The word ‘business casual’ has always been little imprecise when it comes to reading dress requirements.
Not only may business casual clothes differ by employer and sector, the extent to which you can extend business casual dress requirements might vary based on the location or even city you live in.
So, what exactly does business casual mean? Are jeans considered business casual? Does color matter? What about the occasion? If you’ve been wondering how to incorporate jeans into a business casual dress code, read on to discover more.
What is considered business casual?
Business casual is a wide concept that indicates attire that is professional, yet more relaxed and comfortable then typical business dress. Basically, it’s a mix between a suit and tie, and your favorite jeans and shoes, merging fashion with utility. This is still fairly ambiguous, though, and purposely so. Business casual is supposed to be a wide, subjective dress code so that you may still express yourself, while keeping a suitable look. According to Business Insider, acceptable business casual wear includes:
Business Casual For Men
Business Casual For Ladies
Are jeans business casual?
Unless jeans are officially forbidden, they are considered business casual, with several restrictions. Consider the jeans style and color, as well as the occasion you’re dressing for before slipping on a pair of jeans to the office. Also, style important! For example, a smart pair of black trousers will quickly seem more relaxed when coupled with a t-shirt and flip flops. Consider what you’re matching with jeans and whatever accessories you pick to complete the outfit.
Are jeans business casual for women?
Yes, depending on the style and fit. Stick to well-tailored, clean jeans—think classic slim or straight fits, skinny jeans, and boot cuts, avoiding baggy boyfriend fits or loose, stretched out jeans. Steer wary of denim with rips, frays, raw hems, or distressing. When worn with a shirt or knit sweater and some high heels, tailored jeans or even a denim jumpsuit may be enhanced properly for a business atmosphere.
Are jeans business casual for men?
Yes, but, as previously noted, it all comes down to the style. Opt for tighter, more fitted fits, as opposed to loose saggy jeans. The waistline should be high enough to to be properly covered while wearing an untucked shirt, and hemlines should touch the ankle or below. Slim fits and straight fits are typically preferable, teamed with a polo, sport coat, or open collared shirt and loafers.
How To Dress Jeans Up For Work
1. When in doubt, go dark
Although jeans as a whole are considered business casual, not all jeans are business casual, and color plays a large impact. As a general rule of thumb, the darker the denim, the more suited for a business casual dress code. If your office is on the informal side, however, you might go for a lighter wash. For guys, choose for hues like Black, Rinse, or Heritage Rinse. For ladies, Black, Dark Stone, Aged Medium Stone, Indigo 75, and Heritage Rinse are all ideal hues to nail business casual clothes.
2. Choose the proper fit and fabric
Since you’ll likely be moving about and continuously standing and sitting, choosing the appropriate jean fit will guarantee that you’re comfortable all day. For example, pick for a mid or high rise jean to avoid any embarrassing faux pas when sitting down, and a softer denim for easier mobility. Avoid heavier textiles that limit mobility. Our Performance Denim delivers stretch and durability for a full workday, available for men and women, while our Four Way Flex fabric is manufactured with plant derived TENCEL Lyocell for comfort and mobility.
3. Choose the correct accessories
Pair denim with more formal items to boost the outfit. Choose a traditional leather or silver watch, simple gold or silver jewelry, a leather belt, or purse to bring it all together. Avoid bright accessories like braided jewelry, giant statement necklaces, casual bags, or caps, as they tend to seem informal and bring pants down.
4. Consider the occasion
Is it Casual Friday? Is it a business party? Is business casual simply the regular office dress code? Are you meeting with clients? Depending on the occasion, you may wish to pick your jeans accordingly. For example, you may want to wear dark, slim fitting jeans for meeting with customers, and a lighter wash for Casual Friday.
Location matters
The broad facts above are merely rules of thumb that might apply to most organizations, but, it is also necessary to examine your surroundings. Cities with an emphasis on outdoor adventure like Vancouver, Calgary, or Boulder may have a different meaning of business casual than concrete jungles like Toronto and New York City. And don’t get us started on what’s deemed business casual in different nations throughout the world!
