This article will help you understand what people in Finland usually wear to work so you can easily fit in with their work culture.
It's easy for people from other countries looking for work in Finland to figure out how to dress. Known for their laid-back approach, Finnish companies often allow for a wide range of personal clothing choices, focusing on comfort and practicality. The focus is on comfort and usefulness.
Relaxed Dress Code
In Finnish work culture, the dress code is usually flexible, so people can dress in a way that makes them feel good and shows who they are. Maintaining a neat and orderly appearance is more important than following strict rules.
You'll be well within the bounds of what's appropriate in most professional settings as long as your clothes are clean and well-stored.
Smart Casual is the Norm
'Smart casual' is a common phrase in Finnish business circles, but it doesn't refer to anything specific. It's less about particular kinds of clothing and more about how neat you look overall.
The goal is to look friendly and professional at the same time, in line with Finnish values of wearing simple, practical clothes to work. Companies encourage their workers to wear comfortable clothes, display their individuality, and are also appropriate for work.
Uniforms and PPEs in some industries
There are some practical exceptions to the general rule that you can wear whatever you want to work in Finland. Personal protective equipment (PPE) and uniforms are required in some fields, like healthcare, construction, and other technical or manual jobs.
The dress code in the industries is based on safety rules and professional standards to make sure that workers are properly dressed for their jobs.
Cleanliness: A Reflection of Professionalism
One rule about how to dress in Finland that applies to everyone is that you should be clean. A neat look is more than just nice to look at; it shows respect for the workplace and your coworkers. Workers should always wear clean, well-kept clothes, no matter how formal the event is.
Seasonal Adaptability
It's also important to get used to Finland's different seasons. As a result, the clothes people wear to work change, always putting comfort and usefulness first. Facilities for storing outerwear and keeping the workplace clean show how well-organized Finnish workplaces are.
The way Finns dress at work is a mix of individual freedom and a shared desire for a clean and organized space. No matter if your job requires a specific uniform and PPE or if you can be more creative with your clothes, the most important thing is to stay clean and professional. You can feel confident about your professional life in Finland if you understand and follow their rules about what to wear to work. To learn more about the Finnish work culture, read our article Finnish Work Culture 101 - How the Finns work