What business shirt / collar should I wear?

KeplersLaws on 01/10/2016 - 11:54
Last edited 01/10/2016 - 11:59

i understand this isn't /r/malefashionadvice, but i wanted some more geographically relevant dress advice.
helo, i just landed a pt job. it's in the city, and for the government (or one of its agencies), but it's very entry level (cannot put more emphasis on that).
i have questions regarding the shirts i should wear. generally, i don't think people in my field level wear suits and ties - it's too overboard. as such, i've read that those who want a no-tie look should go with button down collars - that is, dress shirts with buttons on the collars, as these look good without ties. yet i see people walking around wearing classic collared shirts without ties heaps too.

having a look at some charles tyrwhitt shirts, it appears both button down and classic collar shirts go for the same price of 3 for 99 (yes i know about their ACCC schemozzle, i don't care), so i was just wondering what my experienced white collared higher upper ozbargainers have to say about this.

Education & Work

Comments

  • Diji1 on 01/10/2016 - 12:26

    I'd call the place you're going to work at and ask one of the secretaries or HR people.

    • KeplersLaws on 01/10/2016 - 12:38
      +2

      thanks for the advice, but i wou;dn't. it would probably make me look rookie as fvck, among other things

      • Diji1 on 01/10/2016 - 14:07
        +3

        OK go ahead and ask a bunch of people whose qualifications are "on a random internet forum" rather than someone that is employed by your prospective employer, I'm sure they'd be in a better position to know what the dress code is at your work rather than people actually employed there.

        • StewBalls on 01/10/2016 - 16:10
          +1

          OK go ahead and ask a bunch of people whose qualifications are "on a random internet forum"…

          Seems legit…

      • bluesky on 01/10/2016 - 17:15
        +4

        On the contrary, you will look like you are earnest about the position. And want to do everything properly. I got asked that before when someone new started, and it only increased my regard for the person.

  • supnigs super skids on 01/10/2016 - 12:52
    +2

    I like the Brooksfield brand ones. Don't go all white in clear fabrics. They are almost see-through. Not a good look in brighter lighting.

    Ensure fabric isn't too thin.

    Button down collars are for ties. With them buttoned without doing up the collar looks weird.

    • kiribatian on 01/10/2016 - 13:27

      Agree- super weird

  • niner on 01/10/2016 - 12:57
    +6

    I tend to overdress on my first day then wind back my attire to be slightly under dressed compared to my boss.

  • Davo1111 on 01/10/2016 - 12:58
    +3

    A few months back i left an entry level government job.

    Most men wear just a standard dress shirt and black slacks. Nobody cares about fashion.

    If I had to start a new wardrobe tomorrow i'd just get 2 van heusen classic fits and a set of dark dress pants.

    Dont overthink this.

  • robbyjones on 01/10/2016 - 14:30
    +1

    Traditionally, you don't wear a tie with a button down collar shirt but, honestly, nobody is going to care, just shirt and slacks or chino's should be fine.

  • cheepo on 01/10/2016 - 14:42
    +4

    I agree with the majority here. Button down shirts are not necessary without a tie.

    Most guys I've met and know who work in an office (including myself) don't really care much for expensive designer brands or how much you paid for your shirt, shoes or tie! As long as you look presentable and your business attire is a good fit (not baggy or tight), then most people are going to stop paying attention to what you're wearing after a short while. I generally see men go overboard when they hold a high end position, are trying to get promotion or are wanting to impress one of the girls in the office…among other reasons.

    You'll quickly get a sense of what's acceptable in your workspace after being there for a few days and seeing what others are wearing.

  • StewBalls on 01/10/2016 - 16:11
    +3

    I get all of my work shirts from Rivers now, comfy, sturdy, cheap as chips & so easy to iron they're damn near permanent press!

    That said, whilst I hate the cold weather, I'll be sad to see winter gone coz I'll have to start ironing the entire shirt again, not just the collars! ;)

    • KeplersLaws on 01/10/2016 - 16:35
      +1

      thanks stew, love your work (comments). have you tried non-iron shirts? tmlewin and CT do them, they still 100% cotton but idk what they treat it with or something

      • StewBalls on 01/10/2016 - 18:30

        Thanks for the heads-up, I didn't even know about those, I'll check them out for sure…I do have somewhat of an allergy to the iron! ;)

      • conan2000 on 03/10/2016 - 06:25

        Every non-ionic shirt I have ever owned still needs ironed.

        • KeplersLaws on 03/10/2016 - 06:50

          yes, ive read, was just hoping to a lesser extent

  • Natt on 01/10/2016 - 16:23
    +2

    Ask someone at the workplace, don't feel bad. I can't see why anyone would think of less of you. If you really want, query if they have a corporate uniform some government places do. Sometimes it's even as informal as a branded shirt + nice trousers.

  • ihbh on 01/10/2016 - 17:30
    +1

    When I first started working I was clueless about buying shirts and didn't have the common sense to ask anyone. Over time, I realised that the fit is the most important aspect - e.g. if you're sporty, go for slim fit, etc.

