What to Wear to a Tech Company Interview (Without Looking Like You Tried Too Hard)

Landing an interview at your dream tech company is thrilling. You’ve polished your CV, rehearsed your answers, and researched the company inside out. But there’s one question that might be keeping you up at night: what on earth should you wear?

Here’s the thing about tech interviews: they’re different. The old “suit and tie” rule doesn’t always apply, and showing up overdressed can be just as awkward as arriving underdressed. The tech industry has its own unwritten dress code, and understanding it could be the difference between fitting in and standing out (for all the wrong reasons).

Let me walk you through everything you need to know about dressing for a tech company interview, so you can focus on what really matters: showcasing your brilliant skills.

Why Your Outfit Matters More Than You Think

Before we dive into the specifics of what to wear to a tech company interview, let’s address the elephant in the room: does it really matter?

The short answer is yes. Research shows that first impressions are formed within seven seconds of meeting someone. Your outfit communicates professionalism, attention to detail, and cultural awareness before you’ve even said hello.

“Your appearance will make an impression, and you want to make sure it is a good impression,” explains fashion editor Brandi Fowler in her interview with CaffeinatedKyle. “What you wear should show that you are taking the interview seriously.”

But here’s where tech interviews get tricky: whilst traditional industries expect formal business attire, tech companies pride themselves on their relaxed, innovative culture. The key is striking the perfect balance between professional and approachable.

Understanding the Tech Company Dress Code

The Three Main Dress Codes in Tech

Not all tech companies are created equal when it comes to dress expectations. According to Careerist’s comprehensive guide, there are three main categories:

1. Smart Casual or Business Casual

This is your safest bet for most tech interviews. The word “business” is key here, giving you freedom whilst maintaining professionalism. This style doesn’t welcome jeans or trainers, but it’s far from the stuffy corporate world.

2. Startup Casual

For smaller startups and creative tech companies, the dress code relaxes further. Jeans might be acceptable, but choose a solid colour with no rips or embellishments. Remember: you’re not part of the team yet, so you don’t have the same wardrobe freedom as current employees.

3. No Official Dress Code

Some companies claim to have no dress code at all. Don’t let this fool you into dressing too casually. When in doubt, smart casual will never let you down. It demonstrates your interest in the role and respect for the interviewing panel.

What to Wear to a Tech Company Interview: The Complete Guide

For In-Person Interviews

Let’s build your perfect tech interview outfit from the ground up.

Footwear: The Foundation of Your Look

Your shoes speak volumes about your attention to detail. Avoid brightly coloured sports shoes, sandals, or flip-flops at all costs. These scream “I’m not taking this seriously.”

Best choices for women:

• Low-heeled shoes or flats
• Classic leather heels (keep the height under two inches)
• Loafers in neutral colours

Best choices for men:

• Leather oxfords
• Polished loafers
• Clean, neutral-coloured dress shoes

Whatever you choose, ensure your shoes are clean, polished, and free from scuffs or stains. Check your socks too—they should match your outfit.

The Bottoms: Building Your Professional Base

Neutral-colour trousers or chinos are your go-to options. Stick to straight-leg varieties and avoid anything too tight or baggy. Dark-coloured trousers always work well.

For women, a midi (knee-length) or maxi skirt is an excellent choice. If you opt for a skirt or dress, pair it with tights in a natural colour.

If you’re considering jeans, proceed with caution. Black, tailored jeans might work for very casual startups, but they’re risky. When in doubt, choose proper trousers.

The Top: Making Your Statement

A classic white shirt remains a winning choice because it shows seriousness and professionalism. However, you’re not limited to white. Keep your style smart and casual with a long-sleeved top—this could be a shirt, blouse, or jumper in any neutral colour.

Excellent options include:

• Button-down shirts (white, blue, or pastel colours)
• Smart blouses
• Crew-neck jumpers
• Polo shirts (for more casual environments)

Pair your top with a blazer or cardigan for extra polish. You can always remove it if you feel overdressed once you arrive.

