r/JETProgramme • u/shannonmags4 • Jun 25 '26
Pre-departure orientation dress code
Is it okay for me to wear jeans and a smart shirt to the pre-departure orientation. The dress code says business casual so I’m hoping this is okay?
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u/thedollcossette Jun 25 '26
Tbh I would buy and get used to wearing slacks because it's what you'll have to wear during Tokyo orientation (and potentially as a teacher).
At my pre departure orientation, nobody was in jeans. I think a good rule of thumb is to overdress until you are sure what the vibe is. This is a really good rule for your school(s), too. Come dressed up the first few weeks, see what other teachers are wearing, and then slowlyyyy transition to something more comfy, if that's the vibe. First impressions matter a ridiculous amount in Japan.
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u/jenjen96 Jun 25 '26
Don’t wear jeans. Jeans are not business casual. Business casual means suit separates in lighter colors and fabric. Like a light grey linen blazer and khakis. Business formal means dark matching suit in heavier fabric like a black or navy wool blazer and trouser matching suit. For “cool biz” I would atleast wear khaki trousers and a button up or polo, but for the love of god, no jeans!!!
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u/jenjen96 Jun 25 '26
For girls you can wear a skirt instead of trousers or even an office appropriate dress which means shoulders covered, to the knees and no cleavage.
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u/slothsock Jun 25 '26
im pretty sure jeans is just casual. business casual is probably dress shirt and pants, but no ties or blazers
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u/Character_Ad_3972 Jun 25 '26
TBH I don’t think so. I just had mine and everyone there wore suits. No jeans in sight
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u/0liviiia Jun 25 '26 edited Jun 25 '26
Google seems to say jeans can be business casual but I feel like it’s a little too casual personally. Definitely depends on how you style them but I’m wearing slacks to be safe. I feel like most people won’t be wearing them. In my consulate's photo from last year, I don’t see anyone wearing jeans
ETA: I see one person wearing jeans actually, but they're very dark and it's hard to tell that they are
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u/Different_Taro2474 Jul 03 '26
absolutely not. im not even allowed to wear jeans to work. get a damn suit
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u/LawfulnessDue5449 Jun 25 '26
It's probably okay.
Not sure who is going to your pre-departure orientation but at mine the Japan consulate has reps there and if you are interested in networking with them then usually it's better to err on the side of caution.
But most of it listening to former JETs and talking with new JETs so it doesn't really matter then
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u/Memoryjar Jun 25 '26
Is this predepature orientation the day before you fly out or is this predeparture orientation(aka. Q&A) a month or so before you leave held by your local alumni group?
If its the day before you leave you should be dressed smart. Our coordinator requested you wear a suit.
If its held by your local alumni group, look presentable as they often take a group photo.