Can I Wear a Polo Shirt to An Interview? Things to Know

Polo shirts are adaptable, which is why people find them to be so appealing. But can I wear a polo shirt to an interview?

When you are going for a job interview, it is important to make a good first impression.

A polo shirt would usually be too casual to wear to an interview, even for jobs where the workplace has a more casual dress code.

Keep reading and find out more about whether you can wear a polo shirt to an interview.

Can I Wear a Polo Shirt to An Interview?

It depends. If the job interview is for a casual job, then wearing a polo shirt is probably fine. However, you might want to wear a dressier shirt if the interview is for a more formal position.

Dressing a little more formally is always preferable to appearing under- or unprofessional, so err on the side of caution.

Your chances of making a good impression and getting the job you want increase if you can show that you understand the company’s expectations and present yourself in a professional manner.

How to Decide Whether to Wear a Polo Shirt to An Interview?

Consider these factors when deciding whether or not a polo shirt would be appropriate for the specific interview you’re attending.

Yes, it won’t be the majority of the time, but there are some exceptions.

1. The Industry

Put simply, there are certain industries where a polo shirt would never be considered appropriate clothing if you were to start working there.

Here’s a solid tip for you to remember whenever attending an interview:

Dress a level more formally than you would if you were performing the actual duties of the job when you go to an interview.

Think of places of business like law offices and investment banks.

Typically, a formal suit is required for work at these places of business. Bringing a polo shirt to an interview for a position like this is probably not going to go well. It almost seems like a recipe for disaster.

If a formal suit would be required if you were to get the job, you’d want to go one level above for the interview. This is not to say that black-tie is required; it would just be strange and out of place to wear a tux to an interview.

However, you should dress in the best suit you can afford, preferably one made of dark worsted wool and dry-cleaned, among other qualities.

There are, on the other hand, more “modern” workplaces where the dress code is more relaxed. Tech start-ups and marketing firms can really differ greatly from one another.

You could say these workplaces were “business casual”, because a pair of chinos or dark wash jeans, an There, an Oxford shirt and a cardigan might be perfectly acceptable.

These ones are trickier to figure out when it comes to the interview, but a polo shirt would still be dressing down rather than dressing up for most of them.

Avoid polos for these more “modern” workplaces too. It would be safer to wear a more laid-back suit. As an alternative, choose dark chinos, an Oxford shirt, a knit tie, and a sports coat or blazer.

Finally, you’ve then got much more relaxed workplaces where you know for sure that you could reasonably go to work in a T-shirt and jeans.

The only interviews where a polo shirt might be appropriate are really these ones. This is because wearing a polo shirt would actually be considered more dressy.

Be careful, however. Do some online research, ask some people who know the workplace well, and be extra certain that the dress code really is that casual before you take the risk.

2. Uniform Vs No Uniform

Avoid wearing a polo shirt if the position calls for a uniform.

It can be challenging to decide what to wear to the interview if the position you’re applying for calls for a uniform. After all, you cannot obtain the uniform for the interview itself. That would be incredibly strange, in fact.

What do you do in its place, then?

There are plenty of workplaces that aren’t “formal”, but do require a uniform to be worn on the job. Custodial services, maintenance, emergency services, etc. are a few examples. What do you plan to wear to the interview, then?

Polo shirts shouldn’t be worn in these situations because the risk isn’t worth it.

The workplace may not be formal, but a polo shirt would be too casual to wear safely, and know that it won’t work against you at the interview.

Suits are a great option because they are so versatile. It’s pretty rare to come across “too formal” for an interview, no matter how casual the workplace you’re applying to work in is.

However, if a suit seems excessive, opt for a traditional business-casual ensemble. An Oxford shirt (ideally with a tie), a pair of chinos, and a pair of brown leather shoes (monk straps or Derbys).

3. The Other Items You’re Wearing

There’s a chance that you may not know what you need to wear as a shirt, but you do know what you need to wear for the rest of the outfit.