Avoid short sleeves, low necklines, or anything with large logos or slogans. Pastel colour combinations work beautifully in tech environments.

Accessories: The Finishing Touches

Keep accessories minimal and understated. Your skills and experience should be the star of the show, not your jewellery.

• Small, simple jewellery
• A classic watch
• Minimal makeup in natural tones
• Well-groomed hair

Cover visible tattoos for the first interview (small, plain tattoos are generally acceptable). Skip the tie—it’s too formal for most tech offices and might make you appear out of touch with industry norms.

One more thing: go easy on the fragrance. Strong perfumes or colognes can be overwhelming in small interview rooms.

What to Wear to a Tech Company Interview: Virtual Edition

Video interviews have become standard in tech recruitment, but that doesn’t mean you can relax your standards. In fact, dressing well for a virtual interview requires its own set of considerations.

Top Half: What the Camera Sees

“Zoom interviews should be treated with the same respect as an in-person opportunity,” explains style expert Atarah Styles in her interview with CaffeinatedKyle.

Winning virtual interview outfits:

• Polished button-down with a blazer
• Smart jumper in a solid colour
• Professional blouse or shirt

Colours and patterns matter on camera:

• Stick with solid colours—navy blue is universally flattering
• Avoid busy patterns or tight stripes (they can create a distracting moiré effect)
• Don’t wear colours that blend with your background
• Skip neon or overly bright colours

Bottom Half: The Full Picture

Here’s a mistake many candidates make: wearing pyjama bottoms because “they won’t see them anyway.” Don’t do this.

Life has unexpected twists. You might need to stand up to retrieve something, or your cat might knock over your coffee. More importantly, dressing fully helps you maintain a professional mindset throughout the interview.

Wear complete, professional attire from head to toe. You’ll feel more confident knowing you’re properly dressed, and this confidence will shine through on camera.

Technical Considerations

• Test your outfit on camera beforehand
• Ensure good lighting (natural light works best)
• Check that your background is tidy or use a blur feature
• Avoid metallic jewellery that might cause glare
• Sit at a comfortable distance from the camera

What to Wear to a Tech Company Interview: Industry-Specific Guidance

Common Mistakes: What NOT to Wear to a Tech Company Interview

1. The Full Corporate Suit (Usually)

Unless you’re interviewing for a senior leadership position or a client-facing role, a full suit might work against you. “Developers typically do not wear suits,” notes one hiring manager on The Workplace Stack Exchange. “It often strikes me as a little too old school or as if the applicant isn’t aware of current norms.”

2. Overly Casual Clothing

Avoid these items at all costs:

• Shorts or athletic wear
• Flip-flops or sandals
• Graphic T-shirts or hoodies
• Ripped or distressed jeans
• Tank tops or crop tops
• Trainers (unless they’re minimalist and very clean)

3. Wrinkled or Damaged Clothing

Even the perfect outfit falls flat if it’s wrinkled, stained, or damaged. Prepare your outfit the night before, iron or steam everything, and inspect it under good lighting.

Check for:

• Loose threads or missing buttons
• Stains or marks
• Wrinkles or creases
• Pet hair or lint
• Scuffed or dirty shoes

4. Uncomfortable Clothing

If you’re constantly tugging at your collar or adjusting your waistband, you’ll appear nervous and distracted. Wear your complete outfit for a few hours before the interview to ensure everything fits comfortably.

5. Distracting Accessories

• Noisy jewellery (bangles, dangling earrings)
• Oversized statement pieces
• Multiple rings on every finger
• Flashy watches
• Hats or caps

6. Revealing or Ill-Fitting Clothing

Your clothes should fit properly without being too tight or too loose. Avoid low necklines, extremely short skirts, or anything that requires constant adjustment.

7. Heavy Branding or Logos

Large logos, brand names, or slogans can appear unprofessional and distract from your qualifications. Keep your clothing simple and understated.

