Vans are skateboard-style sneakers that have become part of streetwear. Their popularity among young adults has been continuously increasing, and people of all ages are now wearing them globally.
So, are Vans business casual? Vans might be considered business casual shoes, depending on where you work. Restaurants and cafés, for example, are two places where Vans are sometimes tolerated because of their comfort and treads designed for moving. However, whether or not you should wear them at work is determined by business policy.
Stick with us as we discuss the reasons why you may not want to wear Vans to work, the most stylish ways to wear different types of Vans, and more.
Are Vans Work-Friendly?
Whether or not your typical Vans shoe is acceptable for work is dependent on where you work and what you do. In addition, management or corporate policy may determine if Vans should be worn in the workplace or not. Therefore, it’s a good idea to double-check with your employer’s human resources department to be sure.
Given Vans’ similar resemblance to a clean shoe, you may be able to presume they’re work-appropriate in certain circumstances, primarily if you work in a firm or sector promoting a younger image.
If you are a younger man with a contemporary style, Vans could work – even if your workplace doesn’t clearly say they are an acceptable option in their corporate dress code. Given their public image, they are often considered a young man’s shoe. However, you’ll have to make sure you are keeping them clean and scuff-free. And, there shouldn’t be any lace ends in sight.
Is It Okay To Wear White Vans To Work?
The color of your Vans will play a significant role in whether or not they will be considered a casual business shoe. To minimize the danger, choose a subtle color that complements the rest of your ensemble. That way, they won’t be as noticeable. You may also want to choose laces that are the same color as the rest of the shoe to further blend into the outfit.
White Vans, and white shoes in general, are likely not a great choice for work as far as colors go. Not only are they more likely to become dirty and require more maintenance to look polished and professional, but white stands out against dark colors. You likely won’t be wearing a full white ensemble where the vans can blend in seamlessly.
Why Aren’t Vans Appropriate For Business Casual?
The reality is that Vans, being a canvas sneaker, aren’t typically considered proper business casual footwear. For instance, outside of retail or design-related occupations, a well-dressed person exudes professionalism.
In specific sectors, such as marketing or insurance, you may be able to get away with black or neutral-styled Vans, but it’s probably too risky. Consequently, the best advice is to start with a more conservative design and understand the corporate culture.
For example, vans may function in this fashion during corporate conferences or conventions when workers are asked to walk a lot and attend meetings. Employers may be more lenient in allowing their employees to dress more casually on the job under specific instances.
Vans And Workplace Safety
Finally, Vans’ security is worth highlighting. They may be deemed undesirable in locations where slick surfaces are the norm since they are non-specialized.
As a consequence, jobs that need PPE or slip-resistant footwear will not accept them as acceptable footwear. This, however, has no bearing on whether they are deemed business casual or not.
How To Wear Vans In A Stylish Manner
Vans are a wardrobe must-have for every man. They’re adaptable and can be worn in a variety of ways. So, no matter your style, there are Vans for you. Below, we’ll go over the various styles of Vans and ways to dress them up.
1. Authentic Vans
Authentic is a classic Vans shoe style, as its name indicates. Since the brand’s inception, the design has been a traditional appearance, and it remains one of Van’s most popular designs.
You may keep your appearance simplistic with a neutral design or spice things up with a brighter color or pattern since the Authentic’s design is straightforward.
Keep the remainder of your outfit clean and streamlined if you choose a neutral style. As a contemporary suggestion, all you need are a pair of cropped chinos, a rollneck sweater, and a long coat to finish your appearance with the appropriate subtle shine.
2. Vans Mid-Tops
Vans mid-top shoes are a distinctive design. Therefore, they look best when worn with casual ensembles similarly unique. Building on one of your typical weekend outfits is an easy method to attain the correct appearance. If you usually wear sneakers with jeans and a T-shirt, consider accessorizing your mid-tops with an understated top and clean denim.
2. Vans High-Tops
Vans high-top shoes go well with casual clothing because of their bulky look. White high-tops seem more polished than black high-tops, which might look edgy.
