It's often said that clothes don't make the man. Yet at a job interview, the first impression you make on your future employer matters enormously. The goal? Inspiring confidence.

Your outfit is the finishing touch on a job interview: not the most important thing, but it can genuinely make the difference, especially against other candidates competing for the same role.

Dressing correctly for a job interview comes down to several factors. One of them is knowing how to read the dress code of the company you want to join. And this step matters far more than it seems!

Don't let a styling mistake cost you the job of your dreams: LE CHEMISEUR® guides you toward the ideal outfit, so every detail works in your favour on interview day.

Reading the dress code

A graphic designer doesn't dress the same way as a banker, so it's worth studying the dress code of the company you've applied to before walking into the interview.

Nothing works against you more than showing up with the wrong "dress code"!

Ideally, gather as much information as possible on how the team dresses, so you can adapt to the company and help your interviewer picture you in the role, as part of the team.

Large corporations generally favour classic outfits, sometimes even the full suit-and-tie combination.

One option: a white poplin shirt from the Lyon-based weaver Verne&Clet, paired with a mottled blue suit, a burgundy or navy tie and brown shoes.

If you prefer a pattern, a lovely blue and white fine-striped poplin shirt, RB45, pairs beautifully with a navy suit and a tie in matching tones. On your feet, classic black shoes complete this elegant look.

Start-ups and SMEs, on the other hand, tend to have a far more relaxed, sometimes even eccentric, dress code. Here, smart casual is the way to go!

For a touch of personality, consider a shirt like the easy-iron small-check twill, worn with raw denim, loafers and a grey jacket.

Stick to the classics

A job interview is certainly not the moment to try out the latest style trends. The rule? Simplicity above all.

A suit never goes out of style. You can choose it more formal or more relaxed depending on the type of role you've applied for.

In winter, opt for darker tones; summer calls for lighter-coloured outfits.

Wherever you're hoping to work, one item stays essential in every circumstance: the shirt!

A white shirt with a classic collar or a blue shirt with a small collar are two safe choices that will never let you down. And above all, check the fit of your shirt — sleeve length is a detail that leaves no room for error.

While you're at it, take a look at our men's shirt style tips.

Which shirt for a job interview?

Most quality fabrics work well for a job interview, but some should be avoided — like linen, which creases far too quickly.

Our advice? Choose poplin, twill, easy-care fabric or Oxford to take the guesswork out of picking a shirt for a formal job interview.

Landed an interview at a start-up or an SME? You can allow yourself a beautiful flannel, chambray or Oxford shirt.

One last tip: wear and wash your shirt before the big day — you'll feel far more comfortable in it.

Which accessories to choose for a job interview?

As we've said: timeless pieces are your best allies for a job interview. The same goes for accessories.

Favour classic watches, and leave anything flashy or showy at home. If you choose to wear cufflinks, once again, keep it discreet. For ties, pick a classic model — not too thin, not too long.

Finally, if you enjoy wearing fragrance, go easy on the spray and mist it into the air ahead of you, so it settles gently onto your clothes.

Here's our dedicated guide on how to accessorise your shirt.

The LE CHEMISEUR® tip

Dress one notch above what you'd normally wear to the office, and above all, have your shirt altered if needed — or better still, treat yourself to a made-to-measure shirt. This is the moment to be perfect!