From “tailored suit mandatory” to “???” – Your ultimate exam outfit guide

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12 May 2026 12:30 Author: Jana De Brabander

In the past, when you went to an oral exam, you showed up dressed in a suit. Fortunately, that is rarely the norm these days. But that also means that many students don’t know what to wear to their exam, and believe us: it’s a common struggle. That is why we’d like to briefly list it for you: What on earth do you wear to your oral exam?

First and foremost, it always depends on your faculty and your professor. Do you have a professor who appears in the lecture hall in a sharp suit every day? Then his appreciation might be even greater if you also walk into the exam room looking polished. If you have a professor who prefers to stand in front of the class casually, then that extra effort can quickly be considered unnecessary.

* Small tip: Some professors provide guidelines on how they expect you to present yourself at the exam. So be sure not to forget to check the course information on your online school platform!

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Generally speaking, you are expected to simply come to your exam looking neat. Think of a (clean) t-shirt or a tank top. Dress trousers or black trousers are also always a suitable choice. You really don’t need to be overdressed, as long as you come across as well-groomed.

Do wear:

T-shirt / Shirt / Sweater
Denim pants / Black pants / Dress pants
Sneakers / dress shoes
Optionally a suit (Not necessary, always classy)

Don’t wear (Seriously, we’re begging you):

Hooded sweater (you’re not going to rob a bank)
Sweatpants
Flip-flops
Stilettos
Deep cleavage
Black pants – white shirt combination (Unless you also have a notebook with you to take your professor’s order)
Your father’s way-too-big suit (Take it easy, Joost Klein)
Party outfit (Save that for after your exams)
Clothes that actually should have been in the laundry for weeks

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Conclusion

The don’ts seem much longer than the do’s, but actually it’s very simple: just wear something you feel comfortable in. The better you feel about yourself, the better your exams will go – and that is the most important thing. And hey, if you’ve been lying in bed stinking in the same clothes for weeks, a little serve can’t hurt, right?

Good luck with the exams, student, and bring out your inner fashionista!