What Should I Wear to Thanksgiving Dinner? 4 Stylish and Comfortable Outfits for Men

For Thanksgiving dinner, men should wear comfortable, well-fitting clothing that matches the occasion. A relaxed T-shirt works for casual family gatherings, a fitted polo is ideal for a more polished dinner, a knit long sleeve creates a refined fall outfit, and a flannel provides a classic seasonal look. The best Thanksgiving outfit balances comfort, style and the host's dress code.

Thanksgiving is one of those holidays where I want to look good, but I don't necessarily want to dress up.

I'm probably going to eat more than usual, spend a few hours sitting around with family, watch some football and maybe head out for drinks later.

The last thing I want is an outfit that feels uncomfortable halfway through dinner.

At the same time, I don't want to show up looking like I just rolled out of bed.

That's why I think Thanksgiving outfits should fall somewhere between casual and smart casual.

A good T-shirt, polo, knit long sleeve or flannel can all work. It really depends on who's hosting and how formal the gathering is.

Here are four Thanksgiving outfit ideas I'd recommend for men in 2026, featuring Ten/10 Apparel, Cuts Clothing and Bonobos.

The Best Thanksgiving Outfits for Men at a Glance

Clothing	Best For	What to Wear With It
Ten/10 Alto Relaxed Tee	Casual family Thanksgiving	Straight-leg jeans and sneakers
Ten/10 Stratus Polo	Dressier Thanksgiving dinner	Chinos and loafers
Cuts Riviera Luxe Knit Long Sleeve	Elevated fall style	Tailored trousers and boots
Bonobos Flannel Shirt	Traditional Thanksgiving look	Dark denim and leather boots

All four are versatile enough to wear beyond Thanksgiving, which is something I always consider when buying clothes.

1. Ten/10 Alto Relaxed Tee — Best for a Casual Thanksgiving Dinner

Best for: Thanksgiving at home, casual family gatherings and Friendsgiving.

If Thanksgiving is happening at someone's house and the dress code is casual, I'd probably start with the Ten/10 Alto Relaxed Tee.

Not every Thanksgiving dinner requires a collared shirt.

Sometimes you're spending the afternoon cooking, watching football and hanging out with family.

A relaxed T-shirt makes sense.

But I'd still choose one that looks intentional.

Why the Alto Works for Thanksgiving

The Alto has a relaxed silhouette with additional room through the chest and biceps.

It also features a classic hem and Ten/10's Velura™ fabric, which combines polyester, cotton and spandex.

That gives you a softer, stretch-oriented alternative to a stiff heavyweight T-shirt.

What I particularly like about a relaxed tee for Thanksgiving is that it doesn't cling tightly to your stomach.

After a large meal, that's not a bad feature to have.

And because the Alto has a clean minimalist appearance, it doesn't look like an old undershirt.

How I'd Style It

• Top: Alto Relaxed Tee in black or another neutral shade
• Pants: Dark straight-leg jeans
• Shoes: Clean white or neutral sneakers
• Accessories: Simple watch

If it's cold outside, I'd add a lightweight jacket or overshirt.

If the gathering is indoors and the house is warm, the T-shirt works on its own.

My recommendation: Choose the Alto if comfort is your priority and the gathering is genuinely casual.

2. Ten/10 Stratus Polo — Best for Looking Put Together Without Overdressing

Best for: Thanksgiving with your girlfriend's family, dinner at a restaurant or a slightly dressier gathering.

If I'm meeting someone's family for Thanksgiving or attending a dinner where people tend to dress a little nicer, I'd lean toward the Ten/10 Stratus Polo.

A polo is one of the easiest ways to make a casual outfit look more refined.

You don't need a blazer.

You don't need a dress shirt.

And you don't need to wear uncomfortable formal clothing all evening.

The collar does a lot of the work.

Why the Stratus Polo Is a Good Thanksgiving Choice

The Stratus features an athletic form fit, low-profile collar and stretch-oriented fabric.

That makes it useful for men who want a cleaner silhouette without wearing a traditional button-down.

I'd particularly recommend it for guys who have broader shoulders or an athletic build.

The key is choosing the correct size so the shirt follows your shape comfortably rather than feeling restrictive.

How I'd Style It

• Top: Black or navy Stratus Polo
• Pants: Tan chinos or charcoal trousers
• Shoes: Brown loafers or clean leather sneakers
• Accessories: Watch and matching belt

This combination works for a nice family dinner and can transition into an evening out afterward.