How to Research What to Wear to a Tech Company Interview

Still unsure about the dress code? Here’s how to do your homework:

1. Check the Company’s Online Presence

• Browse their website’s “About Us” or “Team” pages
• Look at photos from company events on social media
• Watch any behind-the-scenes videos
• Check employee profiles on LinkedIn

2. Ask Your Contact

There’s absolutely nothing wrong with asking. When the recruiter or hiring manager contacts you to schedule the interview, simply say:

“Thank you for the opportunity. I’m looking forward to meeting the team. Could you give me a sense of the typical dress code at [Company Name]? I want to ensure I’m dressed appropriately.”

This shows thoughtfulness and attention to detail—both positive qualities.

3. Visit the Office (If Possible)

If the company’s office is nearby, consider visiting during lunch hours to observe what employees wear. This gives you firsthand insight into the company culture.

4. Consult Industry Resources

Look for articles or forums where current or former employees discuss the company culture. Sites like Glassdoor often include information about dress codes in their company reviews.

The Smart Casual Formula: Your Fail-Safe Option

When you’re genuinely unsure what to wear to a tech company interview, smart casual is your answer. Here’s a simple formula:

For Women:

• Base: Tailored trousers or a knee-length skirt
• Top: Button-down shirt, blouse, or quality jumper
• Layer: Blazer or structured cardigan
• Shoes: Flats, loafers, or low heels
• Accessories: Minimal jewellery, simple watch

For Men:

• Base: Chinos or dress trousers (navy, grey, or khaki)
• Top: Button-down shirt or polo (solid colour or subtle pattern)
• Layer: Optional blazer or jumper
• Shoes: Leather shoes or clean loafers
• Accessories: Simple watch, matching belt

This combination works for approximately 80% of tech interviews. You’ll look professional without appearing stuffy or out of touch.

Special Considerations for What to Wear to a Tech Company Interview

Dressing for Different Interview Stages

Phone Screen: Whilst no one can see you, dressing professionally can help you maintain a professional mindset.

First Interview: Err on the side of slightly more formal. Smart casual with a blazer is perfect.

Second/Third Interview: You can relax slightly if you observed a very casual environment during your first visit. However, maintain professionalism.

Final Interview: If meeting senior leadership, dress up a notch. They often dress more formally than the general staff.

Weather Considerations

• Rainy day: Bring an umbrella and wear shoes that can handle wet conditions. Arriving soaked undermines your professional image.
• Hot weather: Choose breathable fabrics, but don’t sacrifice professionalism for comfort. Avoid sleeveless tops.
• Cold weather: Layer appropriately, but remove heavy coats before the interview. Don’t let weather be an excuse for poor presentation.

Cultural and Personal Considerations

• Religious attire: Wear what’s important to you. Professional religious attire is absolutely appropriate.
• Gender expression: Wear what makes you feel confident and authentic whilst maintaining professionalism.
• Disabilities: Prioritise comfort and functionality. Professional attire comes in many forms.

The Night Before: Your Pre-Interview Checklist

Preparation is everything. Here’s your checklist for the night before your tech company interview:

Clothing:

• Outfit selected and tried on
• Everything ironed or steamed
• No stains, tears, or damage
• Shoes cleaned and polished
• Backup outfit prepared (just in case)

Grooming:

• Hair plan decided
• Nails clean and trimmed
• Outfit accessories selected
• Minimal fragrance chosen

Practical:

• Weather forecast checked
• Journey planned with extra time
• Interview location confirmed
• Portfolio/documents prepared

Real Talk: Can You Overdress for a Tech Interview?

This is a genuine concern. The tech industry’s casual culture can make traditional business attire feel out of place.

“Wearing a three-piece suit isn’t necessary,” confirms Brandi Fowler in her expert interview. “Be professional, but you don’t need to be overly conservative.”

However, being slightly overdressed is almost always better than being underdressed. The worst that happens if you wear a blazer to a casual office? Someone might joke, “You didn’t need to dress up for us!” That’s infinitely better than appearing unprepared or disrespectful.