For example, you might know or at least have a strong feeling that you need to wear leather shoes, a sports coat/blazer, and slacks.

Simply put, it’s the atmosphere at work. Or you’ve been told that by someone who does work there already.

If you feel the need to wear more “formal” items such as this to the interview, don’t wear a polo shirt.

One explanation for this is that the polo shirt’s informal style will obviously clash with the rest of the outfit’s (generally) formal aesthetic.

But it also provides you with a partial answer to your query. There’s a good chance that at the very least a dress shirt or an Oxford shirt would be required if you believe that items like those are necessary.

Polo shirts are simply insufficient.

How to Wear a Polo Shirt to An Interview?

So, you now know that there are plentyof instances where a polo shirt just wouldn’t be appropriate for an interview. At least you now know how to figure that out for yourself.

If you do end up deciding that a polo shirt would be fine for the interview, stick to the following tips to make it work.

1. No Branding

Polo shirts frequently feature some pretty robust and overt branding. Usually, the logo is the main offender. It might be large and take up a sizable amount of the shirt.

Polo shirts from Ralph Lauren are an illustration. Even though that logo is recognizable, it is too bold and informal-looking for any type of interview, regardless of how informal the workplace might be.

So, if you plan to wear a polo shirt to an interview, look for one with no branding at all. Nothing more than a single, straightforward color.

Nothing; no writing, no logos.

When attending the interview, stay away from golf shirts as well. Golf shirts have distinct differences and typically have a more sporty appearance, despite having a very similar appearance to polo shirts.

2. Neutral Color

It’s crucial to choose a simple, neutral, minimalist color for your polo shirt when going to an interview.

Polo shirts are a staple of smart-casual summer clothing, and you can often find them in eye-catching hues like vivid pink or yellow.

While these look great with a pair of shorts and aviator sunglasses, they have no business being worn to any kind of interview.

The polo’s color should be as unobtrusive as possible.

Select a neutral shade instead, like off-white, beige, navy blue, or olive green. These colors aren’t just plain and understated. They are also fairly simple to color coordinate with the other items you will be wearing.

Also Read: Are Polo Shirts in Style?

3. No Other Casual Items

The most casual outfit you wear to the interview should be a polo shirt. The rest of the outfit should be fashionable enough to make up for how unprofessional the polo shirt appears.

So, avoid wearing sneakers and jeans. It’ll just make your entire ensemble appear too carefree, as if you didn’t even try.

Instead, choose smart-casual clothing such as chinos and Derby shoes.

When attending the interview, you should also put on an undershirt to prevent sweat problems.

4. Consider a Blazer

Finally, think about covering that polo shirt with a blazer or sports coat.

It’s a simple way to make that polo shirt look smarter and less casual, even the more “casual” looking sports coats.

Worn-out polo shirts can look great and just demonstrate that you put in extra effort for the interview.

Read More: What Shoes to Wear With Polo Shirt?

Can You Wear a Polo Shirt to a Zoom Interview?

Polo shirts would not be appropriate for most Zoom interviews as they will usually come across too casual.

As with a face-to-face interview, dress more formally for the interview by taking into account the company and job’s industry standards.

Why Does What You Wear to a Job Interview Matter?

It’s true that you shouldn’t always judge a book by its cover. But when it comes to job interviews, your job interview attire makes a first impression that has an immediate impact on how the interviewer perceives you.

Whether you’re conducting a face-to-face or online interview, dressing to impress shows the hiring manager that you’re seriously interested in the position.

It also helps show whoever you’re interviewing that you respect the time they’re devoting to your interview.

Conclusion: Can I Wear a Polo Shirt to An Interview

Now that you know the complete answer, hopefully.

While in most cases, a polo shirt just wouldn’t be appropriate for an interview, there are certain instances where you might be able to pull it off.

You now know the most effective way to wear it if this is the case.

Read More: How Should a Polo Shirt Fit?

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