Men’s business attire is not a one-size-fits-all concept; unspoken expectations are heavily shaped by the specific industry you work in.
For example, client expectations and the nature of client interactions often dictate formality.
Moreover, the public perception and desired image of an industry, whether it is authority, innovation, or creativity, play a large role.
What projects professionalism in a law firm can be starkly different from the norm in a tech startup or a creative agency.
Internal company culture, functional job requirements, and long-standing traditions also heavily influence dress codes.
Understanding these industry-specific nuances is essential for making the right impression and navigating your career successfully.
This guide delves into the distinct attire norms and unspoken rules prevalent across various key industries for men.
The Legal Profession
In the legal profession, attire is predominantly Business Professional, reflecting tradition, authority, and gravitas.
You are expected to wear a well-tailored dark suit, typically in navy, charcoal grey, or black.
Shirts should be high-quality, long-sleeved, and collared, usually in white or light blue.
A conservative silk tie is a standard requirement; patterns should be subtle.
Leather dress shoes, such as black Oxfords or Derbies, are essential and must be impeccably polished.
Unspoken rules include ensuring your tailoring is flawless; an ill-fitting suit undermines credibility.
Accessories, like watches or tie bars, should be understated and classic.
Courtroom attire is the pinnacle of formality, but even daily office wear leans conservative.
Flashy colours or overtly trendy items are generally avoided.
Immaculate grooming is non-negotiable.
Finance and Banking
The finance and banking sectors traditionally demand a high level of formality, primarily Business Professional attire.
This is especially true for client-facing roles in investment banking, wealth management, and traditional banking.
Your wardrobe should consist of high-quality dark suits, crisp white or pale blue shirts, and silk ties, often with classic patterns.
Polished black leather Oxford shoes are the standard.
Unspoken rules focus on projecting an image of stability, trustworthiness, and meticulous attention to detail.
The quality of your suit, shirt, and accessories is noted, though ostentatious displays are frowned upon.
Your tie knot should be neat and appropriate for your collar.
While some internal roles or fintech offshoots might adopt Business Casual, the prevailing expectation remains conservative.
The Tech Industry
The tech industry showcases a wide spectrum of attire, from extremely Casual to Smart Casual or Business Casual.
In many startups, particularly for engineering and development roles, the dress code is very relaxed.
This often includes jeans, t-shirts (sometimes company-branded), hoodies, and trainers, prioritising comfort and individual expression.
In larger, more established tech corporations or in client-facing and managerial roles, the expectation shifts towards Smart Casual or Business Casual.
This means you might wear chinos, well-fitting dark jeans, polo shirts, button-down shirts (which can be worn untucked), and clean, premium trainers or smart casual shoes like loafers or desert boots.
Blazers may be worn for a more polished look or important meetings.
Unspoken rules in tech often involve reflecting innovation and approachability; overdressing, especially in a startup, can make you seem out of touch.
Functionality and an “anti-corporate” sentiment can influence choices, though this is evolving as the industry matures.
Creative Industries (Advertising, Media, Design)
Creative industries like advertising, media, and design typically embrace Smart Casual or a more fashion-forward approach to workplace attire.
The emphasis is on individual style, creativity, and being current with trends, while still maintaining a professional demeanour.
You might wear well-fitting designer or dark wash jeans, chinos in various colours, statement knitwear, or stylish shirts.
Unique accessories, fashionable trainers, or smart boots are common.
Blazers are often worn but might be less structured or feature more interesting fabrics and patterns.
Unspoken rules value authenticity and a curated personal brand.
Your clothing should communicate that you are creative and in touch with contemporary culture.
Looking “corporate” or overly formal can be a disadvantage unless meeting with very traditional clients.
The key is to look put-together and intentional, not sloppy.
Healthcare Professionals
For many clinical healthcare professionals, such as doctors and nurses, scrubs are the daily uniform for practicality and hygiene.
The white coat worn by doctors often symbolises authority and expertise.
Comfortable, closed-toe shoes are essential due to long hours standing.
In non-clinical roles within healthcare administration, or for specialists during consultations (if not in scrubs), attire often leans towards Business Casual or Smart Casual.
This might include smart trousers or chinos, collared shirts, and sometimes a tie.
Unspoken rules revolve around impeccable cleanliness and hygiene; clothes must always be spotless.
Even in scrubs, a neat and professional appearance is expected.
Jewellery is often minimal or restricted for safety and hygiene reasons.
The overall impression should be one of competence and approachability.
Academia and Education
Attire in academia and education varies widely, from very casual in some university departments to Smart Casual or Business Casual, especially in administrative roles or more traditional institutions.
The classic “professor look” might include tweed jackets, corduroy trousers or chinos, collared shirts (button-down Oxfords are popular), and knitwear.
Ties are less common for daily wear but might be worn for formal lectures, conferences, or official functions.
Unspoken rules often involve balancing an appearance of knowledge and credibility with approachability for students.
Comfort is also a factor, given the varied tasks of an academic day.
Individuality is generally more accepted than in highly corporate environments.
More formal events, like graduations or presenting research, will call for more formal business attire.
Government and Public Service
Attire in non-uniformed government and public service roles aims to convey public trust, seriousness, and a degree of conservatism.
