Business Dress Etiquette in Spain

Business Attire Around the Globe: Spain

Following our guide to Business Dress in Japan, which is part of our Business Attire Around the Globe Series, we make it across the big pond to Europe. In this article we take a closer look at the wardrobes of Spanish businessmen and business etiquette unique to this culture.

Anyone who works in the professional sector and travels on a regular basis is likely aware of the fact that business dress can vary from country to country. While the general principles of business dress may be somewhat similar throughout the world, there are a variety of things that one needs to take into consideration if they’re going to be travelling for work. In Spain, for example, business dress is taken very seriously; far more seriously than it is in America. Indeed, those who work in the professional sector in Spain are expected to dress to impress on a daily basis, and dress codes tend to take a fairly formal lean. The following are a few characteristics of men’s business dress in Spain, all of which are important to understand if you intend to visit the country for work.

Colorful Suits
Most fashion-forward men can attest to the fact that one’s look often coincides with the weather that surrounds them on a daily basis, and this rings especially true for those who live in Spain. Spaniards are known not only for wearing exceptionally well-tailored suits to business meetings and professional events, but stand out because of the colors that are so often utilized. In Japan, for example, business suits are almost always dark in color, with lighter variations considered to be quite informal. In Spain on the other hand, even relatively formal suits tend to be somewhat light and colorful; think indigo, for example. These colorful suits can be worn either with stark white dress shirts or those which incorporate even more color into an ensemble, so long as care is taken in not allowing the different pieces to clash. The result is a look that truly suits the sunny weather that Spain is so well known for.

Gold Accessories
Working towards streamlining one’s approach to business dress is all about learning how to properly utilize accessories, which doesn’t seem to be difficult for those who live in Spain. Spaniards take accessories rather seriously, although they keep them to somewhat of a minimum. Gold is far and beyond the most popular material for accessories in Spain, with Gold watches and rings taking the forefront and worn by just about anyone with a penchant for adding a formal touch to their appearance. Gold accessories look exceptionally attractive up against the colored suits that are so popular in Spain, and can truly help to make one’s appearance “pop” when worn correctly. For best results, however, you should avoid wearing too much gold at once, which can quickly turn into sensory overload.

Cropped Hair
Hair has a lot to do with one’s look when it comes to business dress, and Spaniards tend to take hair rather seriously. Those who work in the business sector almost always keep their hair cropped short, as long hair is considered to be a sign of a lack of professionalism. Styling cream is often used in order to slick the hair back, although this is completely optional. If you intend to travel to Spain on business, keeping your hair short will help to ensure that you don’t stand out like a sore thumb.

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Your Bows-n-Ties.com Team