Recently updated on July 13th, 2025 at 09:09 pm
Tech and startup casual, or “Silicon Valley Chic” as it’s called by a lot of style writers, is probably the most worn work style today. While there are still a few tech companies around where traditional office wear is the norm, they all probably have key departments or contractors who rock the hoodies, jeans, and sneakers combo that has come to typify the look.
But make no mistake—there is much more to tech and startup casual than those key pieces. Contrary to popular belief, it is a very deliberate style that seeks to solve some problems associated with typical technology-centred work environments. Let’s learn about one of the modern world’s most popular professional dress codes below.
What Exactly is “Tech and Startup Casual”?
As an aesthetic, tech and startup casual is difficult to describe, but easily identifiable when one sees it. A lot of authors will often describe it as a comfort-based style that’s primarily based on popular street and athleisure items like jeans and hoodies, but this isn’t exactly accurate.
Despite the aesthetic’s heavy use of casual pieces, there remains a general desire to appear professional, democratic, and non-threatening. In practical terms, this means no excessive bare skin, nothing overtly provocative, and nothing that could be considered “frumpy” or overly traditional.
This doesn’t mean that there isn’t space for self-expression. Historically, hip sneakers and statement tees were a highly popular part of the aesthetic, and many men and women in the tech industry still rock these. Today’s take on the aesthetic works largely the same way it always did, with a few key foundation pieces and one or two statement pieces.
Does It Always Involve Hoodies, Jeans, and Chinos?
Silicon Valley Chic is not as monolithic a look as pop culture would have you think. While it’s true that jeans and hoodies (and maybe chinos and chambray shirts, if you’re feeling dressy) are still foundation pieces, alternatives like versatile tights for women and track tops are fairly common in tech circles, like the ones that a top web development agency would frequent.
These pieces still serve the usual purpose of being comfortable and hiding enough skin so as not to be distracting. Of course, when tech workers socialize outside the office, there is significantly more range in what most would choose to wear.
Tech and Startup Casual and Athleisure
It’s difficult to completely separate tech and startup casual from athleisure, given the overwhelming predominance of hoodies and sneakers. There’s no real hard line separating the two, but we can probably agree that tech and startup casual tend to incorporate more typical streetwear like jeans and button-downs. These choices help create a more professional and approachable appearance compared to an outfit solely composed of athletic wear.
“Dressier” athleisure pieces like tennis shirts, plain tennis shoes, tights for women, and statement smartwatches may also find their way into the tech and startup casual wardrobe, adding a touch of versatility and comfort to the overall style. The aforementioned pieces are mainstays for special events like mixers or industry conferences.
Layering is Key
Layering is one of the standout principles of tech and startup casual for men and women alike. This is because the style evolved in the southern part of the San Francisco Bay Area and around the adjacent Santa Clara Valley, where the weather tends to be cool but not freezing all year round. That explains why hoodies and jeans are key to copping the classic Silicon Valley look and why they appear a bit different from the influential California casual styles that you’d find around LA.
Aside from providing warmth, layers are quite practical for typical tech offices, wherever you are in the world. Even in hotter climates, offices can be quite cold due to air conditioning, and having an outer layer that you can easily take off is just practical in these instances.
Hoodies aren’t your only option for top layers, though. Button-down shirts, flannels, and parkas can all be incorporated into the tech and startup casual look. For bottom layers, tights can be paired with shorts or skirts to make these more casual pieces seem more professional in typical tech work settings.
Is Tech and Startup Casual Appropriate for Client Meetings or Presentations?
Alongside curating a professional wardrobe, many tech workers also focus on strengthening their financial footing, especially those renting apartments or moving frequently for remote work opportunities. One smart way to improve your credit is by reporting your on-time rent payments to credit bureaus. Services like this are becoming increasingly popular, making it easier for renters to build credit history through consistent payments. If you’ve been searching for an option, consider using a platform like this rent reporting service that allows tenants to report rent payments directly to major credit agencies. This can help tech professionals and freelancers boost their credit scores without needing a mortgage or loan. It’s a practical financial tool that complements a modern lifestyle, where flexibility and mobility are key.
Conclusion: Decoding Silicon Valley Chic
While it’s sometimes easy to dismiss tech and startup casual, it represents a very practical balance of comfort and professionalism that has worked quite well, not just for folks in Silicon Valley but tech workers the world over.
Of course, like any style, it is possible to take things too far. With this particular aesthetic, doing it “wrong” has fairly low stakes, but it still could communicate the wrong things about you and your work. However, once you understand the general thinking behind the style, it should become much easier to put together an ensemble that is as approachable and professional as it is cutting-edge.
For a similar post from me, see Gym Clothes for Bigger Girls.