The expected dress code often ranges from Business Professional to formal Business Casual.
Senior civil servants, politicians, and diplomats, especially in capital cities or during formal events, typically adhere to Business Professional standards.
This means you should wear dark, well-tailored suits, white or light blue collared shirts, and conservative silk ties.
For many administrative roles or in local government, a formal Business Casual approach is common.
This involves smart trousers or chinos, collared shirts, and optional blazers or smart knitwear; a tie may still be appropriate for important meetings.
Unspoken rules emphasise understatement; you should avoid flashy or overly expensive items.
Adherence to protocol and presenting an image that is relatable yet authoritative is important.
Grooming must be neat and tidy, reflecting the responsibility of the role.
Real Estate Agents
For real estate agents, professional attire is crucial for projecting success, trustworthiness, competence, and market expertise.
The dress code typically falls between Smart Business Casual and Business Professional.
Your goal is to look polished and successful, while also being able to connect with a diverse range of clients.
You might wear well-fitting suits, or contemporary blazers and sports coats paired with smart trousers or dark chinos.
Quality collared shirts are essential.
A tie is often recommended, especially when meeting new clients or dealing with higher-value properties, though it can be optional in more relaxed markets.
Good quality leather shoes, well-maintained, are a must.
Unspoken rules include keeping your clothing current but not overly trendy, as stability is a valued trait.
Subtle quality accessories, like a good watch, can help project an image of success.
Your attire should also adapt to the type of properties you handle; luxury listings generally call for more formal dress.
Above all, you need to appear approachable and professional.
Client-Facing Hospitality
In client-facing roles within mid-to-upper tier hospitality establishments, attire is paramount for embodying impeccable service and the specific brand standards of the hotel or restaurant.
The focus is on pristine presentation, cleanliness, approachability, and efficiency.
Many roles will have a specific uniform, meticulously designed to reflect the brand’s image.
This applies to front desk staff, concierges, restaurant servers, and bar staff.
Managers and some senior staff might have a strict dress code rather than a uniform, such as a dark suit, white shirt, and a specific tie or scarf.
The core garment is the uniform itself, or the elements of the prescribed dress code.
Unspoken rules dictate that uniforms or dress code attire must be absolutely spotless, perfectly pressed, and correctly worn at all times.
Grooming standards are exceptionally high, including neat hair, clean fingernails, and often minimal or no scented products, especially in food and beverage service.
Shoes must be polished and comfortable enough for long hours of standing and walking.
Any required name tags should be clearly visible and correctly placed.
Your overall appearance must project warmth, competence, and dedication to service.
Trades and Manufacturing
Business attire in the trades and manufacturing sectors varies significantly depending on the specific role, primarily focusing on safety, functionality, and company pride.
For on-the-floor roles, including supervisors, attire consists of durable workwear.
This often includes company-branded polo shirts, sturdy work trousers or overalls, and essential safety gear like steel-toe boots, hard hats, or high-visibility vests as required by regulations.
For office-based managerial or sales staff, the dress code is typically more relaxed than in corporate environments, often leaning towards practical Business Casual or even Casual.
You might wear company-branded polo shirts, chinos, smart work trousers, or clean jeans.
Presentable safety shoes might be required if frequent visits to the factory floor are necessary.
The most critical unspoken rule for on-the-floor personnel is that safety compliance through appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) is non-negotiable.
Even functional workwear should be kept clean and well-maintained to reflect professionalism and pride in the company.
For office staff, attire should remain practical and align with the industry’s hands-on, often no-nonsense culture.
There should be a clear understanding of attire requirements if your role involves moving between an office setting and active production areas.
General Tips for Deciphering Any Industry’s Unspoken Attire Rules
Regardless of the industry, certain strategies can help you understand unspoken attire expectations.
Observe the attire of company leadership and successful, respected colleagues in your field.
You can research company culture by looking at their website, social media, or news articles for visual cues.
Do not hesitate to ask HR or your hiring manager about dress code expectations before starting a new role.
When in doubt, especially for an interview or your first few days, it is usually best to err on the side of being slightly more formal.
Crucially, ensure your clothes always fit well, are clean, ironed, and in good repair, as this demonstrates professionalism in any industry.
Industry’s Style Code with The VOU
Dressing appropriately for your industry can significantly impact your professional image.
Gain confidence by exploring our styling quizzes for men to refine your choices.
Further your understanding with our in-depth men’s styling guides covering various aspects of professional dress.
For personalised advice tailored to your specific industry and career goals, consider our paid packages.
After years of managing hundreds of fashion brands from London's office of a global retailer, Mandy has ventured into freelancing. Connected with several fashion retailers and media platforms in the US, Australia, and the UK, Mandy uses her expertise to consult for emerging fashion brands create top-notch content as an editorial strategist for several online publications.
With years of expertise in high-end fashion collabs and a PhD in Sustainable Fashion, Ru specialises in curating eco-luxe wardrobes for the modern gentleman seeking understated refinement.
With over twenty years of front-row fashion and styling events, collabs with haute-couture houses, and a PhD in Luxury Fashion, Laurenti is an expert in crafting personalised looks that depict old-money sophistication.