Try wearing your white high-tops with a pair of fitted (but not skinny) blue jeans without holes, a belt, a tucked-in white button-down, and a parka to get a sophisticated look. Consequently, you’ll have a simple, modern, and fashionable ensemble.
3. Low-Top Vans
Depending on the design, Vans low-top sneakers are pretty adaptable and may be worn with casual or smart-casual outfits. Although they may be dressed up, low-tops are ideal for a laid-back weekend style. Consider pairing a classic black pair with skinny jeans, a T-shirt, and a denim jacket for a stunning ensemble that requires little efort.
4. Vans Sandals
Vans is most known for its shoes, but the company also produces a variety of other high-quality and fashionable items. This list includes sandals, an excellent option for casual summer attire. Vans sandals are suitable for a beach look with board shorts, a T-shirt, and a hat, while the label’s slides will inject an excellent edge into any casual ensemble.
5. Slip-On Vans
Vans Slip-Ons are famous footwear because of their classic form and comfy feel. They’re also available in various styles, so there’s a Vans Slip-On for every gentleman. Vans Slip-Ons come in multiple types, from simple designs for minimalistic guys to vibrant patterns for those with a wild side.
Vans Slip-Ons may be worn for many events, just as they can be worn for a variety of styles. These easy-to-wear sneakers are perfect for casual appearances, but they may also be worn in somewhat more formal situations.
You can put together a pretty handsome look without compromising comfort by pairing an essential pair with chinos, an oxford shirt, and a jacket.
6. Vans Old Skool
Vans Old Skools are a classic kind of Vans shoe. A hefty plimsoll shape with a low top and a thick sole is featured. It’s most often seen in suede or leather varieties, and it offers a friendly vintage vibe.
The Vans Sidestripe, commonly known as the “Jazz Stripe,” was initially introduced on the Old Skool. Black Old Skools with a white stripe is still one of the brand’s most popular designs today.
The distinctive style of the Old Skool is excellent for creating a trendy appearance and can be worn for both casual and smart-casual events. While Old Skools come in various hues, an essential black and white pair is always a good option.
Wear your Old Skools with a pair of chinos and a sweater for a stylish and modern casual appearance. To give your outfit a professional touch, keep the shape narrow and the color palette minimal.
7. Vans Eras
The Vans Era is a traditional lace-up low-top skate shoe. Vans’ strong double-stitched canvas top and cushioned tongue are featured in this design. It’s also the first Vans lace-up low-top skate shoe with a padded collar for enhanced support and comfort.
While other sneakers may seem out of place with a sophisticated casual ensemble, the Era is a fantastic complement. This sneaker type is perfect for pairing with more sophisticated outfits due to its primary and clean shape.
Match a light-colored pair with some plain white pants, a white shirt, and a blue blazer for a clean and modern appearance.
8. Sk8-Hi Vans
The Sk8-Hi is, without a doubt, Vans’ most famous high-top shoe. The design, which was popular in the skater and punk subcultures in the past, is now a classic shoe type that offers comfort and style to all gentlemen. The Sk8-Hi is a variation of the Old Skool with the Vans Sidestripe but is more cushioned than its predecessor.
Because the Sk8-Hi’s unusual and padded design is challenging to dress up, it’s better to wear them with casual attire. Aim for a laid-back look with a dash of urban street style. A pair of jogger pants with an elastic hem is an excellent option for showing off your sneakers. Combine them with a long-sleeve T-shirt and a bomber jacket for a very cool casual look.
What Socks Should You Wear With Vans?
Vans may be worn with or without socks exposed. If you don’t want the appearance of socks to be a part of your outfit, stick to ankle socks for high-top shoes or invisible socks for low-top sneakers.
Going sockless will give greater comfort and lessen the odor created. Choose between neutral colors for a traditional approach and vibrant colors or patterns for a lively and fashion-forward look while wearing exposed socks.
Final Thoughts
Vans aren’t often seen as a casual business shoe, although there are exceptions in the younger sector or during conferences or conventions.
If you’re just starting and don’t know much about your new company’s culture, it’s best to replace them with more conservative styles. This is due to Vans’ status as a brand that represents “youth-culture” and is geared toward leisure rather than business.