First date? Style experts reveal how to make your fit a hit

Aside from interviewing for your dream job or walking down the aisle, there are few things more nerve racking than a first date. So, with searches for ‘what to wear on a first date’ rising +5000% over the past 30 days¹, how can Brits dress to impress this Valentine’s Day?

To help make date goers make a good first impression, menswear retailer Suit Direct spoke to Brits on their memorable first date fashion faux pas. Plus, their style experts provide tips on how to approach first date outfit planning.

Dress for the occasion

From bar drinks to park walks, first dates vary immensely in occasion. For more formal date nights like restaurant or bar dates, ditch the tux and opt for a collared shirt with tailored trousers, or if your style is more laid back mix it up with a roll neck or basic t-shirt. If you’re heading for a more casual activity like bowling, keep your look polished with more dressed-down options in tailored cuts.

Charity, 25, from North Yorkshire shares how underdressing can leave a bad first impression, “For me, good fashion sense can really impact how attracted I am to someone initially, as it gives off a good indication of their interests and personality.

“I went for a few drinks with a guy who seemed pretty cool initially. The first off-putting thing was that he turned up in jogger shorts, fair enough it was warm, but it sends the message that you haven’t really put much effort in and don’t care how you look. He also insisted on wearing sunglasses indoors! Unsurprisingly, I didn’t agree to a second date.”

Inject personality, but keep it true to yourself
Before the conversation begins, the way you dress can be an indicator to your date about who you are as a person. But don’t try too hard to impress, the key is that you should always feel comfortable as authenticity and confidence is key. If in doubt stick to a basic collared shirt, and pair with tailored trousers in a plain colourway or classic print such as pinstripe.

Keep your jewellery to a minimum on first dates; stick to a classic watch or cuff. Simple is better when it comes to first impressions – their focus should be on you, not your necklace or your signet ring.

Katie, 28, from Hull shares how doing ‘too much’ on a first date can be off-putting. “I went on a first date with someone and he turned up in skin-tight tartan trousers that were navy and teal. It was a real eyesore, and it was really distracting from the offset. I can’t remember much about the overall date, but the teal trousers will haunt me forever.”

Always make sure your clothing fits right

It should go without saying, but always make sure your clothing fits nicely and is in good condition. Ill-fitting and badly cared-for clothing can send the message that you don’t take pride in how you appear. Aim towards slim-fit cuts, as these are almost always more flattering than loose clothing, no matter your size.
Always check for stains or snags on your clothing, and make sure to prep in advance if the stain can’t just be blotted out. If your clothing looks creased or crumpled, dig out your iron.

If not taken into consideration, you may leave a lasting impression for all the wrong reasons. Fran, 31, recounted her most memorable first date fashion tale, “If you’re going on a first date you might expect shorts, a nice t-shirt and some decent shoes to walk in. This was not the case; he was wearing athletic shorts with holes in (so I had a view of his pants) and a vest top that showed his nipples!”

Put down the skinny jeans

Skinny trousers are out, and tailored trousers are in. So, ditch those tight styles and invest in a fuller pair, from flat-fronted to pleats, relaxed or straight, and embrace traditional tailoring again. Not only is this fit more flattering to most body types, but skinny jeans are truly considered a fashion fail for many in 2023.

Chloe, 23, echoed this as she says, “I continued the date because I couldn’t find a reason to leave, but it was the skinny jeans that genuinely made him a no from me.”

Why is what we wear on a first date so important?

So, why is what we wear so important on a first date? Mairead Molloy, Relationship Consultant and Global Director at Berkley International, says “Clothing conveys nonverbal clues about your personality, background and financial status. Your clothing style can demonstrate your culture, mood, level of confidence, interests, age, authority, values and sexual identity.”

“Always remember whatever you wear should reflect the real you. Your dress sense reflects your personality, character, mood, style and who you are as an individual.”

Commenting on the insight, Nicola Barker, Head Of Buying at Suit Direct, added “When it comes to making a good first impression on a date, and many other areas of life, the way we dress can make a big impact. If in doubt, it’s better to stick with classic tailoring, which is generally more flattering and less likely to distract from the main event.”

For more helpful style tips, visit: https://www.suitdirect.co.uk/styleguide/