Interview dress code for males- 2024

Last Updated on 4 months by Maya Jayaram

The iconic interview scene from Pursuit of happiness is something we cannot forget as it throws light on the significance of being well dressed for an interview.
You got the interview call letter or email; whether it is face-to-face or virtual it could be a bit confusing what to wear. We believe the first impression is the best impression, so make it remarkable. We will briefly explain the prevailing dress codes and policies and help you choose the best one for your interview.

What is the actual interview dress code for males in India?

Business Formals and Business Casuals are the most preferred dress code for an interview. Depending on the organisational work culture and the industry, you could choose one of these or a combination and in some cases, Casuals too. However, ripped jeans, flashy pants, flip flops, etc are a strict no in most cases!

Now that you know what industry you are going to work for and the company culture, let’s demystify the two important dress codes.

The business formal and business casual dress code

In most cases, professional interviews call for either of the two popular categories – Business Formals or Business Casuals. With just a fine line between them, one needs to tread carefully and choose the most appropriate one.

There is only one word for Business Formal Dress- Suit. A perfect suit is an ensemble with a light-toned collared dress shirt, a matching pair of trousers and coat, a matching tie, and appropriate Formal shoes. Make sure your trouser fabric is solid or textured and Jackets are high-quality cotton fabric with straight cut shoulders as they are considered more accountable for a Formal gathering.

When it comes to suits the conventional Navy and gray are still stirring the trend for interviews. Spiff up with a white, light blue, or a beige-shaded button-up shirt for the most appealing pick. The choice of both trousers and ties is critical as it must not exhibit any contrasting colors or patterns. The trouser is to be color-coordinated with your jackets. Remember a solid tie that compliments your shirt completes a suit and better stay away from Barney Stinson’s ducky tie!

Things to keep in mind about Business Formals :
✓ Always wear a tie with your suit;
✓ The tie must not have complex designs;
✓ The trousers and coat must be of the same textured fabric and color;
✓ Choose pastel-shaded collared- shirts;
✓ Keep your shirt buttoned up.

Now let us get acquainted with the little less rigid ‘Business Casuals’ -the common attire in most companies that complies with the corporate work culture. Not to get confused with the words, Business Casual is very distinct from our all-time casual wear.

Though you have more freedom of choice when compared to Business Formals, Business Casuals never forget the etiquettes of the league. This combination is usually entailed by the blazers which are kept optional depending on the weather.
Choose a button-down shirt out of a versatile collection of mild patterns to pair it along with a good combo of trousers or Khakis.

Even though the diversity in colors and patterns for all occasions makes a blazer trendy yet classic, the navy blue and gray hues hit the score for your interview. Gray, tan, or undertone trousers or slacks that go with your pastel-shaded shirt are also a good choice.

Having said these, Denim or punky trousers are never appreciated for any Business interviews. So stack your wardrobe with exquisite suits and blazers for your important day.

Things to keep in mind about Business Casuals :
✓ Though many firms insist on wearing ties, Business Casual attire does not include a tie.
✓ Choose the right blazer and wear it only if the weather or occasion demands it.

Casual dress code for interview (Warning – Only wear if you are double sure of this)

There will always be a lone wolf in the crowd, one that lets you wear what you choose even for your interview. Appear comfortable yet polished in smart casuals which unite the checkered pants or chinos and even rolled-up sleeves. The twill fabric gives a sturdy yet lightweight texture to chinos when compared to thick khakis making it more comfortable to wear.

Blend a mid-toned button-down shirt with neutral shaded checkered pants but steer clear from contrary colors. You can also get away with your jeans and T-shirt in some firms. In that case, go for deep-colored proper jeans and only a classic polo T-shirt with no logos on it. For a more courtly appearance pick out a blazer with your jeans.

The choice is versatile for casual interviews, yet never take a chance. Always confirm before you dress up. You may not look as cool as you expected appearing in an unaccepted dress code on your big day.

Which dress code should you follow for an interview?

