Smart Casual vs Business Casual

24 Jul 2025

Smart Casual vs Business Casual

When it comes to dress codes, the terms ‘smart casual’ and ‘business casual’ are often used interchangeably – but they are not the same. Understanding the difference between these terms is important if you want to avoid overdressing or underdressing for an occasion and feeling out of place.

What Clothes Are Smart Casual?

Smart casual is like elevated casual wear. Think well-fitted trousers or jeans, tasteful dresses and skirts, sweaters, cardigans, blazers and button-down shirts. You will want your outfit to look stylish and neat without being overly formal.

For smart casual dress codes you will want to avoid graphic tees, distressed clothing, gym wear and worn-out shoes and trainers.

 

What Clothes Are Business Casual?

Business casual is more structured. Think of a slightly toned-down version of traditional business attire, designed for professional but relaxed office environments. Business casual clothing typically includes button down shirts, blazers, simple dresses, pencil skirts and smart trousers, all usually in muted colours.

For most business casual dress codes this means avoiding jeans, trainers or opened toe shoes, short skirts, loud patterns and bright colours.

 

If you’re unsure what dress code the occasion calls for, either ask or lean slightly more formal to be safe. Putting a blazer over a casual outfit can instantly level it up, and you can easily remove it if you feel overdressed!

At My Garment Factory, we stock a range of smart and business casual wear, so whatever your dress code needs are, we’re sure to have you covered in our collection.

Plus, almost all of our workwear is available to be customised with print or embroidery. So if you’re buying in bulk for your company employees, you can easily add your company logo, branding or slogan with just the click of a button!

Shop Business Casual Wear Shop Smart Casual Wear

If you have any questions about our products or customisation services, please get in touch with us today!