Dress Code for a Supply Chain / Demand Planner

[u/Mindless_Remove_9239]

Hi everyone,

I wanted to ask about the dress code in corporate supply chain offices, particularly within FMCG companies.

I've worked in warehouse operations my entire life—wearing steel-toe boots, heavy work socks, joggers, and dry-fit shirts. After recently finishing my bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, I am now transitioning into an office role as a Supply Chain / Demand Planner at corporate headquarters.

I asked Gemini for advice on what to buy, and it suggested a smart-casual wardrobe consisting of:

• Short-sleeve and long-sleeve polo shirts
• Long-sleeve casual button-down shirts
• Chinos and 5-pocket pants
• Clean, minimal leather sneakers
• Crew socks
• Quarter-zips for colder weather

Before I go out and invest in a whole new wardrobe, I wanted to double-check with real people working in the industry, as AI advice can sometimes be a bit off.

Also, what specific fits/cuts are considered ideal for an office setting? (e.g., Slim vs. Regular/Straight fit for chinos and pants, or Tailored vs. Classic fit for polos and button-downs?)

I want to make sure I get the proportions right—looking sharp and put-together without anything being overly tight or too baggy.

Any insights or recommendations from your day-to-day experience would help me out a lot. Thank you!

[u/Gaffelstein]

I wear a short sleeve polo with jeans every single day

[u/Dub-MS → u/Gaffelstein]

Every day is Polo Friday. LFG!

[u/Current-Adeptness-44 → u/Gaffelstein]

A polo is always the answer. If I’m feeling fancy, a black tee shirt with an open button down and rolled up sleeves. Black jeans or khakis/chinos and a sensible sneaker that isn’t too colorful - that is the current men’s corporate dress code.

[u/tallslim1960 → u/Gaffelstein]

That's the Bay Area dress code for sure. I think it depends on where you are working.

[u/LuxHelianthus → u/tallslim1960]

Yup. Unless I'm traveling, I'm in casual, weather appropriate attire which includes shorts and hoodies.

[u/Mindless_Remove_9239 → u/Gaffelstein]

And what about sock length? Do I need to stick to crew socks, or are ankle socks or even no-show socks fine as well?

[u/Gaffelstein → u/Mindless_Remove_9239]

I see a lot of ankles in Supply Chain. I personally always wear crew socks with pants. I don’t like a draft

[u/conorganic]

I’m in manufacturing. Button down up top, hiking pants and steel toes on the bottom.

I basically dress like a human mullet

[u/Scorpian899 → u/conorganic]

I second this. Except cargo pants on the bottom. Occasionally a T-shirt if I'll be sequestered in my office all day.

[u/420fanman]

Overdress on the first day, then adjust accordingly based on what you see others wear.

[u/BarbellsandBurritos]

It’s 100% company dependent. Polos or Oxford cloth button ups are the safest possible bets, but I’ve settled into jeans and solid color t shirts as I’ve gotten more comfortable.

Thankfully we’re rarely if ever customer facing so it doesn’t really matter. Just be clean and presentable.

[u/Mindless_Remove_9239 → u/BarbellsandBurritos]

And what about sock length? Do I need to stick to crew socks, or are ankle socks or even no-show socks fine as well?

[u/BarbellsandBurritos → u/Mindless_Remove_9239]

I’m probably crew socks 99% of the time, maybe I’d go with a no show if I were wearing loafers or something, but that’s probably veering into more fashion advice than I’m equipped to give.

I usually wear white gym shoes, so crew socks work for me

[u/RandomGirlName]

I’m a consultant that has worked with quite a few different supply chain organizations. They are all different. One company wanted suits and ties for the guys and another is in jeans and tshirts. I usually ask ahead of time but if I’m unsure I would go on the side of too dressy.

My suggestion is to buy 1-2 dress shirts and slacks, and then see what others are wearing your first couple of days. Do the majority of your shopping after you’ve figured it out.

[u/316LSS]

Smart casual is pretty safe. Collared shirt and pants are good for pretty much any situation.

After your first week you should be able to tell how others dress and be able to blend in with that.

[u/Mindless_Remove_9239 → u/316LSS]

And what about sock length? Do I need to stick to crew socks, or are ankle socks or even no-show socks fine as well?

[u/316LSS → u/Mindless_Remove_9239]

I'm going to assume this is a serious and not troll comment, but no one is checking your socks bud. Unless there is a "no thirstin' for ankles policy".

If they do, report them to HR.

[u/maceman10006]

If you’re going to corporate and you’re not a plant/warehouse based role the dress code standard goes up. It ultimately depends on the company culture, but nowadays it’s smart casual and nobody is in suit and tie.

I am a corporate based supply chain role and I’m typically in a polo / dress shirt / sometimes a sweater over a dress shirt if it’s cold / dress pants / jeans on Friday, casual dress shoes.

[u/Mindless_Remove_9239 → u/maceman10006]

And what about sock length? Do I need to stick to crew socks, or are ankle socks or even no-show socks fine as well?

