Thanksgiving isn’t just about turkey and pie. It’s about gathering with loved ones, sharing laughs, and creating memories that stick with you long after the dishes are cleared. While you're focused on carving the perfect slice, we’ve got you covered with what to wear for Thanksgiving, men—from cozy layers to effortless style that feels as good as grandma’s mashed potatoes taste. Because let’s face it, you deserve to look sharp and be comfortable, whether you're at the dinner table or tackling the post-feast football game.
What to Wear for Thanksgiving: A Men's Guide to Style and Comfort
Thanksgiving is as much about gathering and celebrating as it is about enjoying delicious meals and heartfelt conversations. When it comes to dressing for the occasion, striking the right balance between style, comfort, and the vibe of the gathering is key. Below are some curated tips to help you navigate your Thanksgiving outfit effortlessly.
Adapt to the Family Vibe First
Every family celebrates Thanksgiving differently, with dress codes ranging from laid-back to formal. To ensure you fit in, ask your host or partner about their family’s typical attire. For casual settings, versatile pants and a cozy sweater work well, while more formal gatherings may call for slacks and a button-down shirt. If you’re unsure, observing past family photos or erring on the side of slightly overdressed is a safe bet.
Comfort and Practicality Second
Thanksgiving often involves long hours of sitting, eating, and mingling, so comfort is non-negotiable. Opt for stretchy or loose-fitting pants to accommodate a hearty meal. Avoid overly delicate fabrics that might suffer during food prep or spills. Layering is also essential, as kitchens can get warm, but a light vest or sweater may be necessary for outdoor activities or cooler rooms.
Thanksgiving Colors Choices
Colors play a significant role in creating a festive Thanksgiving outfit. When in doubt, stick to the classics—warm autumnal tones like rust, gold, and deep green that beautifully reflect the season’s cozy charm. These hues pair effortlessly with neutrals like cream, navy, or tan, making it easy to craft a balanced and stylish look. Feeling bold? Red can add a cheerful pop of color but works best when grounded with earthy accents like brown or olive. Black is another reliable option, offering timeless sophistication that transitions seamlessly between casual and formal settings. Whatever your choice, embrace colors that align with the holiday spirit and make you feel confident and comfortable.
Dressing for Activities
Many Thanksgiving gatherings include casual activities like watching football, playing board games, or going for a walk after dinner. Plan your outfit accordingly with comfortable shoes like loafers, leather sneakers, or boots that work indoors and outdoors. Flexible clothing ensures you’re ready to join in without hesitation.
Be Prepared for the Unexpected
Sometimes, dress codes or activities can surprise you. Bring a backup outfit, such as a casual option like joggers and a comfortable hoodie for lounging or a dressier ensemble for unexpected formality. This extra step ensures you’ll feel comfortable and confident no matter the scenario.
Stay Updated with 2025 Trends
In 2025, men’s fashion continues to lean into relaxed, heritage-rooted silhouettes, but with a sharper eye for functionality and refined simplicity. Think fewer logos, more intention. Preppy and Western influences still run strong, but they’re being reinterpreted through elevated fabrics and minimalist tailoring.
Expect more textured knits, earthy tones, vintage-inspired outerwear, and performance-meets-classic hybrids (think: travel pants that look like wool slacks). And performance fabrics are no longer just for techwear, they're subtly integrated into everyday classics. That means stretch chinos, merino polos, and packable overshirts that work for holiday parties and long-haul flights.
Shoe Choices
Shoes can make or break your outfit, especially when comfort is key for a day filled with activities. Loafers are a timeless choice for semi-formal settings, while leather sneakers add a modern, casual touch. For gatherings involving outdoor activities, opt for sturdy chukka or Chelsea boots that transition seamlessly from the dining table to a post-dinner walk. Prioritize neutral colors like brown or black to complement your outfit effortlessly.
Thanksgiving is a time to connect, enjoy, and indulge, so let your outfit reflect both your personal style and the spirit of the occasion. By blending comfort, practicality, and a touch of festive charm, you’ll be ready to celebrate in style. But let’s dive into more Thanksgiving-ready outfits for men to help you prepare with ease.