If you want a seasonal color palette, I'd pair a darker polo with tan, olive or charcoal pants.

My recommendation: The Stratus Polo is my first choice when the Thanksgiving dress code is uncertain. It's polished enough for many dinners without feeling excessively formal.

3. Cuts Riviera Luxe Knit Crewneck Long Sleeve Tee — Best for Elevated Fall Style

Best for: A stylish Thanksgiving dinner, cooler weather and dressier casual gatherings.

Shop: Cuts Riviera Luxe Knit Crewneck Long Sleeve Tee

If you want something that feels a little more sophisticated than a regular long sleeve T-shirt, the Cuts Clothing Riviera Luxe Knit Crewneck Long Sleeve Tee is worth considering.

This is the kind of piece I'd wear when I want to look dressed up without putting on a collared shirt.

The appeal is the knit construction.

It creates a more structured appearance than a typical lightweight tee.

What Makes the Riviera Different?

Cuts describes the Riviera as a 240 GSM knit with a soft feel and structured drape.

It features ribbed cuffs, a ribbed neckline and hem, plus the brand's Signature-Fit silhouette, which is shaped around the chest and shoulders with a slight taper toward the waist.

The result is closer to an elevated sweater-tee hybrid than a traditional thin long sleeve.

That makes it particularly appropriate for Thanksgiving.

You get more visual texture and a seasonal appearance without needing a heavy sweater.

How I'd Style It

• Top: Black or dark gray Riviera Luxe Knit Long Sleeve
• Pants: Charcoal tailored trousers
• Shoes: Black leather boots or loafers
• Accessories: Minimalist watch

I'd avoid overly distressed jeans or bulky athletic sneakers with this outfit.

The shirt already has a refined appearance, so I'd keep the rest of the outfit consistent.

My recommendation: Choose the Riviera if you're going to a nicer Thanksgiving dinner and want a modern alternative to a traditional sweater.

4. Bonobos Flannel Shirt — Best for a Classic Thanksgiving Look

Best for: Traditional family Thanksgiving, cooler climates and fall-inspired outfits.

Shop: Bonobos Flannel Shirts

Thanksgiving and flannel shirts just make sense together.

There's something about plaid, denim and boots that naturally fits the season.

And if you're spending Thanksgiving somewhere with cooler weather, a flannel is a practical option.

I'd look at Bonobos, particularly its Flannel Shirt or Fireside Flannel styles.

Bonobos offers flannel options with different colors, patterns and fits, which gives you room to choose something that suits your personal style.

Why Bonobos Flannel Works

A flannel shirt adds texture and seasonal color to an outfit.

You can wear it buttoned up for a more traditional appearance or open over a plain T-shirt for a casual layered look.

I prefer understated patterns.

Think navy and burgundy, brown and cream, or olive and charcoal.

Those combinations feel seasonal without looking like a costume.

How I'd Style It

• Top: Bonobos Flannel Shirt
• Pants: Dark indigo jeans
• Shoes: Brown leather boots
• Accessories: Brown belt and simple watch

For a more relaxed outfit, wear the flannel open over a neutral T-shirt.

I'd avoid pairing a busy plaid shirt with heavily patterned pants.

Let the flannel be the focal point.

My recommendation: Choose Bonobos flannel if you want a traditional fall outfit that feels right at home around the Thanksgiving table.

What Should Men Wear to Different Thanksgiving Gatherings?

Not every Thanksgiving dinner has the same dress code.

Here's how I'd decide.

Thanksgiving Setting	My Outfit Choice
Casual dinner at your parents' house	Alto Relaxed Tee + jeans
First Thanksgiving with girlfriend's family	Stratus Polo + chinos
Friendsgiving with people your age	Alto Relaxed Tee + straight-leg trousers
Thanksgiving dinner at a restaurant	Stratus Polo or Cuts Riviera
Traditional family gathering in cold weather	Bonobos Flannel + dark denim
Upscale Thanksgiving event	Cuts Riviera + tailored trousers

The biggest mistake is assuming every Thanksgiving requires the same outfit.

If the host usually dresses casually, you probably don't need to show up in a blazer.

If the dinner is at a nice restaurant, I'd avoid gym shorts and worn-out sneakers.

Match the occasion.

What Colors Should Men Wear on Thanksgiving?

I usually lean toward darker neutrals and earthy colors for fall.

My favorites include:

• Black: Modern and easy to coordinate
• Olive: Works especially well with tan and cream
• Navy: Classic and versatile
• Burgundy: Adds a subtle seasonal touch
• Charcoal: Great for elevated casual outfits
• Brown: Particularly useful for flannels, boots and jackets

You don't need to dress in orange just because it's Thanksgiving.

