tacky. Just be sure to order a size up, or if you’re in between sizes, get the larger of your two measurements (i.e. if you’re sometimes 33, sometimes 34, choose 34).
Crafted from 93% cotton and 7% elastane for added stretch an comfort and coming in a wide range of colors, this staple chino from Everlane's Uniform line offers solid bang for your buck.
For dress pants, stick to navy, grey, light blue, or charcoal with a pleated or flat front.
If you ever worry about bending over and having the seat of your pants completely explode, we highly recommend a technical fabric dress pant. If not for your style, at least for your peace of mind.
Chinos are rapidly growing in popularity as a business casual go-to. If your workplace allows them, they’re an accessible and comfortable alternative. Stick to slim fit and classic colors like navy or khaki.
While twill pants have a similar look as chinos, the five-pocket construction is a bit too similar to jeans to really pull off in a business casual setting. Twill is casual-casual, so save them for Saturday.
When you’re wearing slacks casually, your dress shirt shouldn’t be too formal. The best way to avoid a heavy hand of formality to to skip the jacket and definitely steer away from a tie.
Industry Guidelines:
- Traditional white collar. Dress pants or khakis should be your go-to. Chinos are acceptable if your work environment is more on the casual side.
- Tech startups and creative roles. Dark denim is fine for most startups, but chinos will also work well as a slightly more formal option. More obscure chino colors are O.K., provided you match well with your shirt and the rest of your outfit.
- Sales and service roles. You can more readily opt for chinos and khakis and be a little bolder in your color choices. Olive works really well in a more casual setting and pairs beautifully with a navy or white button-down. Avoid anything with a prominently visible logo.
Shoes
Your wheels round out any outfit and business casual is no exception.
And one of our favorite things about this dress code is just how creative you can be with shoes.
The classic oxford and derby dress shoes are obvious choices, but you can also mix in brogues, as well as casual dress shoes such as loafers and monk straps.
This is one good looking shoe. Goodyear welted? Yep. Handmade in Spain? Sí Señor. They're actually made in 128 steps across 61 dedicated working stations and you really can see and feel the quality of the workmanship. Easily one of our go-to Oxford recommendations.
Boots are also in play. Opt for chukka/desert boots or Chelsea boots.
Featuring Kudu suede from C.F Stead tannery, these are some of the best Desert Boots on the market.
Blake stitched for a sleek profile, the tobacco color of these suede Chelseas pairs incredibly with denim and adds texture to your outfit. The best part? You can choose between a leather (more dressy) or dockers rubber sole (more versatile).
For colors? Brown is always a strong business casual choice. You can also mix in bolder colors like Oxblood and burgundy for a stronger statement.
By pure accident, most of my business casual footwear comes from the Italian-inspired brand, M.Gemi. Their loafers, oxfords, and monk-strap shoes all have a really sleek look to them that doesn’t carry any of that old-school workwear baggage. While they’re totally professional, M.Gemi’s range is still trendy and fashionable, so they’re perfect for the weekend, too.
You can't go wrong with a quality, stylish penny loafer. And that's exactly what M.Gemi have created with the Volo Due. With their streamlined and sleek design, Blake stitching, and long penny strap, we're big fans of these as more dressed up counterparts to our Saccas.
Important: Your belt must match the color of your shoes. And if you’re wearing a watch, it needs to match both too. Learn more about matching your leathers.
Industry Guidelines For Business Casual Shoes
- Traditional white collar. Get creative with the classic and casual dress shoes mentioned above, as well as boots if your office culture allows it.
- Tech startups and creative roles. Sneakers, boots, and dress shoes are all fine, as are suade fabrics and driving shoes. And there’s no need to stick with brown either. Reds, greens and blues will all work well in a more casual startup environment.
- Sales and service roles. All the classic and casual shoes mentioned above will work, minus the sneakers.
Optional Business Casual Extras
Jackets And Blazers
A jacket or blazer adds an element of class to any standard business casual outfit.
