Fashion is subjective!
That being said, there are certain places where you cannot dress of your own accord. Like in business meetings, offices, weddings, etc., you definitely need to follow a certain dress code as every workplace demands their employees to dress formally.
But when you are out of your workplace, you are free to dress in your casual outfits and that’s when you can choose your own fashion statement.
What you are wearing or going to wear also depends on your mood, the weather, your comfort and your taste.
In the end, what you wear will define your personality.
Deciding what to wear especially for particular important occasions becomes confusing at times and that’s why I have made this guide for you so that you can choose the right outfit for the right occasion.
Long sleeve shirts are considered to be the formals and are worn for the office. That’s what has set in our minds and that’s definitely true. But nowadays offices do allow their employees to wear short sleeve shirts as well for normal days when there is no company meeting or special visits.
But while wearing short sleeve shirts to your office you need to dress formally with it and this guide will help you know how to do that effortlessly…
Long sleeve shirts vs short sleeve shirts, which is better for the office?
Long sleeve shirts:
Hands down, long sleeve shirts are the best option when it comes to your work environment. Because long sleeve shirts have become a routed image of professionalism since ages and there’s no alternative to it.
The formal look offered by Long sleeve shirts are unmatched and many companies are very strict when it comes to dress codes for their employees. They do not want to spoil their image just letting you wear anything of your choice.
This is also good in a sense that when all the employees follow a particular dress code, there is no visual difference amongst them and it gives a more unified and dignified image to the company.
Another fact is that, offices mostly have air conditioners working for the entire day and the temperature is rather cool and for this wearing a long sleeve shirt gives a more cozy and comfortable feel.
For the business meetings when you need to wear a complete formal attire (suits) you have to wear long sleeve shirts and there’s no other choice. Also, if the company demands their employees to wear ties, long sleeve shirts are the only option.
Short sleeve shirts:
Short sleeve shirts are nowadays considered as business casuals and are allowed by some small startup companies, the IT companies and some self-business offices. These companies allow their workers to work in their comfortable attire, while maintaining a stringent formal look.
But no reputed and well known business organisation will allow their employees to dress in short sleeve shirts and if you do that, your look will be deemed as low profile and at the worst you can lose your job as well because wearing short sleeve shirt will show that either you are of no respect for your job or simply you are just too unprofessional.
When to wear long sleeve shirts?
1.) The weather:
When it’s cold outside and you need to wear suits and blazers, long sleeve shirts are the only option for you. Also, wearing long sleeve shirts in the summers (provided the fabric is breathable like cotton) makes a point because that will save you from getting tanned in the sun.
2.) The work culture:
Like as I said before, most of the reputed companies and offices in the US demand their employees to dress in complete formal attire, i.e., with ties and suits. And that’s when long sleeve shirts are a must.
3.) Specific occasions:
Some special events like weddings, funerals, social get-togethers, etc. will require you to wear long sleeve shirts because you have to be in your formal look at these particular events.
When to wear short sleeve shirts?
1.) The weather:
When it’s hot, wearing long sleeve shirts is very uncomfortable and it will make you sweat like hell. That’s when short sleeve shirts come to your rescue and allow your skin to breathe freely.
2.) The work culture:
If your office dress code policies and regulations says that you can wear business casuals, then wearing buttoned up short sleeve shirts should not be an issue.
And is your employer is lenient in dressing, you can surely have a look at what others are wearing and decide to go for a short sleeve shirt.
3.) Specific occasions:
There are places like parks, casual dinners, meet up with friends, parties, etc. where you do not need any formal look and can dress up in either short sleeve buttoned down or buttoned up shirts. Here you can even wear a polo t-shirt as well.
How to dress in long sleeve shirts in the office?/What to wear with long sleeve shirts in the office?
You can easily style your long sleeve shirts with the following outfits:
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- Suits
- Blazers
- Formal pants
- Chinos
- Formal trousers
- Ties
- Formal shoes
- Work boots
- Belts
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What not to wear with long sleeve shirts in the office?
You should never wear a long sleeve shirt with the following to your office:
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- Sweaters
- Jackets
- Jeans
- Casual pants
- Leggings and joggers
- Sneakers
- Shorts
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How to dress in short sleeve shirts in the office?/What to wear with short sleeve shirts in the office?
If business casual is your dress code, following are the ways you can style your short sleeve shirts to give them a formal look:
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- Closed neck buttons
- Tucked in shirt with belts
- A pair of formal pants
- Formal shoes
- Work boots
- Light colored short sleeve shirts without any prints on them
- Pair them with work belts
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What not to wear with short sleeve shirts in the office?
Wearing the following outfits will give your short sleeve shirts a more casual look for the office and you must avoid them:
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- Sweaters
- Jackets
- Polo t-shirts
- Open collar
- Jeans
- Shorts
- Ties
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Can you wear short sleeve shirts to the office?
Frankly speaking, the answer is No!
Why would you want to risk your job just for the sleeves of the shirt? I mean is it really worth it or is it too difficult to wear your long sleeve shirts just for a few hours?
Still, if your company policies allow that, you can turn your short sleeve shirts to give a more formal look by wearing them with closed neck buttons, tuck them in your work pants, give a sophisticated look with matching belts and work shoes and you are good to go.
But never wear them to the office with sweaters, jackets, shorts or jeans!
And it’s a wrap!
When it comes to the office, I would definitely recommend wearing a long sleeve shirt over a short sleeve shirt and there should be no second thought to that.
But as I said before, dressing is an art and you are free to decide what’s the best for you.
Hope this post helped you with your confusion, and if so do stay tuned for more such tips and information on workwear.
Till then take care and have a great day ahead!
