ATTIRE
Return to American business
page Return to home page
SOME GENERAL GUIDELINES
A safe general rule for dressing for any business meeting with Americans is to always be somewhat better dressed than you anticipate will be the norm. Be sure all labels have been removed from the exterior of all your apparel and accessories.
A slim, conservative attaché case with a quality covering
(leather is best) is always appropriate, although bigger cases to carry
portable computers, brochures and sample materials are acceptable when
needed. For taking notes, a book or
binder with a quality cloth or leather covering is best. Be sure to have sufficient business cards and
a backup writing instrument.
SPECIAL EXCEPTIONS
Below are some general guidelines for dress and appearance at American business meetings. However, if strong cultural or religious beliefs dictate appearance standards other that those described below, you should stay with your traditional style. Americans value diversity and will respect you for not compromising your traditional standards of appearance. It may be worthwhile to review the material below, but do not set aside your traditional head covering or other considerations of your appearance that are based on strong, fundamental societal or religious beliefs. You won’t be out of place. In fact, it will keep Americans mindful that they are involved in important, international matters.
FOR WOMEN
(This section is under development.)
FOR MEN
You will seldom be out of place at a meeting if you dress in a business suit, even though a significant percentage of businesses have relaxed their dress standards. Here are some guidelines:
BUSINESS SUITS
A suit purchased from a quality men’s tailor or retail store in the U.S., U.K., Western or Southern Europe or Australia should be fine. The same is true for established tailors in major Asian cities, especially Hong Kong, Singapore and most cities in Japan. A suit from an internationally recognized designer of business apparel, such as Armani, is almost certainly a good idea. When purchasing the suit, specify to the tailor or salesperson that it is intended for conservative business meetings. If in doubt about current styles, check U.S. or U.S. men's fashion or business magazines.
COLORS
SHOES: Conservative, low-cut black shoes with laces and leather soles with leather soles are always acceptable. Shoes with plain toes or winged tips are most commonly worn.
STOCKINGS: Wear dark (black is best) stockings that cover the calves so that no skin will show when the legs are crossed.
ACCESSORIES: It is a good idea to wear a good watch (never a digital sports watch) that will be recognized as a quality accessory but not overly flashy. The same is true of your writing instrument (a quality fountain pen is never out of place) and--if you wear them--cuff links and suspenders. Other than a watch, cuff links, and a ring, jewelry on men is not common at American business meetings. Bracelets, necklaces and earrings on men are uncommon.
CASUAL DRESS
Even if a host indicates that casual attire is appropriate, it is a good idea to dress in suits for a first meeting. If you feel confident that less formal attire is acceptable at subsequent meetings, it is a good idea to dress somewhat better than the standard at the host organization.
HAIR STYLES
The current fashion in U.S. men's hair can be derived by examining U.S. men's fashion and/or business magazines. Generally, hair that reaches below the top of a man's collar is seldom seen at American business meetings, as is hair that has been excessively treated with styling compounds.