    I started cheap with shirts from department stores, and eventually graduated to two-ply Egyptian cotton shirts. You don't need these and unless you buy from warehouse sales, it will cost you a bomb.

    I don't see a lot of button-down shirts nowadays, and it's not practical without a tie.

    Also, consider non-whites and different weaves/stripes/checked shirts that look smart on normal days and casual Fridays.

  • spackbace on 01/10/2016 - 17:49
    +1

    How old are you (or roughly)?

    Because 1 other thing that gets noticed (in a bad way) is those that wear business attire badly! Pants too low, shirt too short so doesn't tuck in properly, shirt too baggy, etc etc.

    If you're unsure, get someone else's opinion before your first day. First impressions count :)

    • KeplersLaws on 02/10/2016 - 22:03
      +1

      i plead 5th, you might in fact be my boss

  • Faithgrrl on 01/10/2016 - 17:54
    +1

    Agreed with spacebace. If you are young, go for Marcs. They cost a lot so aim for the clearance bit on their website. Really nice, fits well and last for ages.

  • KeplersLaws on 01/10/2016 - 21:43

    Alright thanks boys.

  • [Deactivated] on 02/10/2016 - 07:09

    Button down are generally considered for older folk, more casual and without a tie. Don't go button down

    Go a standard collar and you can't go wrong

    I do plenty of business meetings and often dress it up with a suit jacket but ties are rare

  • plowry1977 on 02/10/2016 - 07:59

    What was with the charles tyrwhitt shirts 3 for 99 ACCC schemozzle mentioned in original post about???

    • KeplersLaws on 02/10/2016 - 08:49

      https://www.accc.gov.au/media-release/charles-tyrwhitt-pays-penalty-for-an-alleged-false-or-misleading-‘was-now’-pricing-representation

      • KeplersLaws on 02/10/2016 - 08:55

        wasn;t actually regarding the 3 for 99 deal, but more so their pricing strategy. have read around though that they are still worth the money, it's just up to you whether you support this kinda competitive pricing strategy (i don't really carE)

      • plowry1977 on 04/10/2016 - 08:39

        Thanks. Good they got a fine for that, doesnt bother me i normally wait for $39 or 49 deals as love their non iron shirts, got 6 now

  • Scab on 02/10/2016 - 08:53
    +3

    I'd play it safe and go safari suit.

    Fashionable, demands respect and comes in long sleeve or sawn-offs.

    I'd go long sleeve at first though as it's a new job.

    • KeplersLaws on 02/10/2016 - 08:58
      +2

      should i pair that with a pith helmet?

    • HeWhoKnows on 02/10/2016 - 10:28
      +1

      Hilarious 10/10 for entertainment value

  • HeWhoKnows on 02/10/2016 - 10:27
    +1

    Always best to go slightly overdressed. Don't try to look the part. You are presenting yourself to them. Not the other way round. Wear trousers, shirt and tie. You cant go wrong.

    • bluesky on 02/10/2016 - 16:29

      I agree 100%. Will likely make good first impression with everyone in the team on the first day. Which is a good start. Of course, impression is one thing, which can be eroded/revised over time, thereafter it is down to your ability and other traits. But good first impressions never hurt.

  • modsec802 on 02/10/2016 - 20:05
    +1

    I work from home; it's hard to even put pants on these days; let alone a collared shirt

    • KeplersLaws on 02/10/2016 - 22:01

      youre a class act and my idol juicedpixels.

  • mchoodie on 03/10/2016 - 12:08
    +1

    Wear what your interviewers wore for your first day and get a feel for what's appropriate. Erring on the side of more formal is probably more suitable in most cases. If you're overdressed, then use that as a conversation starter with colleagues and ask them for their advice.

    Buy shirts which you could dress with with a tie when the time comes. Get a couple of shirts to start with and then you can build you wardrobe. Aim to refresh you wardrobe every year or so (or howerver budget allows). Not a full replace, but add a couple and phase out those that wear out. Also keep a more colourful/patterned shirt for Fridays if they do dress down Fridays. Prolly pair them with chinos/jeans.

    More than anything, wear what you're comfortable with (within reason). Nothin wrong with being sharply dressed! But have a decent looking pair of shoes!

    OR go Gordon Gecko straight up.

  • [Deactivated] on 04/10/2016 - 10:28
    +1

    Look forwards 5/10/15 years. Where do you want to be?
    I started on the same side of the table as you but eventually I was on the other; doing the interviewing.
    A few pointers:
    Cheap shirts will let you down sooner or later.
    Cheap pants will let you down even quicker.
    Cheap shoes will let you down from day 1.
    Most of my shirts are "Thomas Pink" and have never, ever let me down.
    Best time to buy is in the sales.
    Make sure they fit your collar, waist and chest: choose the correct fit.
    Stick to white but only wear for 1 day before washing.
    Don't tumble dry unless you have to, and then only on low.
    Use a stain removal spray on the neck line when you notice yellowing.
    Start wearing them 2 weeks before you start work. Your neck will thank you for it.
    Good luck in your career.

    • KeplersLaws on 04/10/2016 - 18:50
      +1

      inspirational. no seriously. thanks for the insight and motivation

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