They’re well suited as a versatile extra for more traditional white collar environments such as banking, law, or accounting. Particularly if you need to attend an unexpected last-minute meeting. Simply add a blazer or jacket for an instant touch of formality to your business casual get-up.
If you only have one in your closet, make it a single breasted navy blazer. A corduroy jacket or tweed sport coat will also work well. Stick to dark colors and subtle patterns.
If it’s chilly outside and you think another layer will help, you can wear a vest, but don’t match the vest to the jacket. That will push the needle too far formal. Instead, try something with a completely different texture and vibe, like a zip up quilted vest.
With its body heat absorbing quilting, wind resistance, and super soft fabric, Mizzen+Main's new performance vest, The Rockwell is our new staple for breezy fall days.
Sweaters And Cardigans
In colder climates, sweaters and cardigans are acceptable additions to business casual style. Keep in mind that they will always add an air of informality to your look.
Made with 100% Shetland lambswool, this slim fit sweater looks all kind of cozy, but dispenses with the added bulk.
Stick to slim fit and swerve away from loud patterns. You don’t want to emulate the “Ugly Christmas sweater” look.
Neutral solid colors like beige, brown, navy, or black are your best bet, provided they tone well with your choice of pants or denim. Avoid clashing by learning how to match colors.
Accessories
Yes, we’re going for casual here but you’re still in a work environment.
Less is more.
If you stare at a computer screen all day like I do, you should seriously consider investing in a pair of quality blue light blocking glasses.
The Tomahawk Neuralyzers have been a game-changer for reducing eye strain for me and I always sleep better at night when I wear them through the day.
Get down to business without hurting your eyes with blue light blocking lenses on the usual high quality Tomahawk Shades frames. Crafted from a sturdy injection molded polycarbonate, these classy specs will reduce eye strain, dryness, and even back pain by proxy.
Use accessories as a way of shifting the formality of your overall outfit. Soften a more formal business casual look by pairing it with a casual watch, or class up a casual outfit with the addition of a dress watch.
One of my favorite brands for both dress and casual watches is Nordgreen. The Danish brand’s chronograph, the Pioneer, is a standout casual pick for me at nearly 12mm case thickness—especially in gun metal with the green sunray dial option.
The Nordgreen Pioneer is an innovative take on the chronograph watch. Built like a classic aviator, but with modern Scandinavian design principles, this timepiece looks natural and elegant—and it pairs well in a casual and smart-casual wardrobe.
Another is Citizen. They offer an excellent balance between quality, versatility, and price. The NJ0100 is a fantastic all-rounder as it works in today’s office environments, especially on casual Friday.
The Citizen NJ0100 is for you if you can’t afford the Rolex Air-King. Because the Air-King is so simple and one of the lowest priced Rolex watches out there, very few homages are satisfying for Air-King fans. If you absolutely love the Air-King, this Citizen works well on its own right, and as a placeholder while you save up.
Affordable alternative to: Rolex Air-King
Unique additions like a simple metal cuff are also a nice add-on without steering too far casual, though you should generally avoid leather or beaded bracelets in business casual.
If you're a guy who's into jewelry but you prefer to keep it cool and understated, the OC line of bracelets may be up your alley. Crafted by expert silversmiths, the lightweight "Michael" cable bracelet has a high quality feel and will fit up to a 7.5 inch wrist.
Can You Wear A Tie With Business Casual?
The tie is a universally accepted beacon of formality. And for this reason it generally doesn’t find it’s way into the business casual conversation.
But as you’ve learned today, business casual is all about balance and interpretation.
So can business casual include a tie? The answer is yes. With some exceptions.
It should be a knit tie. A knit tie is accepted as being less formal than its regular tie cousin. Stick to solid colors like navy, burgundy, or emerald green.
Another accepted use of the tie in business casual is when you’re wearing a cardigan. A knit tie underneath elevates the formality of the look slightly.
The History of Business Casual Dress
Think about the show Mad Men for a minute.
If you haven’t seen it (I guess we’ll forgive you), just think about the men who worked in offices in the 1960s.