Now that you know the genres in men’s Formal dresses, it might be a little easier for you to pick the outfit. As a useful tip, do a little research and narrow down to the approved norm of the Formal dress code through any online portals as glassdoor, LinkedIn, Naukri, indeed, or even your friends. If you feel that to be a herculean task or out of resources, this infographic scale will enlighten you with each attire’s rating. Save yourself from any distress by not dressing below the mid of the Formality scale.

You may appear a little overdressed on some occasions but it is always better than a lousy first impression.

As an add-on, stay put with recent news and always confirm before you make an appearance because companies are eager to follow the trend and stay updated, changing the dress codes as years pass by. On account of this, these are few insights on some published articles about companies’ changed dress code

Multinational companies

Anand Mahindra sent out a Twitter poll to decide the attire for his shareholder meeting to revolutionalise from the old-school look. Meanwhile, an article by the BusinessStandard reports that Air India made a note on their dress code to be very professional and all male employees are expected to wear Formal trousers.
This shows that Organizations are becoming sterner about the dress code to maintain their integrity.

Corporate and IT firms

On the contrary IT giant, Infosys has a relaxed dress code according to some of their employees who answered in Quora. But this doesn’t mean that you can wear flip-flops and shorts, but smart Casuals are most probably acceptable.

Furthermore, MNCs like IBM and Fidelity Investment, follow Business Casual from Monday to Thursday allowing a free casual on Fridays. Same as in the case for Wipro. On surfing through more online portals, corporate companies pitch on Business Casuals, observing Fridays as an exception.

Banking sector

Banking sectors embrace Formal attire keeping ties optional. According to ‘HRkatha.com‘, SBI -has released a strict dress code a few years back to keep up the work ethics flawless.

Law and other professional firms

Law-based industries seek only Formal attire or uniform peculiar to them, says ‘indialegallive‘.

Though all companies follow rigid standards, suits and blazers are kept uncompelled depending on the geographical location and weather plus other options are confined within the choice of acceptable accessories of Formal attire.

Media and communication sector

To our surprise, convene.com notes that the top industries- Google, Facebook derail from the Formal code and fly their way up in pure Casuals.

So the point is, different industries follow varied dress codes to maintain their work ethics intact. But none encourages ripped jeans, casual or printed T-shirts flip-flops, or sneakers to their workplace. Subsequently, interview dress codes will be strictly monitored, and try not to reflect your religious preferences.

Apart from these, if you have some personal reasons to avoid Formal attire, be it any health issues or religious concerns, you must inform HR before your interview and get their acceptance.

Some tips to dress up right for the interview

We must be vigilant about the most noticeable thing in a person after a quick scan; his shoes, socks, and watch. if not chosen well you will send a frivolous vibe while waiting for your turn.

So here are few points you can look at while making your choice.
shoes :

• Business Formals
  • The classic black or brown oxford shoes or derbies
  • Shoes with a closed-toe model or semi-cap toe with a clean line
  • Brown or Tan Brogues with minimal patterns
  • Well maintained and polished leather dress- shoes
  • Color-coordinated sock- mostly black or any dark-colored
  • Pick solid color socks or with minimum patterns

• Business Casuals
  • Loafers or monk strap shoes with brown or black shade
  • Wear chukka boots only to more relaxed meetings
  • Solid colored or light patterned matching socks

• Watch
  • Wear any Leather strapped classic watches
  • Avoid huge dials, sports watches, and fitness bands
  • Keep clear of watches that attract unwanted attention
  • Mute all notification alerts of your smartwatch during the interview

• Grooming
  • Keep your hair well-groomed, probably with a classic undercut hairstyle
  • Trim your beard and mustaches or be clean-shaved
    Remove any ornamental danglings

Conclusion

Well, now as you know more than before you have got one less thing to worry about your next interview.

Focus on Business Formals or Business Casuals according to the industry. Remember the key point is to keep the outfit simple yet classy to reveal its significance of purpose and not the complex outward design. As mentioned, do your little research and gather as much possible information on the work culture and code of conduct. You can be double sure by getting insight from an employee or HR.

And yes, one last look at the mirror and walk in with confidence to grab your opportunity to be a professional. Wishing you the best of luck in your future encounters.

Images credit : www.myntra.com