Vans are sneakers with a skateboarding aesthetic that are now commonplace in streetwear. But are Vans business casual?
In some circumstances, Vans may be worn with business attire. Your employer’s business and occasionally the sector of that business are factors in this.
That said, some of the most popular Vans styles are certainly not a good choice for work and should be avoided unless you work in an incredibly relaxed environment.
As part of your business casual attire, we’ll give you our top suggestions and tips for wearing Vans to work.
Are Vans Business Casual Shoes?
So is Vans business casual or not?
It depends on the type of Vans shoes you are considering and the dress code of the business.
While some pairs of Vans shoes might go well with business casual attire, others might not. For advice on what Vans footwear is appropriate, it is best to consult your company’s dress code.
For instance, business casual attire typically includes slip-on shoes made of leather or canvas, boat shoes, or loafers. Conversely, business attire generally does not include high-tops, sandals, or sneakers.
Also Read: Are Converse Business Casual?
Why Aren’t Vans Appropriate for Business Casual?
The reality is that Vans, being canvas sneakers, aren’t typically considered proper business casual footwear. For instance, a well-dressed person exudes professionalism outside of jobs in retail or design.
Vans in black or neutral colors may be acceptable in certain industries, like marketing or insurance, but it’s probably too risky to do so. As a result, the best advice is to start with a more traditional design and get to know the corporate culture.
Vans might serve this purpose, for instance, at business conventions or conferences where employees are required to walk a lot and attend meetings.
In certain circumstances, employers may be more accommodating and permit employees to wear more casual attire while on the job.
Related Post: Do Vans Run Big Or Small?
Top Vans for Business Casual Wear
What style of Vans should I wear to work now that we know a little bit more about them and what they have to offer?
These are some of our top choices for a comfortable pair of business casual Vans:
For a Pair of Vans That Closely Resemble Sneakers
We recommend the Vans Era sneaker in chocolate. The Eras in chocolate are the closest in color to a dress shoe in the collection, so they can be worn with chinos or a suit for a business casual appearance.
For a Boot
If you prefer the look and style of boots for work, choose the Vans Desert Chukka boots which would be ideal for wearing throughout the fall and winter.
They are so traditional in design that none of your coworkers would even know Vans made them, but you’ll still be comfortable all day. A casual business suit, light or brown chinos, and these boots would all look great together.
For Women
Women can also enjoy wearing Vans to the office, thanks to options like the Vans Fringe DX.
Any business casual suit or dress will look great with their pale color, and the delicate fringe design will add a little flair and style to any look without drawing too much attention to your shoes.
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What Socks Should You Wear With Vans?
Vans may be worn with or without socks exposed. Consider wearing ankle socks with high-top shoes or invisible socks with low-top sneakers if you don’t want your socks to be visible as part of your outfit.
Greater comfort and less odor will result from removing your socks. If you’re wearing exposed socks, go with neutral hues for a classic look or bold hues or patterns for a fun, modern feel.
Read More: Are Vans Non Slip?
Tips for Wearing Vans for Business Casual
When wearing Vans for business casual, it’s important to keep the look clean and polished.
Choose timeless silhouettes like the slip-on and a neutral hue like black, grey, or navy.
Incorporating a vivid or daring color or accessorizing with a neutral belt or bag are other ways to give your outfit a personal touch.
Vans and Workplace Safety
Vans won’t work for you if you work in a warehouse or a manufacturing environment, regardless of the dress code at your place of business.
In general, they are made of soft materials like canvas, which means that if something heavy were to fall on your foot, they wouldn’t protect it at all.
Vans wouldn’t be appropriate in this situation either, as many manual labor jobs demand non-slip footwear.
While they have excellent traction on most surfaces and are very comfortable to wear while standing all day, they cannot be relied upon to provide the necessary safety on slippery surfaces.
Conclusion: Are Vans Business Casual
That’s all about can Vans be business casual.
Vans are widely considered a sneaker, so most formal-minded companies don’t consider Vans to be business casual.
Vans would almost certainly not be considered business casual in fields and organizations where wearing a suit or dress is standard.
However, in certain industries, such as tech, fashion, and entertainment, Vans shoes can be considered business casual with the right style, color, and fit.
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FAQs About Are Vans Business Casual
Are Converse Business Casual?
Yes, in many modern workplaces, Converse shoes are acceptable for business casual attire.
Can You Wear Vans to Work in a Restaurant?
While it’s true that they don’t really care what kind of shoes you wear, wearing Vans increases your risk of slipping and falling.
Are White Vans Considered Business Casual?
White shoes for business casual should generally be avoided because they are on the very casual end of the spectrum.
Are Vans Considered Athletic Shoes?
No. Vans are not designed for athletic activities like running, jumping, or playing tennis.
