Business casual for men means tailored trousers or chinos, a collared shirt or a fine-gauge knit, and leather shoes or clean smart trainers. A tie is not required and a full suit is not expected. It sits one step below business formal and one step above smart casual, and it is now the default in most UK offices.
What counts as business casual
- Trousers: tailored trousers, chinos or smart tech trousers in navy, grey, charcoal or stone. See men's trousers and chinos.
- Shirts: Oxford, poplin or brushed cotton, plain or with a quiet stripe or check. See shirts.
- Knitwear: a quarter-zip, crew neck, roll neck or knitted polo in a fine gauge. See quarter-zip jumpers and knitted polos.
- Jackets: an unstructured blazer when you have a meeting. See blazers.
- Shoes: loafers, Derbies, Chelsea boots or plain leather trainers. See loafers and smart trainers.
What does not count
- Ripped, faded or baggy jeans. Dark, plain jeans are accepted in many offices, but check yours first.
- Hoodies, graphic T-shirts and sportswear.
- Running trainers, sliders and worn-out shoes.
- Shorts, in almost every UK office.
A five-day rotation
Monday
Navy blazer, white Oxford shirt, grey trousers, brown loafers.
Tuesday
Grey quarter-zip over a light blue shirt, navy chinos, Chelsea boots.
Wednesday
Charcoal roll neck, pleated trousers, black boots. No shirt needed. See pleated trousers.
Thursday
Brushed cotton shirt, stone chinos, an overshirt or cardigan as the top layer, smart trainers.
Friday
Knitted polo, dark trousers or dark jeans where they are allowed, loafers.
Five outfits from about ten pieces, and every item swaps into another day.
Business casual vs smart casual
Business casual is for work: the trousers are tailored, the shoes are leather or close to it, and a collar or fine knit is expected. Smart casual is for social plans and allows jeans, bolder colour and more relaxed layers. Our smart casual guide covers that side.
Winter and summer adjustments
In winter, wear a wool-blend overcoat for the commute and swap shirts for roll necks. In summer, choose lighter trousers and knitted polos, and keep the blazer at your desk for meetings.
Questions answered
Are jeans business casual?
In many UK offices, dark jeans with no rips are accepted, especially on Fridays. In client-facing roles, choose chinos or tailored trousers.
Do I need a tie for business casual?
No. Carry one only if you may be called into a formal meeting.
Is a polo shirt business casual?
A knitted or long-sleeve polo is. A sports polo with a large logo is not.
Can I wear trainers?
Plain leather trainers in white, black or navy are accepted in most offices. Keep them clean.
See the smart casual clothing edit for pieces that work Monday to Friday. UK delivery is free and tracked on every order, with free 30-day UK returns.
