Business casual in Germany

[Milhouse]

I'll be in Germany for business soon. I'm curious what the German version of business casual is like. Thanks!

 

[greekonomist]

Where in Germany? What kind of business? I remember reading a couple years ago that three-piece suits were gaining popularity among Germans again.

 

[swb120]

Perhaps this?

 

[Gus]

It really depends upon what type of business, who you will be seeing, etc.

But, whenever in doubt, I always dress up a few notches. My hosts always seem to appreciate it.

 

[Jupiter]

Black trousers, black shoes, light grey jacket, white shirt and black tie. Very stern.

I have seem this combo too many times.

In my experience and in agreement with the previous poster, dress a few notches above what you expect.

 

[epa]

I have the feeling that bowties are quite popular in Germany. Very surprising for someone from Spain.

 

[Frittata]

Well...it depends

I work in the IT department of a so called "Mittelständler".
This means we are big but not big as BMW or Siemens.

In my department people dress very casual. Except of the leading positions almost everyone is in jeans. If I wear a suit I'm often asked if I've got a meeting.

In the banking sector it's a different story. Everyone wears suits with ties.
So if you don't want to go wrong: Charcoal suit with a plain shirt and tie.


Regarding bowties: I live in a fashion friendly town and I've never seen bowties.

 

[ccffm1]

Originally Posted by Frittata

Regarding bowties: I live in a fashion friendly town and I've never seen bowties.

Seconded.

Originally Posted by Jupiter

Black trousers, black shoes, light grey jacket, white shirt and black tie. Very stern.

Not too common either, actually. It´s a look that still seems to be in favor with the self-proclaimed creative set, rather.

 

[ccffm1]

Originally Posted by Milhouse

I'll be in Germany for business soon. I'm curious what the German version of business casual is like. Thanks!

I guess business casual in Germany is not too different from business casual anywhere else in the world. The American idea of that look is pretty much prevalent in many European countries, with slight nuances. The basics are the same, though: nice pair of grey flannel pants, chinos, khakis, corduroys or jeans, paired with a ocbd with or w/o tie, blazer, sport coat or sweater, depending on the occasion and the type of business you´re in.

No sweat. It´s not like we´re all running around in Jankerl and Lederhosen, Roland Loden style.

Things are just as good and just as bad over here as almost anywhere in the world.

 

[Milhouse]

Thanks for all the advice.