According travel report, you should anticipate business casual dress to grow more and more informal the further west you travel in the US. For example, throughout the East Coast, business casual dress comprises a fitted sweater or jacket for men and women, collared shirts, ironed pants, leather shoes, and no jeans. In areas like Denver and Seattle, business casual takes on a more outdoors-y style, incorporating jeans, boots, and vests. Once you reach California, business casual may imply anything from formal suit and tie, to blatant printed shirts for the more eccentric tech enterprises.
The same may be stated about Canada. In Vancouver especially, you may anticipate business casual to appear a lot like the Denver and Seattle version, with a more casual focus, except in the financial, banking or other conservative areas.
Read Also: Are Blue Jeans Business Casual
Business Casual Outfit Ideas That Incorporate Jeans
Jeans, a sport coat, and leather shoes
This is a quick, simple method to dress up a pair of jeans. Throw on a sport coat in corduroy or cotton twill. As for a shirt? As long as the jacket is neutral and doesn’t conflict with the denim color, you may even experiment with light patterns and colors.
Jeans, a silk blouse, and high heels
For ladies, a pair of thin jeans coupled with a sophisticated silk shirt and high heels will never go wrong. Depending on your work context, feel free to experiment with basic blouse designs or a colorful shoe.
Jeans, a fitted sweater, and boots
This one’s for the more outdoors-y towns, like Vancouver and Denver. Pair dark, straight leg jeans with a fitted sweater and leather boots and you’re set to go! Just be sure the boots are clean and scuff-free – you may want to retain a second pair for the real hikes.
Jeans, a cardigan, dressy jewelry, and leather shoes
Here’s another one for women, for a more casual style. Pair straight leg jeans with a knit sweater, modest gold or silver jewelry, and flat leather shoes for a comfortable yet professional appearance.
Jeans, a dress shirt, and loafers
Finally, the easiest way to dress up denim. Simply throw on an ironed dress shirt in a neutral hue or light pattern, and a pair of loafers. Keep things interesting with a high quality leather belt and be sure the shoes are on the dressier side in a decent quality leather.
Tove Svendson 
The word ‘business casual’ has always been little imprecise when it comes to reading dress requirements.
Not only may business casual clothes differ by employer and sector, the extent to which you can extend business casual dress requirements might vary based on the location or even city you live in.
So, what exactly does business casual mean? Are jeans considered business casual? Does color matter? What about the occasion? If you’ve been wondering how to incorporate jeans into a business casual dress code, read on to discover more.
What is considered business casual?
Business casual is a wide concept that indicates attire that is professional, yet more relaxed and comfortable then typical business dress. Basically, it’s a mix between a suit and tie, and your favorite jeans and shoes, merging fashion with utility. This is still fairly ambiguous, though, and purposely so. Business casual is supposed to be a wide, subjective dress code so that you may still express yourself, while keeping a suitable look. According to Business Insider, acceptable business casual wear includes:
Business Casual For Men
Slacks or khakis
Open collars
Polo shirts Sport jackets
Optional ties
Closed toed loafers or formal shoes
Business Casual For Ladies
Slacks or khakis
Dress shirts
Blouses
Knee length dresses or skirts
Tailored blazers
Knit shirts
Fitted sweaters
Heels
Simple, everyday jewelry
Are jeans business casual?
Unless jeans are officially forbidden, they are considered business casual, with several restrictions. Consider the jeans style and color, as well as the occasion you’re dressing for before slipping on a pair of jeans to the office. Also, style important! For example, a smart pair of black trousers will quickly seem more relaxed when coupled with a t-shirt and flip flops. Consider what you’re matching with jeans and whatever accessories you pick to complete the outfit.
Are jeans business casual for women?
Yes, depending on the style and fit. Stick to well-tailored, clean jeans—think classic slim or straight fits, skinny jeans, and boot cuts, avoiding baggy boyfriend fits or loose, stretched out jeans. Steer wary of denim with rips, frays, raw hems, or distressing. When worn with a shirt or knit sweater and some high heels, tailored jeans or even a denim jumpsuit may be enhanced properly for a business atmosphere.
Are jeans business casual for men?
Yes, but, as previously noted, it all comes down to the style. Opt for tighter, more fitted fits, as opposed to loose saggy jeans. The waistline should be high enough to to be properly covered while wearing an untucked shirt, and hemlines should touch the ankle or below. Slim fits and straight fits are typically preferable, teamed with a polo, sport coat, or open collared shirt and loafers.
