First impressions in an interview are made before you even say a word. The way you dress speaks volumes about your professionalism, attention to detail, and respect for the opportunity.
For men, the interview shirt is often the centrepiece, and getting it right can be the difference between looking sharp and looking sloppy. The challenge is that most men are let down by shirts that don’t fit correctly — either too baggy around the waist or pulling tight across the shoulders.
This guide explores exactly what you should wear, how to wear it, and the mistakes to avoid, so you can walk into any interview with confidence.
What Not to Wear to an Interview
Before we dive into what you should wear, its important to discuss what you shouldn't.
When it comes to interviews, the wrong shirt can send the wrong message before you’ve even introduced yourself. While style is personal, interviews are not the time to push boundaries. Here are the key things you should avoid.
Loud colours and bold patterns can be distracting. Bright reds, neon shades, or heavily patterned shirts may work on a night out but rarely in a professional setting.
They pull focus away from what you’re saying and instead make your appearance the talking point. Neutral shades like white, light blue, or pale grey are far safer and project professionalism.
Short sleeve shirts or polo shirts can work in more casual interviews or industries with relaxed work cultures, but they still need to be crisp, clean, and well-fitted. If you’re unsure, it’s safer to lean formal with a long sleeve shirt — you can always roll the sleeves if the environment feels more relaxed.
Fit issues can also undermine you. Shirts that are too tight, with buttons gaping across the chest or stomach, signal discomfort and make you look less prepared. On the other hand, baggy or oversized shirts suggest a lack of attention to detail and give the impression you’ve borrowed clothing rather than owning the look.
Wrinkled, stained, or poorly ironed shirts are an immediate red flag. They show a lack of care and preparation, even if the rest of your outfit is strong. Spending a few extra minutes pressing your shirt can be the difference between looking polished and looking careless.
Can I wear Just a Dress Shirt to an interview?
Yes - but it has to be the right kind of shirt. A plain button-up dress shirt is always appropriate, but if you’re going without a tie or jacket, the fit and quality become even more important.
The shirt becomes the focal point of your outfit, so there’s no room for creases, sagging collars, or poor proportions.
Stick to long sleeves, even in the summer months. Short sleeves may look too casual unless you’re in a very relaxed industry.
Is it Overkill to Wear a Suit to an Interview?
Whether a suit is the right choice really depends on the industry, the role, and the company culture. For traditional sectors like finance, law, or corporate management, a suit is almost always expected and shows you understand the level of formality required. In these settings, anything less can appear underdressed.
However, for more creative fields or modern tech companies, a full suit can sometimes feel out of place.
Turning up in three-piece tailoring when everyone else works in chinos and shirts might make you look disconnected from the culture you’re trying to join.
In these cases, a smart shirt paired with tailored trousers — and perhaps a blazer — often strikes the right balance.
It’s worth doing some research before the interview. Look at the company’s website, social media, or even employee photos on LinkedIn to gauge the dress code.
If you’re unsure, it’s better to err on the side of being slightly overdressed than risk being underdressed. A sharp, well-fitted shirt will always be appropriate, even if the full suit isn’t necessary.
Ultimately, a suit is never “wrong” in an interview — but the safest option is to adapt your outfit to the culture of the business while keeping professionalism front and centre.
What Shirt Should I Wear to An interview
A shirt for an interview should always be crisp, clean, and properly fitted. This isn’t the time for casual patterns or bold prints. Stick to neutral colours and ensure the shirt has been ironed or steamed before wearing it.
The fit is critical. A well-fitted shirt frames your shoulders, sits close to the body without pulling, and tapers neatly into the waist.
Sleeves should end exactly at the wrist bone, with cuffs sitting flat without excess fabric. If you’re wearing a tie, make sure the knot is tight and the collar points are crisp.
Pairing your shirt with tailored trousers and polished shoes completes the look, and in more formal industries, add a blazer or suit jacket for a fully professional finish.
Is a Button Up Shirt Good For an Interview?
