You should always aim to dress to impress when you have a first date lined up. After all, the chances of getting a second date are slim to none when you show up wearing baggy basketball shorts and a t-shirt with holes underneath the armpit. That’s why you should plan your attire ahead of time to give yourself the best chance of success. Look below to find six tips on what men should wear on a first date.
Keep the Location in Mind
Looking nice is important, but you don’t want to go all out on an expensive suit and tie if you’re simply meeting for coffee. Arrange your wardrobe depending on the date location so that you’re both on the same page clothing-wise. Wearing a casual blazer, for example, gets you a lot of style points while also being easy to take off later. You can also strategically dress in layers to be more spontaneous and change your look as the night progresses.
Avoid Going Too Casual
Unless you’re going on a gym date, you’ll want to skip the hoodie and sweatpants. Wearing athletic wear sends the message that you don’t really care about the date and couldn’t be bothered to think about your outfit. Opt for casual-chic options like chinos and pullover sweaters if you want to wear something comfortable.
It’s the Little Things
Take five minutes out of your routine to check yourself in the mirror and make sure you’ve covered all the bases. Look to see whether you need to do anything before leaving the house, such as adjusting your hair, ironing your shirt, or fixing your collar. These minute details can go a long way toward giving you a confident and sophisticated look.
Focus on a Color Scheme
Your color scheme can reveal a lot about you right off the bat. You can’t go wrong by using a dress shirt as the focal point and centering all your other options around this item. In fact, wearing the right colored dress shirt can enhance almost any ensemble, and they work for both formal events and relaxed yet dressy occasions. Neutral tones, such as black and navy, are your best choices because they’re slimming, exude confidence, and can be worn throughout the day or night.
Remember To Wear Nice Underwear
You never know how a date will turn out, and things could end up getting steamy as the night goes on. The last thing you want to do is strip down to your underwear only to have a comic book character staring back at your date. Wear a nice pair of clean, neutral-colored boxers instead of stretched-out jockeys or ones with graphics on them.
Skip the Hats and Sunglasses
The purpose of the first date is to get to know each other, so don’t hide behind hats and sunglasses. Hats can make it appear as though you’re attempting to conceal your head, and they can mess up your hair when you enter and exit buildings. Sunglasses give off a closed-off vibe, and wearing them inside makes you appear unapproachable.
Ideally, these six tips on what men should wear on a first date will help you radiate poise and flair while securing that second date. Once you’ve gotten to know each other a bit better, you can start to dress more casually.
Van Rundell is a writer and author who specializes in transportation, travel, guidance, health & fitness. With over 10 years of experience in the industry as a driver and an entrepreneur, he has seen it all. His tone is professional but friendly with a dash of humor thrown in for good measure. In past, he has been advising, educating and writing about transport for the public and professionals alike.
A qualified fitness instructor with over 5 years’ experience as a personal trainer and group fitness instructor, Van brings his deep knowledge of health and exercise science to his articles on health & fitness.