What’s notably different about them compared to today?
O.K., we’ll put the incessant drinking, cigarette-smoking, and workplace misogyny aside for a second.
It’s the suits. And the ties.
From a dress code perspective, workplaces like the fictional Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce were stuffy churches of formality.
Nowadays, employers are commonly more relaxed with their dress requirements.
And it all started with the rise of business casual.
But how did the modern Friday office uniform of button down shirts and khakis come to be?
Alongside Beatlemania and the birth of Andy Warhol’s pop art genre, it began in the 1960s. Here’s the timeline:
1966: Aloha Friday
You’re the Hawaiian garment industry in 1966 and you want to sell more shirts. What do you do? You invent “Aloha Friday”, of course. A day where employees of Hawaiian businesses can wear Hawaiian shirts to the office every Friday.
What began as a marketing ploy quickly caught on as a cultural statement. Aloha Friday fast became a symbol of rat-race resistance in 1960s Hawaii.
Early 1990s: Dawn of the Dockers
Image credit: Cullen328 photo by Jim Heaphy [CC BY-SA 3.0 or GFDL], from Wikimedia Commons
By the recession hit 1990s, Aloha Fridays had made its way to the mainland under a new name—Casual Fridays. But there was a problem.
As Rick Miller, PR for Levi’s “Dockers” put it at the time, “People were showing up in Hawaiian print shirts or sandals and shorts. Frankly, there were concerns on the part of management that work might become too much fun.”
Levis saw a shrewd opportunity to rescue its stagnating brand. Enter, the khaki slacks. Under the brand name of Dockers, Levi’s planned to move the khaki slacks from the golf-course to the office and revolutionize business casual attire.
1992: A New Dress Code Is Born
Image credit: Levi Strauss & Co
Of course, you can’t start a business casual revolution in the 1990s without sending an eight-page brochure to over 25,000 HR managers. So that’s exactly what Levi Strauss & Co did.
The name of the brochure was “A Guide to Casual Businesswear”. And the key feature throughout? You guessed it.
Dockers.
As the brand envisaged, HR Managers passed the brochure around at water coolers across corporate America.
Soon enough, Dockers became a staple. And the stage was set for business casual as we know it today.
Are There New Rules For Business Casual Wear?
Business Casual With Jeans
Guys, hold onto your hats. Because this one stirs up sartorial controversy the globe over.
And we can understand why. Because strictly speaking, business casual is defined as an outfit that is more formal than jeans.
But the truth is, a growing number of businesses are following Silicon Valley’s lead and relaxing their dress codes in an attempt to win back the war on talented employees.
And generally, denim is fine in most startup environments, if not for everyday attire, then certainly for business casual.
So, the big question. Can you wear jeans as business casual attire?
Well, like most advice in this article, it depends.
If you know it’s unacceptable as part of your workplace culture, then the answer is obviously no.
But overall, we’re now leaning toward a yes. But they need to be the right pair of jeans.
Fabric is what sets The Perfect Jean apart. True denim is 100% cotton. Most jeans on the market today have one or two per cent spandex added for additional stretch and comfort. The Perfect Jean, however, is a nice, lightweight 10.5oz denim with 30% polyester, 3.5% viscose, and 2% spandex added, which makes for a wildly comfortable jean.
Your business casual jeans should be dark wash and slim. In terms of length, opt for no break (or a very slight break).
You can pair them with a blazer as long as they show no signs of fade or wear.
But guys, be smart about it. If it’s your first day at a new job, or you’re unsure on culture, play it safe and stick to dress pants or khakis/chinos.
Business Casual With Sneakers
Yes, we’re coming around to the idea of jeans for business casual.
But with sneakers we’re putting up the stop sign. This is verging into smart casual territory.
That said, if you work in a startup culture, or your HR department is open minded about footwear, then sneakers are perfectly acceptable for casual Fridays.
But as was the case with denim, they should be the right kind of sneakers. Your best bet is to aim for a pair of dress sneakers, as it’ll fly on Friday, and still have the kind of style you’re happy to wear on Saturday and Sunday.
