15 Things Guys Should Never Wear on a First Date

Image via Complex Original

Worn By: A guy who works at the local head shop

A watch is all good fam, but the moment you break out the three bracelets, four rings, and the two chains (pun not intended), you're basically looking more like a Johnny Depp impersonator on the Jersey Shore boardwalk. Trust us, it's not a good look.

Worn By: Someone who forgot he had a date and didn't have time to shower

If your presence can be detected from three feet away, then you're doing cologne wrong. There's nothing wrong with adding a little polish, and considering we've shown you the best scents of the season, cologne is a solid finishing move. That said, your date has to be able to breathe while you're standing next to her.

Worn By: A guy who probably can't tie a bowtie; a guy whose best date was his at junior prom

Unless you're a movie usher, in a barbershop quartet, or are headed to a formal event, pass on the bowtie. Yes, some girls may find this look cute, but you're going to look like you're trying to be #menswear in the worst way possible.

Worn By: Rick Owens disciples; a guy who has no other interest outside his muscles

You may notice that people meet someone they like at the gym, but they never go on dates there. Just because you were finishing up that last rep on the chest press when you asked this girl out, doesn't mean you have to dress like it when you're grabbing dinner at your local Red Lobster. (Yes, you're eating there too, we see you).

Worn By: A guy who counts success by how many carabineers he has on his person at all times

Now before you wild out in the comments, understand what we're saying. Kicks with a little wear are fine, life happens. But if you pick up your date and your feet look as if you've just finished tackling a backwoods hiking trail, then you may need to swap your shoes out. There are so many options that guys have when it comes to footwear maintenance—at the very least cop a Mr. Clean magic eraser and be done with it.

Worn By: People who say they “feel 'connected' to the ocean”

This may not apply to people who don't live in warmer climates, and of course, if you're on a beach or within 5 minutes of a body of water, you may get a pass. But just stop and think about the person you're about to spend a couple hours with. First impressions matter, so don't let the first thing your date sees be your nasty-ass toes.

Worn By: A guy on his very first date—ever.

Let's clear the air on this. Girls will rarely, if ever, find a graphic T-shirt with “a sense of humor” very funny and/or attractive. This goes almost double for video game T-shirts. Sorry guys, that's just how it is. This isn't saying you can't wear them around the house or with your friends, but when you're on a first date, that "hilarious" T-shirt you copped for $15 at Target looks like a T-shirt that you copped for $15 at Target. Besides, girls want to get to know you through your words and actions, not by some corny line written on your chest.

Worn By: Someone who says “class is for men and swag is for boys”

Wearing a fedora will make you look like this guy. It always will. Let's collectively move on.

Worn By: That guy that looks to Brett Favre for all his denim buying decisions

Why wear crappy looking jeans, especially when you're on a date? It makes no sense for guys to wear anything remotely like "NT Denim"—especially if they're dropping money on the rest of their outfit. If you can't afford a decent pair of jeans that fit, then you really can't justify dropping the cash to take someone out.

Worn By: A guy who got his dating advice from Boogie Nights

Never has anyone asked to see an acquaintance's chest hair—especially on a first date. It's guaranteed that your date will likely ask you to either cover yourself up, or be grossed out and dip as soon as humanly possible. Either way, you're not going to get those digits post-date. Leave the undershirt, under your shirts guys.

Worn By: The guy who makes sure he brings everything with him before he leaves the house

What do you need those extra pockets for? Are you a mobile stash house, pulling deliveries in between conversations with your date? Are you fresh out of Boy Scout camp? Guys have made it this far without needing to carry their stuff in cargo pockets, and unless you want to look like a sixth grader, we recommend that you keep the cargos at home for date one—especially if they're shorts.

Worn By: Kevin Hart; an extra from Blade

Leather jackets are cool. Vests, unless you're Marty McFly, are rarely cool. Leather vests? Well, Kevin Hart learned this lesson the hard way.

Worn By: A guy who takes comfort way too seriously

This is where we separate the men from the boys gentlemen. Are sweatpants more wearable now than ever before? Absolutely, especially because we've shown you how to wear them to work. That said, when you're meeting someone for the first time, wearing something super casual may not be the best way to rendezvous for dinner and a movie.

For a second, third, or (if you're lucky) fourth date? Maybe. But when you're just starting a possible relationship with someone, the best move is going to be pants that weren't designed strictly for comfort.

Worn By: A guy who believes that Gucci belts are the perfect finishing touch to an outfit

Want to know how not to look “Handsome and Wealthy?” Wear fake designer clothes. Nothing looks cheaper than a guy who is so insecure, the he has to dress himself in designer brands—only to buy them straight off Alibaba for a “massive” markdown.

Worn By: A guy who expects to meet his date's parents on the first date

People are busy, we get that, but coming in the full business suit you wore to work is always going to be corny. For starters, most dates (especially of the “first” variety) aren't typically formal, so you're already overdressed. Second, it's unlikely that you're smelling the best after you clock out—whether you're working construction or accounting. Never underestimate the power of a fresh set of clothes.