Interview Clothes For Men: How To Dress For Success

Interviews are stressful because candidates have a lot to lose. That’s why, as you walk into the meeting, you have to focus on giving off a great first impression.

An easy way to do that is through your attire. So, if you’re trying to figure out the best interview clothes for men, you’ve come to the right place.

In this article, we’ll talk about what fashion trends to follow and which ones to avoid. We’ll also dive into why attire is important during an interview.

Why Are Professional Interview Clothes Important for Men?

When getting ready for an interview, most people will brush up on their skills and knowledge. However, when it comes to outfits, candidates forget to prepare ahead of time.

They don’t realize that they need to spend a little while picking out the perfect interview attire.

While they may seem like a secondary concern, your clothes can have a huge impact on the meeting.

That’s because it’s the first thing the interviewer will notice as you walk in through the door. So, to put your best foot forward, the clothes have to match the occasion.

Aside from making an amazing first impression, your outfit plays a major role. For starters, it can show how professional you are.

Plus, the right clothes will make you feel more comfortable during the meeting. This will typically make candidates appear more relaxed and confident.

Finally, an employer will examine your outfit to check if you’re the right fit for the job.

What Men Should Wear to an Interview?

Now that you know why clothes are important, we can jump into what to wear to an interview.

Ideally, when heading into a professional meeting, men should dress in formal attire.

Here are a few guidelines you can follow to make the process a little simpler.

What Color Should a Man Wear to an Interview?

When picking out interview attire for men, one of the first factors to consider is color. By looking at the shade of the suit, employers can tell a lot about a candidate.

Let’s take a look at what different colored suits mean.

Black

Black is one of the most common shades when it comes to formal settings. Not only is the color universally flattering, but it can also hide a ton of flaws.

For example, it’s tough to see wrinkles and creases on dark clothing.

Besides that, black is a great way to project confidence and authority. The deep shade is imposing and will make a candidate seem like they belong in the workplace.

Sadly, the only drawback of wearing black is that it’s a little alienating. It’s not the friendliest shade, which may make some applicants seem distant and aloof.

For that reason, it’s best to only wear black if you’re applying for a managerial position.

Navy Blue

If you’re trying to appear friendly, then a navy blue suit is the way to go. Not only does the shade give off an inviting air, but it also makes candidates seem more energetic.

This will go a long way in helping you stand out from the other applicants. In addition, you can wear a navy suit during both summer and winter.

Other than that, navy blue gives off a trustworthy attitude. It can signal that a candidate is confident and knows what they’re doing.

Aside from seeming approachable, the color can also project intelligence. That’s especially true if you go with a deep blue shade.

Unfortunately, a lighter navy can signal a bit of insecurity. So, make sure to stick to darker hues.

Gray

Gray is another common color in the workplace. That’s because it’s the friendlier version of black.

It can still project confidence and authority, but with a friendly twist. For that reason, the candidate will appear professional and knowledgeable.

Besides that, many people link the color gray with efficiency. That makes the applicant seem prepared for anything the interviewer throws at them.

Plus, it’s easy to match the color with other clothing items.

The only drawback to this shade is that it’s not all that exciting. It can be a little dull, which may make standing out from the crowd a challenge.

It may also make applicants appear timid and reserved.

Brown

If you’re going into a more relaxed interview, you’ll want to wear business casual attire. An easy way of achieving that is dressing up in a brown suit.

The color is still formal, but with a much more relaxed feel. It can make candidates look trustworthy and down-to-earth.

These are both excellent qualities to have when trying to impress an employer. Other than that, the warm shade is inviting and friendly.

Sadly, one of the disadvantages of wearing brown is that it lacks a bit of sophistication. That means it’s not appropriate for all formal interview occasions.

Tips for Interview Clothes for Men

With the colors out of the way, we can take a look at some tips to help you find the perfect outfit.

Follow Guidelines

The first step to choosing the ideal interview attire for men is to figure out the dress code. To do that, you can start by reading the job description.

You should be able to tell quite a bit about the appropriate clothes from the information. For instance, if the duties involve dealing with clients regularly, then formal is the way to go.

Although, this will depend on the type of interview being conducted. So, be sure to reach out to human resources or the hiring manager for more details.

Be Neat and Tidy

As a general rule, all interview applicants should be neat. It doesn’t matter if they’re in casual or formal attire.

That’s because your clothes will give the interviewer insight into your personality.

So, if a job seeker seems disheveled, chances are they won’t have great organizational skills. Besides that, a messy outfit may mean the candidate isn’t a good fit for the company culture.

For that reason, be sure to iron your clothes first.

Keep the Season and Weather in Mind

As you choose your outfit, it’s best to keep the weather in mind. The last thing any candidate wants is to sweat through their clothes during the meeting.

That’s why it’s usually better if you start off with a simple base and bring layers. This way, you can adjust your attire to match the temperature of the office.

Stick to Plain, Dark Colors

We mentioned the colors that a job seeker should stick to. Preferably, it’s best if applicants choose a plain, solid, dark color.

This will make the candidates seem business professional and polished.

Choose a Tie to Express Your Style

For the most part, all suits look incredibly similar. Even if you tailor the garment and choose a fancy shade, it’ll still be a blazer and a pair of dress pants or slacks.

The only element of the outfit you can customize is the tie. For that reason, applicants must use it as a way to express their personal style.

You can wear all sorts of colors to reflect your personality. Some common shades include red, green, yellow, and purple.

Go Back to Basics

Even though you want to stand out in an interview, flashy colors aren’t the way to go. The bright shades can distract from your skills and accomplishments.

That’s why it’s always a good idea to go back to the basics. This means wearing a simple black suit, with a crisp, white dress shirt.

Match Your Belt and Shoes

Many people aren’t aware that your shoes must always match your belt. This will make your outfit look more cohesive and well put together.

Unless you’re wearing black, your shoes and belt should be a shade of brown.

Interview Clothes Men Should Not Wear

With the fashion dos out of the way, we can move on to what not to wear.

There are a few garments you should avoid when trying to follow interview etiquette. That includes:

• Flashy or bright colors or patterns
• Overly casual clothes
• Flip-flops and other open-toed shoes
• Sweatshirts
• Heavy cologne
• Blazer over a t-shirt or polo shirt
• Wacky ties

Where to Find Interview Clothes for Men

Now that you know what you’re looking for, you can head out to buy your interview outfit. There are a few stores that’ll make the hunt for perfect attire much easier.

These include:

• Macy’s
• Banana Republic
• Men’s Wearhouse
• Nordstrom
• Brooks Brothers

Frequently Asked Questions

Wrapping Up

Figuring out the perfect interview clothes for men can be challenging. Fortunately, we’ve compiled a list of a few tips and tricks you can follow.

Most of the time, it’s a good idea for the applicant to choose a formal or smart casual outfit. Once that’s done, they can pick an appropriate color, like black, gray, brown, or navy blue.

Besides that, there are a few clothing items you should stay away from. That includes bright or flashy shades, sweatshirts, and heavy cologne.

It’s also best to steer clear of wacky ties, flip-flops, and t-shirts.

If you have any more questions about interview clothes for men, be sure to leave us a comment.