Aim one step dressier than the people who work there dress day to day. Look at the company’s website, LinkedIn or social posts to see what staff wear, and dress just above that.
| Workplace | Wear | Shirt |
|---|---|---|
| Corporate (finance, law, consulting) | Navy or charcoal suit, tie, dress shoes | White or light blue, point or semi-spread collar |
| Business casual (most offices) | Blazer and trousers, tie optional | Light solid or fine stripe |
| Tech and startups | Chinos or dark trousers, blazer optional | Button-down or oxford, no tie |
| Trades and hands-on roles | Clean, neat work clothes | Collared shirt, tucked in |
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Interview shirt checklist
- It fits: one or two fingers in the buttoned collar, cuffs at the wrist bone. Check with the size calculator.
- Ironed or steamed, with a crisp collar.
- Solid white or light blue is the safest.
- Long sleeves, even in summer.
- Undershirt that doesn’t show at the collar.
Video interviews
Solid, light shirts look best on camera. Very fine stripes and small checks can flicker on video, so save them for in person.
No white or light blue shirt that fits? See brands that sell exact collar and sleeve sizes, or pick a non-iron one so it looks crisp straight off the hanger.
Quick answers
What color shirt is best for a job interview?
White or light blue. Both look clean and professional, and they work with any suit or tie.
Do I need a tie for an interview?
For finance, law, sales and other formal fields, yes. For tech and creative fields, a collared shirt with no tie is often fine. When unsure, wear one; you can take it off.
Is a short-sleeve dress shirt OK for an interview?
It’s best avoided. A long-sleeve shirt looks more polished, even in hot weather.
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