Dressing in Style for the Job You Want: What to Wear to an Interview?

Quick Answer: What Should a Man Wear to a Job Interview?

  • Corporate roles: a navy or charcoal suit, a white or light blue dress shirt and a conservative tie.
  • Business casual workplaces: a blazer or sport jacket with dress pants and a dress shirt.
  • Creative or casual workplaces: dress pants or casual pants with a crisp shirt, one step dressier than the team.
  • Always: polished oxfords, a matching belt and clothes that fit well.

An interview is one of the few times what you wear is genuinely part of the evaluation. It signals preparation, respect for the opportunity and attention to detail. Here's how to dress for any industry.

Research the Company First

Look at the company's website, social media and team photos. Notice what people wear day to day, then dress one step above it. If everyone wears sport shirts, wear a blazer. If everyone wears blazers, wear a suit.

What to Wear by Industry

  • Finance, law, government, consulting: a dark suit and tie. Navy or charcoal, white or light blue shirt.
  • Sales and client-facing roles: a suit, with or without a tie depending on the company.
  • Tech and startups: a blazer with dress pants or dark jeans and a crisp shirt, no tie.
  • Creative industries: smart casual with personality, like a patterned shirt or textured blazer.
  • Retail and hospitality: business casual that reflects the brand.

The Interview Outfit, Piece by Piece

Suit

Navy or charcoal in a solid or subtle pattern. Make sure it fits, and consider a slim fit suit for a sharp, modern line. See how a suit should fit. Shop suits.

Dress shirt

White or light blue, freshly pressed, with a collar that fits. Shop dress shirts.

Tie

A solid or subtle pattern in navy, burgundy or grey. Avoid novelty ties. Shop ties.

Pants

If you're not wearing a suit, choose well-fitting dress pants in grey or navy.

Belt and socks

A leather belt that matches your shoes, and dark dress socks that match your trousers.

Shoes

Black or cognac oxfords, polished.

Accessories

Keep it minimal: a tie bar and possibly a subtle lapel pin.

What Not to Wear

  • Wrinkled or stained clothes
  • Ill-fitting suits, either too tight or too baggy
  • Loud patterns or novelty ties
  • Worn-out or scuffed shoes
  • Strong fragrance

Interviewing in the GTA? Here's where to shop for a suit in Toronto. Building a work wardrobe? See our business attire guide.

FAQ

Should I wear a suit to every interview?

When in doubt, yes. It's better to be slightly overdressed.

What colour suit is best for an interview?

Navy or charcoal.

What should I avoid wearing to an interview?

Wrinkled clothes, loud patterns and worn-out shoes.

Get Interview-Ready at Tip Top

Shop suits, dress shirts and ties, or visit one of our 80+ locations across Canada.

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