It can be difficult to know what to wear at work, especially when you’re starting a new job. You may even know the dress code is business casual but be unsure what that means. A regular T-shirt may be too casual in many workplaces, but that rule may not apply in some scenarios.
Below is a comprehensive guide to wearing T-shirts at work. Remember, you can always ask your manager or your human resources department for guidance if you have questions. It’s better to ask for advice first than to be written up for violating the dress code. Most places will only give you a few strikes before you’re out.
Workplace Attire Guidelines
According to a recent Gallup poll, most U.S. employees wear casual attire in the workplace. This can include business casual, street clothes, and uniforms. While some instances may call for more formal attire, those are the exception, not the rule.
However, some workplaces vary in their interpretation of what is appropriate for casual attire. T-shirts are typically on the bubble, so here are some scenarios where you may be able to wear T-shirts at work.
Company T-shirts
T-shirts with the company name and logo are almost always appropriate to wear at work. Often, these items have been given to you, or you have to purchase them with your own money from your employer. Company T-shirts can come in different colors, patterns, and styles. They are made to be within the dress code, so you can feel comfortable wearing them at work.
This can often extend to events you attended on your company’s behalf or if they sponsored them. If your logo is on it, it is usually appropriate to wear in the office.
Under Another Shirt
T-shirts are often worn under other shirts to make them more comfortable, including button-down shirts, flannels, sweaters, and more. If you can see the shirt under the other clothing item, you’ll want to ensure it is safe for work and free from inappropriate sayings or pictures. You may think something is funny, but your colleague may get offended and lodge a complaint.
You can wear whatever you want if the shirt isn’t exposed fully. Check out the latest releases from Armed American for inspiration. They have T-shirts, sweaters, and safety vests with funny sayings that can amuse you when wearing them, even if no one else can see them.
After work, you can take off your top layer and transition to hanging out with the guys without needing to go home. Just because you’re dressing for work doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy it.
Blank T-Shirts
Solid-colored T-shirts are often appropriate. They are simple and unassuming. They go well with any bottoms and can be dressed up or down depending on what else you are wearing. You can even wear V-neck shirts as long as they aren’t too revealing.
Blank shirts don’t show any personality, so if you are looking for ways to express yourself at work, you’ll want to invest in other clothing items. You can invest in a solid-colored T-shirt collection if you prefer functional shirts. Just make sure that you explore if there are any limitations to the colors you can wear.
If you work on a job site, you may need to wear safety gear, while if you work in a retail store, you may have to stick to brand colors. Your dress code policy will outline the full expectations.
Picking the Right T-shirt for Work
Consider where you work as you get dressed in the morning. If you work on a job site, they may be more lenient with your clothing if it meets safety specs. If you work with clients, you want to inspire trust and confidence in what you wear.
Your workplace will have complete guidance on what’s expected outlined in their dress code policy. If there isn’t a dress code available, ask your manager if there are any limitations. This will prevent you from dressing inappropriately.
If you work from home, there are fewer limitations on what you can wear, especially if you aren’t on camera. As long as it’s not offensive, you should be able to wear whatever you want.
Conclusion
Unfortunately, you may need to put your comic book shirt away. T-shirts aren’t always appropriate to wear to work, especially if they have an illustration or phrase on them. If you are wearing company-branded shirts, that rule doesn’t apply. You should be able to wear them to work anytime.
Other scenarios where T-shirts may be appropriate are under other clothing or if they are solid-colored shirts. Make sure you pair these items with work-appropriate bottoms, and consult the dress code if you have questions about what to wear to work.
Workplace attire doesn’t always have to be stuffy and uncomfortable, so don’t put all your T-shirts away immediately. You have options on what you can wear.