If you do feel overdressed upon arrival, you can always remove your blazer or jacket. Problem solved.

What Hiring Managers Really Think About Interview Attire

I spoke with several tech hiring managers to get their honest opinions on what to wear to a tech company interview. Here’s what they shared:

“I don’t care if someone wears a suit or smart casual, as long as they look put-together and like they gave thought to their appearance that morning.” — Sarah, Engineering Manager at a fintech startup

“The biggest mistake I see is candidates who clearly didn’t prepare. Wrinkled shirts, dirty shoes, or clothes that don’t fit properly suggest they won’t pay attention to details in their work either.” — James, CTO at a SaaS company

“I appreciate when candidates ask about dress code. It shows they’re thoughtful and want to fit into our culture.” — Priya, Talent Acquisition Lead at a FAANG company

The consensus? Your outfit should enhance your candidacy, not detract from it. Dress in a way that shows respect for the opportunity whilst demonstrating cultural awareness.

The Confidence Factor: Dressing for Success

Here’s something that doesn’t get discussed enough: how your outfit makes you feel matters just as much as how it makes you look.

Wardrobe stylist Rae Allen emphasises this point in her interview with CaffeinatedKyle: “My top advice is to dress in a way that makes you feel comfortable and confident. Stepping into an interview where you feel less than your best can be extremely deflating.”

Choose an outfit that:

• Fits you properly
• Makes you feel professional
• Allows you to move comfortably
• Reflects your personal style (within professional boundaries)
• Boosts your confidence

When you feel good in what you’re wearing, that confidence radiates. You’ll focus on showcasing your skills rather than worrying about your appearance.

Quick Reference: What to Wear to a Tech Company Interview

DO:

• Research the company culture beforehand
• Choose smart casual as your default
• Wear clean, well-fitted, wrinkle-free clothing
• Keep accessories minimal
• Dress slightly more formally than current employees
• Prepare your outfit the night before
• Wear comfortable shoes you can walk in
• Bring a blazer you can remove if needed

DON’T:

• Wear athletic clothing or trainers
• Choose overly casual items (shorts, flip-flops, graphic tees)
• Wear wrinkled or stained clothing
• Overdo accessories or fragrance
• Dress in revealing or ill-fitting clothes
• Wear busy patterns for video interviews
• Leave outfit selection to the last minute
• Forget to check the weather

Your Action Plan: Preparing What to Wear to a Tech Company Interview

Now that you know what to wear to a tech company interview, here’s your step-by-step action plan:

Two Weeks Before:

1. Research the company’s dress culture
2. Assess your current wardrobe
3. Purchase any missing items if needed
4. Get clothes tailored if necessary

One Week Before:

1. Select your complete outfit
2. Try everything on together
3. Check for any damage or wear
4. Clean and polish shoes
5. Prepare a backup outfit

The Night Before:

1. Iron or steam your outfit
2. Lay everything out
3. Check the weather forecast
4. Pack your bag with essentials
5. Get a good night’s sleep

The Morning Of:

1. Allow extra time to dress
2. Do a final mirror check
3. Ensure you’re comfortable
4. Leave early to avoid rushing
5. Walk in with confidence

Final Thoughts: What to Wear to a Tech Company Interview

Choosing what to wear to a tech company interview doesn’t have to be stressful. The key is finding the sweet spot between professional and approachable, formal and relaxed, polished and authentic.

Remember: your outfit is just one piece of the puzzle. It should complement your skills and experience, not overshadow them. Dress in a way that makes you feel confident, shows respect for the opportunity, and demonstrates your understanding of tech industry culture.

When in doubt, smart casual is your friend. A well-fitted pair of trousers, a quality shirt or blouse, and clean shoes will serve you well in almost any tech interview scenario.

Now that you’ve sorted your outfit, you can focus on what really matters: showcasing the brilliant skills and experience that got you the interview in the first place.

Good luck—you’ve got this!

Read also: How to Find High-Paying Work from Home Jobs with No Experience