The Low 1 is Oliver Cabell's most popular shoe, and once you have it in your hands you'll know why. Made in Italy from full grain calfskin Italian leather, it boasts a handsome low-profile silhouette and punches well above its weight for its price point.
If you weren’t a fan of those options, opt for soft suede sneakers that offer up a retro feel, and for color, stick to the same classic colors we advocated for other types of casual footwear (brown, navy, gray, and black). Avoid crazy color mix-and-matches.
Business Casual With No Socks
As a general rule, you should always wear socks with business casual attire. And specifically, solid, dark colored socks.
Reserve the rolled up chinos and sock-less/nude-sock look for outside the office, or in more casual environments.
But again, this one is also going to be workplace dependent.
The good news? There’s a really easy way to find out.
Simply ask your HR department or boss how they feel about ankles.
Business Casual with a Beard? How You Should Groom Yourself
Presenting well for work includes taking care of your personal hygiene, facial hair and hairstyle.
If you have nice clothes, but ultimately look disheveled, you’re going to be doing the whole style a disservice.
JH's Clay Pomade became my favorite pomade this year for three reasons. Firstly, it actually gives a true 12+ hour all-day hold. Secondly, it's only made from four ingredients so you dodge the chemicals that other brands pile in. And lastly, it smells manly fresh. Unless they change something, this is my new go-to.
Check out these resources to help you polish up any look:
- Pomade Vs Wax Vs Gel Vs Clay: Men’s Hair Product Guide
- The 12 Most Attractive Hairstyles For Guys That Women Love
- 7 Grooming Mistakes Men Make (And How To Avoid Them)
- What’s The Best Hairstyle For Your Face Shape?
What Does The Future Look Like For Business Casual?
Some believe that the dress code of the future is no dress code at all.
As the labor market grows tighter, employers are more commonly offering relaxed dress codes as a way of enticing young talent to join their ranks.
They understand that the millennial generation doesn’t have the same affinity for dress codes as generations before them.
The likely result for business casual attire?
In my view, the most likely result is that workplace dress codes will continue to lessen in formality until business casual becomes the new standard.
In effect, business casual will become the new corporate dress code.
And when you think about workplace dress codes historically, this makes sense. Even at the most formal end of the spectrum, the average 25 year old lawyer in NYC today is not dressing the same as the average NYC lawyer of the same age in 1922.
It’s simply the evolution of fashion. And you can’t deny that the train is heading away from the formal and toward the casual.
Your New Guiding Principles
- For business casual, adhere to either your formal workplace dress code or the informal dress code set by your workplace culture.
- Business casual is all about balance.
Self-expression is great up to a point, but when you join a workplace, you’re expected to conform to its culture. That’s just how workplaces are.
Observe what others are wearing and mimic it with your own style. Ask your HR Manager or other appropriate leader about your business casual dress code. If you have casual Fridays, ask about that too.
If dress code is a deal breaker for you, ask the question at interview stage.
Once you’ve got the culture and dress code down, you can get away with experimenting a little within those constructs.
It’s all about making those slight tweaks until you get the balance right.
That blend between formal and casual that is appropriate for your environment.
Now that’s business casual.
FAQs
What is business casual attire for a man?
The simple answer is, dress slacks or chinos, a tucked in button down shirt, dark socks, and dress shoes. Avoid a blazer or suit jacket to keep this from being too formal.
Are jeans business casual for men?
Style rules are bending, and depending on the office you work in, jeans can be considered part of business casual attire. Your best bet is to wear dark blue or black jeans, or wear chinos and see if anyone else wears jeans first.
Is a polo shirt and jeans business casual?
It depends on the formality of your office. In today’s working environment, a tucked in polo in dark blue or black jeans is perfectly acceptable.
Is a suit considered business casual?
A full suit isn’t considered business casual. To tone your outfit down a bit, ditch the tie and try a sport coat instead of your suit coat. That will put you in the business casual range.
