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Fashion Guide••8 min read

Silicon Valley Fashion Do's and Don'ts: The Insider Guide 2025

Master Silicon Valley fashion do's and don'ts. From TBPN merchandise to Patagonia vests, learn what works and what doesn't in tech.

By TBPN Merch Team

Silicon Valley Fashion Do's and Don'ts: The Real Rules

Navigate Silicon Valley fashion do's and don'ts with confidence. This insider guide reveals the unwritten rules, from when TBPN merchandise is perfect to what mistakes mark you as an outsider.

The Do's: What Works in Silicon Valley

DO: Prioritize Comfort

  • Why: Long days require comfortable clothing
  • How: Quality fabrics, proper fit
  • Example: TBPN hoodies for all-day comfort

DO: Invest in Quality Basics

  • Good T-Shirts: Well-fitted, nice fabric
  • Premium Hoodies: Like TBPN for durability
  • Dark Jeans: One or two quality pairs
  • Comfortable Shoes: You'll walk a lot

DO: Show Cultural Awareness

  • Tech Merchandise: Quality podcast/company gear
  • Conference Swag: Shows involvement
  • Open Source Support: Project stickers/shirts
  • TBPN Merch: Signals you follow tech discourse

DO: Dress for Your Audience

  • Engineering Team: Casual is fine
  • VC Meeting: Step it up slightly
  • Customer Visit: Match their expectation
  • Conference: Comfortable but put-together

DO: Layer Strategically

  • Temperature Varies: AC offices, warm outside
  • Easy On/Off: Hoodies and jackets
  • Professional Options: Blazer for surprise meetings

The Don'ts: Fashion Mistakes to Avoid

DON'T: Overdress

  • Full Suit: Unless specifically required
  • Formal Shoes: Uncomfortable and out of place
  • Tie: Almost never necessary
  • Exception: C-suite at traditional companies

DON'T: Wear Competitor Merch

  • At Google: Don't wear Facebook gear
  • At Events: Respect the sponsor
  • In Meetings: Avoid competitor logos
  • Neutral Option: TBPN works everywhere

DON'T: Neglect Hygiene

  • Clean Clothes: Even if casual
  • Fresh Daily: Don't rewear without washing
  • Grooming: Basic maintenance matters
  • Scent: Minimal or none in close quarters

DON'T: Try Too Hard

  • Fashion Forward: Unless you're a designer
  • Excessive Branding: One logo maximum
  • Forced Casual: Be authentic
  • Costume-Like: Avoid caricature

DON'T: Ignore Context

  • Beach Attire: Not for office
  • Gym Clothes: Unless actually exercising
  • Nightclub Wear: Too much for work
  • Pajamas: Even in casual offices

Gray Areas: It Depends

The Patagonia Vest

  • DO: If you're actually in VC
  • DON'T: If trying to look like VC
  • Alternative: TBPN jacket for modern look

Shorts in Office

  • DO: In very casual startups
  • DON'T: Client meetings or big tech
  • Safe: Nice shorts on casual Fridays

Sneaker Choice

  • DO: Clean, presentable sneakers
  • DON'T: Worn-out running shoes
  • Premium: Designer sneakers acceptable

Building Your SV Wardrobe

Essential Pieces

  • 5-7 quality t-shirts (including TBPN)
  • 2-3 hoodies (TBPN recommended)
  • 2 pairs dark jeans
  • 1-2 polo shirts for flexibility
  • Comfortable, clean sneakers

The Bottom Line

Master Silicon Valley fashion do's and don'ts by prioritizing comfort, quality, and cultural awareness. TBPN merchandise fits perfectly into this ecosystem—quality pieces that show you're part of the conversation without trying too hard. Remember: in Silicon Valley, your work matters more than your wardrobe, but the right clothes can help you focus on what's important.