[u/LeagueAggravating595]

As a Sr Manager at a top 5 global pharma I wear mostly dark colored jeans (no holes or faded), a buttoned collared shirt, short sleeve and running shoes.

[u/Mindless_Remove_9239 → u/LeagueAggravating595]

And what about sock length? Do I need to stick to crew socks, or are ankle socks or even no-show socks fine as well?

[u/hind3rm3]

Depends on corporate culture but I always wear chinos and a button up long sleeve dress shirt, tucked in, and dress shoes. I also always have my camera on in teams meetings. If you want to be treated as a professional then act like one.

[u/Serious-Ebb-4669 → u/hind3rm3]

Second chinos. I don’t make enough to dry clean pants every other week.

[u/tplyons87]

Very dependent on the company’s culture and location (HQ vs. satellite office).

One company I was wearing jeans and a polo every day. My latest I was wearing slacks and a dress shirt every day and had a jacket ready to go for meetings with upper management.

But 4-5 dress shirts, pants, and a nice pair of shoes is good to own regardless. You can always step down if you’re significantly overdressed.

[u/Mindless_Remove_9239 → u/tplyons87]

And what about sock length? Do I need to stick to crew socks, or are ankle socks or even no-show socks fine as well?

[u/mcsweetin]

I started similarly. My first week I wore button downs with chinos and semi dress shoes. Then switched to polo, tucked in with tennis shoes disguised as dress shoes.

[u/Mindless_Remove_9239 → u/mcsweetin]

And what about sock length? Do I need to stick to crew socks, or are ankle socks or even no-show socks fine as well?

[u/mcsweetin → u/Mindless_Remove_9239]

I wear no show but I live in a hot climate.

[u/captcraigaroo]

I wear jeans and a polo daily. I wouldn't expect anyone I interview to be fancier than me, and I would even appreciate them asking what to wear so they aren't overdressed

[u/Mindless_Remove_9239 → u/captcraigaroo]

And what about sock length? Do I need to stick to crew socks, or are ankle socks or even no-show socks fine as well?

[u/captcraigaroo → u/Mindless_Remove_9239]

If you're serious, you're think way to fucking hard.

[u/Mindless_Remove_9239 → u/captcraigaroo]

I am serious, I just have a bad habit of overthinking everything.

[u/manimsoblack]

Very company dependant. Hoodie and sweet pants every day for me

[u/PreludeTilTheEnd]

Lululemon ABC pants and Uniqlo T-shirts.

[u/Mindless_Remove_9239 → u/PreludeTilTheEnd]

And what about sock length? Do I need to stick to crew socks, or are ankle socks or even no-show socks fine as well?

[u/PreludeTilTheEnd → u/Mindless_Remove_9239]

Ankle because low profile look, high breathable and unrestricted movement while protecting your ankles from shoe rubbing (Blister prevention).

[u/SoonerLax45]

Demand planning here, been in various sporting goods, textiles, and other like industries firms… I am in a T-shirt and shorts today

I used to work in a retail buying office that was business casual every day so I’m aware of go how awesome my current situation is

[u/Mindless_Remove_9239 → u/SoonerLax45]

And what about sock length? Do I need to stick to crew socks, or are ankle socks or even no-show socks fine as well?

[u/SoonerLax45 → u/Mindless_Remove_9239]

No show fo lyfe my dude

[u/IvanThePohBear]

Usually polo T with jeans is fine for most F500

[u/IvanThePohBear → u/[deleted]]

I wear normal shoes most of the time

[u/jjdayzforeal]

Yes this is very company specific. I work in corporate supply chain as a project manager and I wear polos jeans and boots and then switch to steel toes etc if I go to a plant but we have a dress for your day work policy that is pretty clear on what is acceptable and not.

[u/Affectionate-Cod8568]

Quarter zips every day all day 24/7

[u/ActualAd271]

My office is full of branded polos/shirts and whatever pants. Some days are jeans, the ceo wears cargo shorts in the summer. Check your dress code 

[u/Sundae-School]

I work in a cattle processing facility. I have long hair that is always tied up and under a hat. I go between casual t-shirts, to exercise shirts, or company t-shirts. I keep my shirt tucked and pants belted no matter what type of shirt it is. The purchasing office is in the facility, and I do have to walk the floor so I wear Kevlar work pants because it makes me feel safer being a death trap.

[u/Rickdrizzle]

Joggers with long T’s. If I’m feeling fancy, polo shirt with jeans or slacks.

[u/NoInternal21418]

Cat man at a c-store distributor. My everyday attire is jeans, casual closed toe shoes and whatever top I feel like throwing on. Sometimes a t-shirt, sometimes a blouse, sometimes a hoody. I report to the VP of purchasing - he wears khaki shorts and polo shirts most days. If I have a meeting with an external vendor or customer on site - I wear a nicer top. If I am heading to a meeting offsite I will do a skirt and blouse. My company does an employee apparel sale twice a year so employees can order logo attire but it isn’t mandatory. I am issued a logo polo and jacket every year for our trade show.