Yes, a button-up shirt is considered standard interview attire. To make the best impression, choose one in a solid colour or with the faintest of patterns, and always ensure it’s long sleeved.
Casual button-ups designed for weekends, often in thicker fabrics like Oxford cloth or flannel, should be avoided. The goal is to look polished and professional, not like you’ve just left a Saturday brunch.
Is a Button Down Shirt Good For an Interview?
Button-down collars are slightly less formal than standard point collars, but they can still be appropriate depending on the role you’re interviewing for. In traditional sectors such as finance or law, stick to a standard collar.
For industries with a more business casual approach, a button-down can work perfectly well, provided the shirt fits properly and is in a neutral colour.
Business Formal Interview Outfit Ideas
In a business formal setting — think corporate offices, law firms, banks, or government roles — the expectation is a polished and highly professional look. A two-piece suit in navy, charcoal, or black is the safest choice.
Pair it with a crisp, tapered shirt that creates a clean silhouette without excess fabric. A tie is generally expected in this context, along with dark leather shoes that are well-polished.
Patterns should be kept subtle, such as thin stripes or micro-checks, and colours should lean towards neutral or muted. Accessories like cufflinks, a belt that matches your shoes, and a conservative watch can add refinement without distracting from your overall professionalism.
The goal here is to show you respect the formal culture of the business and can present yourself with authority.
Business Casual Interview Outfit Ideas
Business casual gives you more flexibility while still requiring a professional edge. This is common in creative industries, startups, and many modern workplaces. Instead of a full suit, opt for smart trousers or chinos paired with a sharp shirt.
A blazer can be added for structure but isn’t always necessary.
In this setting, a tie is optional, and your shirt becomes the centrepiece of your outfit. A well-fitted tapered shirt will instantly elevate the look, keeping you polished without appearing overdressed.
Polos are also a good option in certain business casual environments, particularly when paired with chinos and smart shoes — they show you’ve put effort into your appearance while aligning with a more relaxed culture.
Loafers or brogues work well, and colour choices can extend beyond navy and grey into lighter or softer tones depending on the season.
The aim in business casual is to strike a balance between professionalism and approachability — you want to show you take the role seriously but can fit seamlessly into a relaxed office culture.
Final thoughts
When it comes to interviews, your shirt is more than just clothing. It’s part of the first impression that defines how you are perceived in the first crucial moments. The right shirt helps you feel confident, sharp, and ready to perform.
Choose a clean, neutral colour, ensure it fits perfectly, and always err on the side of being too smart rather than too casual.
And if you’re tired of shirts that never quite fit, the answer is simple: Tapered Menswear offers the solution you’ve been searching for. Walk into your next interview wearing a shirt that looks like it was made for you — because, in many ways, it was.
Best interview Attire for men
No matter how carefully you prepare for an interview, if your shirt doesn’t fit properly, the whole look is undermined. Standard slim fits tend to either strain across broad shoulders or leave too much fabric around the waist. It’s a problem most men have simply put up with — until now.
At Tapered Menswear, we’ve engineered shirts specifically for men with broad shoulders and a narrow waist. The result is a shirt that looks like it was tailor-made for you, without the tailoring bill.
Crisp collars, structured cuffs, premium fabrics, and a sharp silhouette that lasts all day mean you walk into every interview with complete confidence. Whether you’re the groom of the wedding or the candidate in the boardroom, the fit speaks before you do.
Our revolutionary cut provides a 10" drop from chest to waist.
Fully fitted in chest and shoulders whilst tapering sharply down, giving a tailored look. No more bagginess in the waist.
Enhanced Darts
Expertly tailored darts at the back, for the perfect fit.
Stretch Cotton
Super soft, breathable and allows complete freedom of movement.
Perfect for the office.
With our non obtrusive logo stitched subtly on the wrist makes our TAPERED Fit Shirt ideal for formal occasions.
Tapered Fit Shirts are the true solution to your shirt fitting problem. If you want a shirt that fits your body like it should, check out or best selling shirt here