How To Dress Jeans Up For Work
1. When in doubt, go dark
Although jeans as a whole are considered business casual, not all jeans are business casual, and color plays a large impact. As a general rule of thumb, the darker the denim, the more suited for a business casual dress code. If your office is on the informal side, however, you might go for a lighter wash. For guys, choose for hues like Black, Rinse, or Heritage Rinse. For ladies, Black, Dark Stone, Aged Medium Stone, Indigo 75, and Heritage Rinse are all ideal hues to nail business casual clothes.
2. Choose the proper fit and fabric
Since you’ll likely be moving about and continuously standing and sitting, choosing the appropriate jean fit will guarantee that you’re comfortable all day. For example, pick for a mid or high rise jean to avoid any embarrassing faux pas when sitting down, and a softer denim for easier mobility. Avoid heavier textiles that limit mobility. Our Performance Denim delivers stretch and durability for a full workday, available for men and women, while our Four Way Flex fabric is manufactured with plant derived TENCEL Lyocell for comfort and mobility.
3. Choose the correct accessories
Pair denim with more formal items to boost the outfit. Choose a traditional leather or silver watch, simple gold or silver jewelry, a leather belt, or purse to bring it all together. Avoid bright accessories like braided jewelry, giant statement necklaces, casual bags, or caps, as they tend to seem informal and bring pants down.
4. Consider the occasion
Is it Casual Friday? Is it a business party? Is business casual simply the regular office dress code? Are you meeting with clients? Depending on the occasion, you may wish to pick your jeans accordingly. For example, you may want to wear dark, slim fitting jeans for meeting with customers, and a lighter wash for Casual Friday.
Location matters
The broad facts above are merely rules of thumb that might apply to most organizations, but, it is also necessary to examine your surroundings. Cities with an emphasis on outdoor adventure like Vancouver, Calgary, or Boulder may have a different meaning of business casual than concrete jungles like Toronto and New York City. And don’t get us started on what’s deemed business casual in different nations throughout the world!
According travel report, you should anticipate business casual dress to grow more and more informal the further west you travel in the US. For example, throughout the East Coast, business casual dress comprises a fitted sweater or jacket for men and women, collared shirts, ironed pants, leather shoes, and no jeans. In areas like Denver and Seattle, business casual takes on a more outdoors-y style, incorporating jeans, boots, and vests. Once you reach California, business casual may imply anything from formal suit and tie, to blatant printed shirts for the more eccentric tech enterprises.
The same may be stated about Canada. In Vancouver especially, you may anticipate business casual to appear a lot like the Denver and Seattle version, with a more casual focus, except in the financial, banking or other conservative areas.
Read Also: Are Blue Jeans Business Casual
Business Casual Outfit Ideas That Incorporate Jeans
Jeans, a sport coat, and leather shoes
This is a quick, simple method to dress up a pair of jeans. Throw on a sport coat in corduroy or cotton twill. As for a shirt? As long as the jacket is neutral and doesn’t conflict with the denim color, you may even experiment with light patterns and colors.
Jeans, a silk blouse, and high heels
For ladies, a pair of thin jeans coupled with a sophisticated silk shirt and high heels will never go wrong. Depending on your work context, feel free to experiment with basic blouse designs or a colorful shoe.
Jeans, a fitted sweater, and boots
This one’s for the more outdoors-y towns, like Vancouver and Denver. Pair dark, straight leg jeans with a fitted sweater and leather boots and you’re set to go! Just be sure the boots are clean and scuff-free – you may want to retain a second pair for the real hikes.
Jeans, a cardigan, dressy jewelry, and leather shoes
Here’s another one for women, for a more casual style. Pair straight leg jeans with a knit sweater, modest gold or silver jewelry, and flat leather shoes for a comfortable yet professional appearance.
Jeans, a dress shirt, and loafers
Finally, the easiest way to dress up denim. Simply throw on an ironed dress shirt in a neutral hue or light pattern, and a pair of loafers. Keep things interesting with a high quality leather belt and be sure the shoes are on the dressier side in a decent quality leather.