Last updated: September 10, 2026
Business casual has become the standard in more and more Danish workplaces — but the dress code is often misunderstood. Is it a suit without a tie? Chinos and a shirt? Or something entirely different? Here's your complete guide to getting business casual right, every time.
Whether you're meeting new clients, having a casual Friday at the office, or attending a networking event, this guide will help you create a business casual look that appears well-thought-out — without ending up overdressed or too relaxed.
Contents
What is business casual for men?
Business casual is a middle ground between the classic suit and tie and a completely relaxed outfit. The core of the dress code is that you still appear thoughtful and professional, but without the most formal elements — typically the tie and the perfectly matching set.
It's a dress code that has grown significantly as more Danish offices and industries have softened their classic requirements. If you want a complete overview of what generally characterizes professional style in the business world, you can read more in our guide on how to dress professionally.
Business casual vs. business formal — what's the difference?
Business formal is the classic suit and tie, where jacket and trousers match in fabric and color — the level you typically find in finance, law, and other conservative industries. Business casual lowers the formality a notch: the tie comes off, and the jacket and trousers can easily be separated, as long as the overall look still signals structure.
It's worth keeping business casual separate from the more relaxed "smart casual," which belongs in social and leisure contexts rather than in the office — you can read more about that distinction in our guide to smart casual with a suit. Business casual stays closer to a professional appearance, even though the formality is toned down.
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How to create a business casual look with a suit
The most common approach is to keep the jacket and trousers as a set, but ditch the tie and open the top shirt button — this is the safest path to business casual if you're unsure how relaxed your work environment truly allows.
Another option is to break up the suit: wear the jacket as a blazer over dark chinos, or combine the trousers with a textured knit jacket. Whichever path you choose, the fit is crucial for the look to succeed — read more in our guide on how a suit should fit.
Good combinations to start with
- Navy suit without a tie, top shirt button open
- Navy blazer with dark gray wool trousers or chinos without wear
- Dark gray suit trousers with an earth-toned, textured jacket
Shirt, shoes, and accessories for business casual
The shirt doesn't have to be the classic stiff poplin — an Oxford weave or a softer cotton quality lowers the formality without compromising the thoughtful impression. Solid white or light blue are still the safest choices, but a discreet texture or a very subtle pattern also works well for business casual.
For footwear, the derby shoe is the most versatile for business casual — more relaxed than a shiny Oxford shoe, but still too well-formed to appear sloppy. A loafer in matte leather can also be used, especially if the rest of the look is broken up.
"I can only give my warmest recommendations to Suits Copenhagen. From start to finish, the experience has been professional, personal, and absolutely top-notch." — C.A.
The color choice between shirt, jacket, and trousers is just as important in business casual as in a formal suit — apply the principles from our complete color guide for suits, shirts, and ties, even if the tie is omitted.
When is business casual the right choice in the workplace?
Business casual works particularly well for casual Fridays, internal meetings, creative industries, and client-facing roles where the company culture is less formal than in finance or law. It's also a solid choice for networking events, where a full suit and tie might seem a bit too stiff.
If you're unsure about the level at a new workplace or for a specific occasion, it's always a good idea to research how others in the company typically dress — for example, via LinkedIn or the company's website — before deciding on your outfit.
How Custom Made makes business casual easier
When your jacket and trousers are tailored to your personal measurements, it's significantly easier to break up the suit and use the pieces separately, because each piece is already adapted to your body and doesn't depend on being worn together to look right.
At SUITS COPENHAGEN, we work with high-quality Italian fabrics that work equally well for formal and more relaxed looks, and with our 3D design visualization, you can see how the jacket and trousers will look separately even before production begins — try it yourself in our 3D Suit Designer. Each suit is also covered by our 90-day Perfect Fit Guarantee, so the fit can always be adjusted after delivery.
Frequently asked questions about business casual
Can you wear a suit for business casual?
Yes, a suit is an obvious starting point for business casual. Drop the tie and possibly the top shirt button, or break up the jacket and trousers and wear them separately for a more relaxed look.
What's the difference between business casual and smart casual?
Business casual belongs in the workplace and maintains a professional appearance, while smart casual is more relaxed and better suited for social occasions like dinners or after-work drinks.
Do you wear a tie for business casual?
No, as a general rule, you don't. Dropping the tie is one of the clearest ways to signal business casual rather than business formal, without compromising a professional look.
Which colors work best for business casual?
Navy and dark gray are the most versatile choices, while earth tones and textured fabrics work well if you break up the suit. Ensure clear contrast between jacket and trousers if they don't match.
Zakaria
Founder of SUITS COPENHAGEN with 15+ years of experience helping professionals hit the right dress code level, from formal suits to business casual.
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