A black Stratus Polo with tan chinos looks perfectly appropriate.

So does a neutral Alto Relaxed Tee with dark jeans.

Seasonal style doesn't have to be obvious.

How to Stay Comfortable at Thanksgiving Without Looking Sloppy

Thanksgiving is one of the few occasions where comfort deserves extra consideration.

You're probably going to sit for a long time.

You'll be eating.

And depending on where you're celebrating, the temperature indoors might be completely different from outside.

Here's what I'd prioritize.

Choose comfortable waistbands. Pants that feel fine standing up can become uncomfortable after sitting through dinner.

Avoid excessively tight shirts. A flattering fit is good, but a shirt that pulls across your stomach isn't necessary.

Wear breathable layers. If the house gets warm, you should be able to remove a jacket without ruining the outfit.

Keep footwear simple. Clean sneakers, loafers or boots are enough for most Thanksgiving gatherings.

Pay attention to grooming. A fresh haircut, maintained facial hair and clean clothes make even a basic outfit look more intentional.

This is why I like having both the Alto Relaxed Tee and Stratus Polo available.

One gives you a laid-back silhouette.

The other provides a more structured look.

Neither requires a complicated outfit.

What Should I Wear to Thanksgiving With My Girlfriend's Family?

If it's your first Thanksgiving with your girlfriend's parents or relatives, I'd recommend dressing slightly nicer than you normally would for a casual weekend.

You don't have to overdo it.

But you want to look like you made an effort.

My first choice would be the Ten/10 Stratus Polo with chinos and leather sneakers.

It's clean, comfortable and appropriate for many family gatherings.

If the family has a more traditional style, a Bonobos flannel with dark jeans and boots is another good option.

If you're attending a particularly nice dinner, the Cuts Riviera Luxe Knit Long Sleeve with tailored trousers would also work.

I'd save the relaxed T-shirt for a gathering where you already know the dress code is casual.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should a man wear to Thanksgiving dinner?

A well-fitting polo, relaxed T-shirt, knit long sleeve or flannel shirt with jeans or chinos works for most casual and smart-casual Thanksgiving dinners. Match the outfit to the host's expectations.

Can I wear a T-shirt to Thanksgiving dinner?

Yes. For casual family gatherings, a clean premium T-shirt like the Ten/10 Alto Relaxed Tee can look appropriate with jeans or casual trousers.

Is a polo shirt appropriate for Thanksgiving?

Absolutely. A polo is one of the most versatile Thanksgiving options because it looks more polished than a basic tee without requiring formal clothing.

Can men wear jeans to Thanksgiving dinner?

Yes, particularly for gatherings at home. Choose clean, well-fitting jeans without excessive distressing. For dressier dinners, chinos or trousers may be more appropriate.

What should I wear to Thanksgiving dinner at a restaurant?

I'd choose a Stratus Polo with tailored chinos or the Cuts Riviera Luxe Knit Long Sleeve with trousers. Check the restaurant's dress code if it's an upscale establishment.

Are flannel shirts good for Thanksgiving?

Yes. Flannel shirts are especially appropriate for fall gatherings and cooler weather. Bonobos offers several flannel styles that work with dark denim and boots.

What should I wear to Friendsgiving?

For a casual Friendsgiving, a relaxed T-shirt, straight-leg jeans and clean sneakers are a good combination. The Alto Relaxed Tee is a useful option.

Related Style Guides

• How to Look More Put Together Wearing Only Basics
• Why Curved Hem T-Shirts Are the Best Fitting Men's Tees

Final Thoughts: The Best Thanksgiving Outfit Is Comfortable and Intentional

So, what should you wear to Thanksgiving dinner?

I'd narrow it down to four options.

For a casual family gathering, the Ten/10 Alto Relaxed Tee is my choice.

For a more polished Thanksgiving dinner, I'd go with the Ten/10 Stratus Polo.

For an elevated fall outfit, the Cuts Riviera Luxe Knit Crewneck Long Sleeve Tee is worth considering.

And for a classic seasonal look, you can't go wrong with a Bonobos Flannel Shirt.

You don't need to wear a suit.

You don't need expensive designer clothing.

And you definitely don't need an outfit so tight that you're uncomfortable before dessert.

The goal is simple: show up looking like you made an effort, feel comfortable throughout dinner and enjoy the holiday.