Men’s Office Wear – The Ultimate Guide

Office dress codes have evolved dramatically in recent years. Gone are the days of rigid suits, stiff collars with ties and a sea of grey. After the pandemic the corporate world became a lot more relaxed with guys only having to go in a couple of times a week with a more laid back feel.

But whether you're dressing for a traditional corporate setting, a hybrid workspace or somewhere in between, this ultimate guide to men’s office wear will give you everything you need.

The New Rules of Workwear

Post-pandemic, the office wardrobe has relaxed but not completely disappeared. The new rules of workwear are about smart presentation but not overly formal. You’re not expected to wear a three-piece suit every day, but that doesn’t mean anything goes.

Strong office style in my opinion is shaped by two priorities:

1. Fit – A well-fitted outfit trumps even the most expensive brands.

2. Versatility – Pieces should move between formal meetings and casual Fridays.

Here at Tapered Menswear we offer everything you need to dominate this new era. Our signature shirts, for example, offer a tailored silhouette with built-in comfort – ideal for all-day wear.

Smart Office Wear for Men

Smart office wear bridges the gap between traditional tailoring and contemporary style. It means elevated essentials that work in professional settings without being overly formal.

Think:

• Tailored shirts (avoid off-the-rack slim fits that balloon at the waist)

• Tapered trousers or chinos

• Well-cut polos or merino knitwear

Where Tapered Menswear excels is in designing smart staples for men with broader shoulders and narrow waists. Unlike standard slim fits, their tapered shirts follow the natural V shape of your torso, giving a sharp, confident look straight out of the box.

Men's Office Wear Smart Casual

"Smart casual" or sometimes called semi casual is the trickiest style code to interpret – especially in the office.

Here’s how to get it right:

• Swap formal shirts for polo shirts with a structured collar

• Trade suit trousers for tapered chinos in navy, grey, or olive

• Layer with a soft blazer or fine knit jumper

• Keep footwear clean and professional: loafers, Chelsea boots or minimalist trainers

Avoid denim unless your workplace explicitly allows it. And always aim for pieces that combine polish + comfort. This is where Tapered’s no-logo, fit-focused wardrobe basics shine.

What Should a Man Wear to the Office?

The answer depends on your industry and office culture, but here’s a foundational checklist:

Office Essentials:

• 3x Tapered Fit Shirts (white, light blue, navy)

• 2x Tapered Chinos

These pieces can be mixed and matched across the week and layered depending on temperature or occasion. The key? Prioritise fit and quality fabrics over trend-driven items.

Which Colour is Best for Office Wear?

Colour communicates more than you might think. Neutral tones always win in office settings because they project reliability, confidence, and professionalism. Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Navy – Trustworthy, classic, easy to pair

• White – Clean, versatile, goes with everything

• Charcoal – Understated strength

• Light blue – Approachable and polished

• Olive or beige – Works well in business casual settings

Reserve bolder colours for ties, pocket squares, or subtle layering.

What is Unprofessional to Wear to Work?

Avoid anything that looks careless or out of place. That includes clothing that’s too tight, too loose, or clearly not made for a professional setting—like shorts, ripped jeans, graphic tees, flip-flops, or worn-out shoes. Even an unironed shirt can quietly undermine the impression you’re trying to make.

Even in relaxed office settings, the line between comfort and carelessness matters. If your outfit looks like an afterthought, your work might be perceived the same way.

What is Inappropriate to Wear to the Office for Men?

"Inappropriate" doesn’t always mean offensive – it can also mean out of place.

Avoid:

• Athleisure (gym wear) unless it's Friday and clearly allowed

• Sandals or open-toed footwear

• Wrinkled or oversized clothing

• Items with loud branding or graphics

Which Brand is Best for Men’s Office Wear?

Plenty of brands offer menswear, but few solve the real problem: fit.

Most shirts are either too boxy or too tight across the chest. They require tailoring to work well on men with athletic builds. That’s where Tapered Menswear changes the game.

They offer:

• Tapered fit shirts that eliminate bagginess around the waist

• Premium materials that move with you throughout the day

• Logo-free, professional designs perfect for the office

No other brand offers this level of off-the-rack tailoring made for real male proportions. Whether you’re dressing for a big meeting or a casual client lunch, Tapered delivers a confident silhouette with zero compromise.

How to Build a Capsule Workwear Wardrobe

A capsule wardrobe reduces decision fatigue, saves money, and ensures you’re always dressed well. Here’s what to include:

Tops:

• 3x Tapered Shirts (white, light blue, one pattern)

• 2x Polo Shirts
  

Bottoms:

• 2x Tapered Trousers

• 2x Smart Chinos (navy + beige)

Stick to a cohesive colour palette to maximise mix-and-match combinations. Everything from Tapered Menswear can form the backbone of this capsule wardrobe.

Conclusion – Dress for the Role You Want, Fit for the Body You Have

Navigating men’s office wear today isn’t about wearing the most expensive labels or rigid suits. It’s about understanding modern expectations, dressing with intention, and finding clothes that respect your shape.

If you’ve ever struggled with off-the-rack shirts that balloon at the waist or trousers that sag despite fitting your quads, Tapered Menswear is your solution.

Smart, logo-free, perfectly proportioned office wear that actually fits. No tailoring required.

Explore the full Tapered Menswear collection and elevate your office style – once and for all.

Click Here to Shop Better Fitting Shirts