What to Wear on a First Date (For Men)

Nervous about what you’re going to wear on a first date? This article will help you choose the right outfit.

First dates are nerve-wracking. Even guys who have been on a lot of first dates can still feel anxious about them.

There’s a lot to think about. What are you going to say? Where are you going to go? And, of course, what are you going to wear?

If you have no clue what to wear, you’ll feel even more nervous, and you’ll probably end up throwing something together at the last minute. And sure, you might be presentable, but it’ll likely be obvious that you rushed things.

Knowing what to wear on a first date is crucial to making a good first impression, and assembling a good outfit will take some planning. However, when the time comes for you to meet your date, you won’t be sweating trying to decide which crumpled shirt you should wear.

So let’s get to it. Here’s our practical guide on what to wear on a first date for guys.

Table of Contents

A flannel shirt (like the one on the right) is also a solid option, though it’s a tad less formal.

If it’s going to be really hot out––or if you just live in a really warm climate––consider a linen button up instead. Linen shirts are thinner and more breathable than OCBD shirts, but they look every bit as nice.

Polo Shirt

While many guys associate polo shirts with the preppy frat look, they’re actually quite versatile. A polo is a good choice if it’s warm enough out for a T-shirt but you want something a bit nicer.

Polos with lots of branding can be distracting, so go for a nice minimal polo in a neutral color like navy or charcoal. In addition, opt for a pique knit polo instead of a jersey knit. Piques are more textured and look less sporty.

T-shirt

Full disclaimer: T-shirts aren’t appropriate for every kind of date. And most of the time, you’ll want to layer if a t-shirt is central to your outfit. But a simple t-shirt can go a long way.