What to Wear on a First Date: Men’s Style Guide
The first impression is crucial regarding what to wear on a first date. How you dress can significantly affect how your date perceives you. As a man, choosing the right outfit can be a bit of a challenge. You want to look good, comfortable, and confident. In this blog post, we’ll give you some tips and ideas on what to wear on a first date to help you make the best impression possible. Whether it’s a casual coffee date or a fancy dinner, we’ve got you covered. So, let’s dive in and get started!
Key Takeaways
- Dress appropriately for the occasion and setting
- Avoid revealing or offensive clothing
- Choose clothes that fit well and flatter your body type
- Accessorize properly and keep it simple
- Groom yourself well, paying attention to hair, nails, teeth, and skin
- Make sure your clothes are clean and well-maintained
- Remember that first impressions matter, and take the time to present yourself in the best possible light.
Tips on What to Wear on a First Date

When choosing what to wear on a first date for men, remember that your clothes can communicate much about your personality. Here are the tips to help you choose the right outfit for your first date:
1. Consider the Setting
The setting is the first thing you should consider when choosing what to wear on a first date. The setting will give you a good idea of how formal or casual your outfit should be. For example, if you’re going on a coffee date, you can dress more casually than going to a fancy restaurant.
It would help to consider whether the date will be indoors or outdoors. If it’s outdoors, you may need to dress for the weather. If it’s indoors, you won’t need to worry about that, but you may want to consider the venue’s temperature.
Finally, it would be best if you considered the time of day. If the date is during the day, you may want to opt for lighter colors and fabrics. If it’s in the evening, you may want to choose darker colors and dressier clothing.
By considering the setting, you can make sure you choose an appropriate and comfortable outfit for the occasion.
2. Dress for Your Body Type

Your body type is another important factor to consider when choosing what to wear on a first date. Different styles and cuts of clothing can flatter different body types and make you feel more confident and comfortable. Here are some tips for dressing for your body type:
For slim body types:
- Choose clothing that fits well but isn’t too tight
- Add layers to create more volume, such as a jacket or sweater
- Wear horizontal stripes to create the illusion of a wider frame
For athletic body types:
- Choose clothing that shows off your physique, such as fitted shirts or slim-fit pants
- Avoid baggy clothing that can hide your shape
- Experiment with different styles, such as bomber jackets or slim-cut blazers
For larger body types:
- Choose clothing that is well-fitted but not too tight
- Look for clothing with vertical stripes to elongate your frame
- Avoid oversized clothing that can make you look even larger
3. Dress for the Occasion
In addition to considering the setting and your body type, it’s important to dress for the occasion when choosing what to wear on a first date. Here are some tips for different types of first-date occasions:
Coffee date:
- Keep it casual and comfortable
- Opt for a nice pair of jeans or chinos paired with a button-down shirt or a sweater
- Dress shoes or clean sneakers can complete the look
Dinner date:
- Choose clothing that is dressier than your everyday wear
- A suit and tie are appropriate for a fancy restaurant, but if the restaurant is more casual, you can opt for dress pants and a dress shirt
- Dress shoes are a must
Activity-based date:
- Choose clothing that is comfortable and appropriate for the activity
- If you’re going for a hike, wear activewear and hiking boots
- If you’re going bowling, wear comfortable pants and shoes
The Dos and Don’ts of First Date Attire

When it comes to first-date attire, there are some dos and don’ts that you should keep in mind to ensure that you make the best impression possible. Here are some tips:
Do:
- Dress appropriately for the occasion and setting
- Choose clothing that fits well and is comfortable
- Accessorize properly, such as with a watch or a nice belt
- Wear clean and well-maintained clothing
- Iron your clothing to ensure that it looks neat and polished
- Wear cologne, but don’t overdo it
Don’t:
- Wear clothing that is too revealing or suggestive
- Wear clothing with offensive language or graphics
- Wear clothing that is wrinkled, stained, or torn
- Wear too much cologne or perfume
- Wear hats indoors
- Wear athletic clothing or gym clothes unless it’s appropriate for the activity-based date
4. Accessorizing
Accessories can be a great way to add a personal touch to your first date outfit and show off your style. However, it’s important to accessorize appropriately and not go overboard. Here are some tips for accessorizing on a first date:
Watches:
- A nice watch can add a touch of sophistication to your outfit
- Choose a watch that complements your outfit and style
- Avoid wearing a sports watch with a dressier outfit
Belts:
- A good belt can complete your outfit and show off your style
- Choose a belt that matches your shoes and is appropriate for the occasion
- Avoid wearing a belt with an outfit that doesn’t require one, such as athletic wear
Ties:
- A tie can add a dressier touch to your outfit
- Choose a tie that complements your outfit and shows off your style
- Make sure that the tie is appropriate for the occasion and setting
Jewelry:
- Keep jewelry simple and understated
- Choose one or two pieces that complement your outfit and show off your style
- Avoid wearing too much jewelry, such as multiple bracelets or rings
5. Grooming
Grooming is just as important as your outfit when making an excellent first impression on a date. Here are some tips for grooming for your first date:
Hair:
- Make sure that your hair is clean and styled appropriately for the occasion and setting
- If you have facial hair, make sure that it is well-groomed and trimmed
Nails:
- Make sure that your nails are clean and well-groomed
- If you have longer nails, consider trimming them
Teeth:
- Make sure that your teeth are clean and your breath is fresh
- Consider using a breath freshener or chewing gum before the date
Skin:
- Make sure that your skin is clean and well-moisturized
- Consider using a facial cleanser or moisturizer to give your skin a healthy glow
Frequently Asked Questions

Should I Wear a Suit on a First Date?
It depends on the occasion and setting. A suit may be appropriate if you’re going to a fancy restaurant. However, it may be too dressy if you’re going on a more casual date. It’s important to dress appropriately for the occasion.
Is it Okay to Wear Sneakers on a First Date?
It depends on the setting and occasion. Sneakers can be appropriate for a casual or activity-based date but may be too casual for a dinner date. If you choose to wear sneakers, ensure they are clean and well-maintained.
Should I Wear Cologne on a First Date?
Yes, wearing cologne can add a nice touch to your outfit. However, make sure you don’t overdo it and choose a scent that is not too overpowering.
Conclusion
In conclusion, what you wear on a first date is crucial as it can affect the impression of your date. It’s important to consider the setting and occasion when choosing your outfit. Dress appropriately and avoid revealing or offensive clothing.
Accessorizing properly and grooming well can add a personal touch to your outfit and show off your style. Remember, first impressions matter, so take the time to present yourself in the best possible light. With these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to making a great first impression on your first date.
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