Since the COVID pandemic, workplace attire has undergone a significant transformation. While many companies once required employees to wear suits every day, business casual, or even street clothes, have now become the norm. This trend toward casual clothes raises the question of what the appropriate attire is to wear for an interview. Is a business suit still necessary to make a good first impression?
According to Gallup research released in 2023, only 3% of the American workforce say they wear business professional clothes on a normal basis. So, if you show up in a suit for an interview will it make you stand out in a good way or in a bad way? The answer varies, but more often than not, a business casual outfit is sufficient. So, how can, you be sure?
Understanding the Company’s Culture
One of the first steps in deciding what to wear for an interview is understanding the company’s culture. Researching the company’s dress code can give you valuable insights.
Look at the company’s social media profiles, especially any photos of team events or office environments. You can also check their website or any videos they may have posted about their workplace culture. If the employees in these images are dressed casually, it is a good sign that a suit may not be necessary.
Industry Expectations and Suits
Different industries have different expectations when it comes to interview attire. For instance, while tech startups might embrace a more casual dress code, traditional finance companies may still expect a more formal approach.
Here’s a quick guide to help you navigate. Like most things, there will always be exceptions, but this breakdown can give you a starting point.
Formal attire is often found in these industries:
- Finance and Banking: This sector is known for its formal dress code, including suits, ties, and conservative business attire.
- Law: Lawyers, especially those in corporate law firms, often wear suits to maintain a professional image.
- Corporate Roles: Executives and senior management in various industries, particularly in large, traditional corporations, tend to wear suits.
- Government and Politics: Many government officials and politicians adhere to a formal dress code, including suits.
- Insurance: Professionals in the insurance industry, especially those in client-facing roles, often dress in suits.
- Real Estate: Real estate agents and brokers, particularly those dealing with high-end properties, often dress in formal business attire.
- High-End Retail: Employees in luxury retail stores may wear suits to reflect the upscale nature of the brand.
In contrast, below we’ve listed industries that are less likely to wear suits on a daily basis. In many of these industries, executives still tend to dress more formally than the general workforce, although the level of formality can still be less than in traditional sectors like finance or law.
- Technology: Tech companies, especially startups, are known for their casual dress codes. Hoodies, jeans, and sneakers are common.
- Creative Arts and Media: Advertising agencies, design firms and media companies often embrace a casual or trendy dress code.
- Gaming: The video game industry is known for its relaxed and casual work environment.
- Fitness and Wellness: Gyms, yoga studios and wellness centers have staff that dress in athletic wear or casual attire.
- Nonprofits: Depending on the organization’s mission, many nonprofit executives wear business casual or casual attire.
- Construction and Trades: Executives in construction, plumbing, electrical and other trades typically lean towards business casual.
- Manufacturing and Distribution: In most cases, executives in these industries will wear business casual attire, such as dress shirts, slacks and blazers.
These industries prioritize comfort, practicality, and a more relaxed working environment, making suits more uncommon. However, while executives in these industries may not wear suits as frequently as those in finance or law, they still dress more formally than the on-site workers, particularly when representing their company in professional settings.
The Hybrid Approach for Your Interview Attire
When dressing for an interview, a hybrid approach can be a safe middle ground. Consider pairing a blazer with a more casual shirt and trousers. This way, you maintain a polished appearance without looking overly formal. It’s also easier to adjust your look if you notice that the environment is more casual than expected – you can remove the blazer for a more relaxed feel.
The Power of Asking
If you’re unsure, don’t hesitate to ask. This is really the best option.
The person you have been communicating with – the hiring manager, executive recruiter or HR representative – can give you the company’s dress code before the interview. A simple email or phone call can save you a lot of stress and help you feel more confident walking into your interview.
When asking about the dress code, we recommend using wording like this, “I would typically wear a suit for an interview; is that appropriate for your workplace?” Or another variation would be, “For past interviews, I’ve always worn a suit, but I know times have changed since my last interview. Is a suit still appropriate?” This conveys the message that you have every intention of dressing the part, but also shows that you are considerate and willing to make an effort to fit into the company culture.
Comfort and Confidence
No matter what you choose to wear, comfort and confidence are key. Wearing something that you feel good in can significantly impact your performance. Ensure that your clothes are well-fitting, clean and free from wrinkles. Pay attention to grooming and personal hygiene as well, as these factors contribute to the overall impression you make.
If you are in doubt about what to wear, we recommend that you err on the side of professionalism. Afterall, you only get one chance to make a first impression!
Final Thoughts on What to Wear for an Interview
In the evolving landscape of workplace attire, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer to what you should wear to an interview. The best approach is to research the company, consider the industry norms, and find a balance that allows you to present yourself professionally while feeling comfortable and confident. Remember, the goal is to make a positive impression, and your attire plays a crucial role in achieving that.
Whether you choose a business suit or a business casual outfit, the most important thing is to be yourself and let your qualifications and personality shine through. If you need additional interviewing tips, you can find more in this article.
One interview tip that should not be overlooked, no matter how casual the workplace, is a thank you note. A simple email is often considered an appropriate way to thank someone, but a physical note is still a nice touch. This article can provide some help.