Dress Codes Defined

Remove my hat?

Schools, businesses and other institutions often employ dress codes to create a productive, orderly work environment. These basic guidelines or rules help employees, students and other members of the organization know the expectations for proper dress, grooming and appearance. