Summer Analyst Attire - FICC Trading
Hi everyone, quick question for those currently on the floor:
I'll be joining as a summer analyst in fixed income trading for both 2025 and 2026, and I’m starting to build a quality wardrobe that fits the trading floor culture without being too formal or too casual.
Across interviews, I’ve seen everything from dress shirts to full suits, so I’m a bit confused about what summer analysts are actually expected to wear day-to-day. From shoes all the way up to shirts and ties, what’s the norm?
If there are any regional differences in dress code, such as between NYC, Miami, or Charlotte, I would really appreciate any insight. I will be splitting time between a Northern and Southern city.
Also, as a side note, if you have any underrated tips for making the most of a summer analyst stint, I’d love to hear those as well.
Thanks in advance!
Congrats on the offer. I did the same kind of internship a couple of years ago (and now work FT on the same trading floor), so here's my two cents:
1) The golden rule of thumb is that it's better to overdress than to underdress. On my first day, I showed up in a full suit, tie, shined shoes -- the whole nine yards. It took my director at the time about five minutes before he asked me, "You meeting any clients today?" "No..?" "Right, so why don't you get rid of the tie for me?" On the other side of things, there was an intern who showed up with Gucci loafers, khaki joggers, and a button-down shirt with three buttons open. Not only was he told this wasn't appropriate, but he didn't get the FT offer down the line either.
2) Be conscious of what your desk/team is wearing. Most of the time, it's business casual, but I do know some desks that try to keep a culture of having more business professional dress-codes. Keep that in mind as you get settled in.
3) I'm sure you're gonna see senior traders that wear sneakers, light collared shirts, and sometimes even jeans. Don't copy them -- they've earned the right to dress that way, you haven't. When in doubt, look at what the youngest full-time person is wearing on a day-to-day basis, and make sure you don't fall below that standard. 95% of the time, this means a white/light blue button-down shirt, ironed slacks with matching colored socks, and brown/black shoes with a matching belt.
3) The few times you should, as an intern, wear the full business professional outfit should be during a presentation/pitch at the end of a rotation/internship. Some interns will and some won't, but it's a big nod of respect towards the full-timers that take time off the desk to hear it.
4) No matter where your office is gonna be, it's going to be a SUMMER internship and it's going to be hot whether you like it or not. With that in mind, don't be the intern who is always sweating, has armpit stains, and smells. If you know you sweat a lot, wear a light, white V-necked undershirt. If you know you have a long commute, maybe don't wear a jacket every day to the office (and instead keep it on the back of your chair). Also, cotton and linen shirts are pretty breathable -- Charles Tyrwhitt ones are great value (~30-40 a shirt).
TLDR: Overdress the first day/week, then ease into an outfit that fits with your team. Don't bother with luxury brands, but make sure you have at least one full suit + tie for formal presentations. Bottom line -- don't be an idiot and be presentable.
Great advice, thank you so much! I really appreciate all the details/advice, and the Charles Tyrwhitt recommendation is a great shout.
Wishing you the best of luck as you continue your career!
I’m sweaty and wear a v-neck undershirt, even in the summer. Highly recommend to avoid cotton and buy the AIRism from Uniqlo as it is very thin/light and easy to wash.
Is using a Tumi backpack as an intern valid?
Realistically, what would you need to carry there and back every day?
Laptops should stay at home, given that you'll have an actual desktop at the office. Lugging a reusable water bottle back and forth is annoying -- just leave one on your desk and have another for home. You could, I guess, be packing lunches, but it's better to be going out around the office because 1) it gives you a reason to chat with your team members/other interns as you go pick up the food and 2) you're available to get food for the desk if they're slammed.
With that being said, no one will care about that type of backpack if you do decide to bring it. But keep in mind, these will be long, hot days, and just one less thing to carry on your commute is a blessing.
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