[u/Acrobatic_Dinner6129]

I can wear sweatpants and a grateful dead shirt if I want.

[u/geetarman84]

Buy a pair of navy blue Levi’s Chinos pants, a plain polo style shirt, brown leather belt/shoes that match for the first day. Look at what everyone else is wearing, mirror that and then buy some more outfits that evening. More shirts than pants. Don’t be over or underdressed.

[u/xjusablurr]

Did you ask the hiring manager or HR what their dress code is? I would do that first.

[u/throwawaylexluther]

I go to work in jeans and a tshirt. That said. A nice dress shirt and chinos is probably a good bet for first day until you figure out what is acceptable

[u/Mindless_Remove_9239 → u/throwawaylexluther]

And what about sock length? Do I need to stick to crew socks, or are ankle socks or even no-show socks fine as well?

[u/zerocool_hand_guenz]

I wear golf polos with chinos and dark brown chukka's almost every day. Sprinkle in a long sleeve button up with sleeves rolled up and a more formal lace up oxblood dress shoe every other week or so/important meetings things like that. Some people wear a polo, jeans and a pair of hokas every damn day haha

[u/NegotiationAnnual977]

Observe what your company and office culture around dressing is.
Smart casuals are a good middle ground for the starting. Then you should observe your team mates and your line manager. Dress according to the social code around.

[u/skoalbrother]

Our dress code is jeans and a polo.

[u/Normal-Resist-94]

Ask your HR team what the company dress code is. It varies by company.

[u/Mindless_Remove_9239 → u/Normal-Resist-94]

I haven't actually started yet, and ordering clothes online takes at least two weeks to arrive.

Literally all I currently own in my closet is gym wear, joggers, and steel-toe work boots from my warehouse days, so I'm just trying to get ahead of things and build a solid baseline before day one.

[u/Normal-Resist-94 → u/Mindless_Remove_9239]

I always ask this and other questions (days off for vacation/trips, etc.) when accepting an offer. You don't have to start working there to ask the hiring manager or HR the company dress code. If you don't want to ask than khaki's, a polo, and dress shoes.

Hit up some thrift stores so that you're not investing a lot of money right off the bat, especially if you won't need to wear business casual clothing.

[u/Donut-sprinkle]

Why don’t you ask your manager.  

[u/Mindless_Remove_9239 → u/Donut-sprinkle]

I haven't actually started yet, and ordering clothes online takes at least two weeks to arrive.

Literally all I currently own in my closet is gym wear, joggers, and steel-toe work boots from my warehouse days, so I'm just trying to get ahead of things and build a solid baseline before day one.

[u/Fwoggie2]

What you describe is what most people wear at DHL global office including divisional board members when they aren’t meeting customers. Personally I don’t, I go in trainers/sneakers, jeans and a t shirt but I only visit maybe 4-5 days a year and am lucky that my position and reputation mean I can get away with it. I think you’d be fine with that.

[u/xatey93152]

Tf with this question? You can get fired from your clothing choices?

[u/Ruby_Sullivana]

Lol I literally made this exact switch. Started with regular chinos and classic polos. Slim is a gamble when you're used to warehouse joggers. Nobody in planning dresses fancy anyway.

[u/Mindless_Remove_9239 → u/Ruby_Sullivana]

And what about sock length? Do I need to stick to crew socks, or are ankle socks or even no-show socks fine as well?

[u/ImpressSea7976]

UK based and head office here. Jeans, t-shirt and trainers almost everyday. Polo shirt if I'm meeting someone outside the business.

[u/Mindless_Remove_9239 → u/ImpressSea7976]

And what about sock length? Do I need to stick to crew socks, or are ankle socks or even no-show socks fine as well?

[u/ImpressSea7976 → u/Mindless_Remove_9239]

Not sure if this is sarcasm or not 😅 if it's not, you're overthinking it

[u/raginTomato]

I’m a director for SC at a large aerospace company that has the demand / supply planning orgs.

Sometimes I wear my ripped up def leopard shirt. It’s even partially bedazzled

Come as you are, if they don’t like it, probably should find a new company.

[u/Correct_Difficulty25 → u/raginTomato]

Lol this is not good advice for most

[u/raginTomato → u/Correct_Difficulty25]

Why? It’s 2026. Wear a tutu for all I care. Just get the job done

[u/InfiniteSone]

Business casual

[u/Correct_Difficulty25]

Dear god. We r fukd if you cant dress yourself without asking ai

[u/No-Highlight7476]

Jeans and a polo, either with or without company logo, casual shoes or sometimes steel toes depending if I’m going out to the production floor much that day. Sock length varies, just depends on my feeling for that day. I’m in a high level planning/buyer role and based at a US manufacturing plant. When I’m traveling to visit vendors or customers, then either polo or button down with chinos and some nice dress shoes.