6 Men’s Outfit Ideas for Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is the perfect occasion to showcase a blend of style and comfort while celebrating with loved ones. Whether your plans involve lounging indoors, stepping out for a crisp fall walk, or gathering around a festive dinner table, these six outfit ideas will keep you looking sharp and feeling great.
1. All-Time Classic - Sweater Over Button-Down
Nothing says timeless style like layering a sweater over a button-down. Western Rise's Venture Merino Sweater offers breathable warmth with a tailored fit, perfect for creating a polished, approachable look. Layer it over the Limitless Merino Short-Sleeve Shirt, which resists wrinkles and regulates temperature for all-day comfort. Add dark pants and finish with brown loafers or leather sneakers for an effortlessly versatile outfit that works indoors or out.
2. Effortless Thanksgiving Style, Served
This Thanksgiving outfit is the definition of relaxed refinement. The light blue short-sleeve button-down, worn open over a crisp white tee, keeps things airy and effortlessly put-together. Paired with straight-leg performance pants in a deep navy tone, it strikes that perfect balance between comfort and class. Clean white sneakers ground the look with a casual edge, while subtle accessories add just enough personality. Whether you're carving turkey or catching up on the porch, this look delivers easygoing polish all day long.
3. Polished and Comfortable
For a more formal Thanksgiving, opt for the Merino Wool button-down shirt in Smoke Heather, light blue, or burgundy, which combine softness with a tailored silhouette and are in perfect autumn colors. Pair it with the tailored trousers in black, offering a polished yet stretchy design for added flexibility during long meals or family games. Finish with a classic leather watch and loafers, ensuring you’re ready for anything from a toast at the table to a family photo session.
4. Classic Autumn Ensemble
For laid-back gatherings, backyard football, or cooking duty with a side of lounging, start with the X Cotton Long-Sleeve Henley in White. This one is a crisp, classic piece that brings just enough structure to feel put-together, but soft enough to wear all day. Or wear a temperature-regulating and soft Merino Wool long-sleeve shirt in a warm color.
Pair it with the Diversion Pant Slim in Olive or Dune from the water-resistant fabric and tailored fit, making it easy to dress up or down. Throw on the Venture Crew in Elm or Sand if the temps dip, or layer under the Meta Shell in Navy for a sleeker top layer with weather protection. Add casual sneakers or chukkas, and maybe a beanie or scarf for an easy style boost.
5. Casual and Relaxed
Thanksgiving is all about comfort, and joggers in black or olive are a go-to for laid-back gatherings. Pair them with a minimalist waffle-knit hoodie in festive olive color for lightweight warmth and a clean, casual vibe. Complete this outfit with slip-on sneakers or moccasins for easy movement and comfort. For outdoor plans, put on a light vest and soft beanie to keep the chill at bay without sacrificing style.
6. Elevated Ease for a Modern Thanksgiving
Swap the blazer and button-down for something more relaxed but equally refined. The Ventra™ Camp Shirt, shown here in a textured neutral (Cypress Gingham or even lighter Oat Gingham), brings a fresh take on traditional holiday style. Its structured drape and breathable fabric make it ideal for all-day wear, from setting the table to evening drinks.
Pair it with Evolution Chinos in Black or Sand, tailored enough to feel dressed up, but built with stretch and stain resistance so you can move (and eat) freely. Finish with leather loafers or suede boots for a clean, effortless look that says you didn’t try too hard, but nailed it anyway.
Final Thoughts
Thanksgiving is about more than just food and festivities—it’s a time to feel at home, wherever you gather. With thoughtful layering, rich seasonal colors, and versatile fabrics, these outfit ideas help you look and feel your best. Whether you’re hosting the celebration, joining loved ones, or heading outdoors, these styles ensure you’re prepared for every moment. Here’s to enjoying Thanksgiving in confidence, comfort, and unforgettable style!
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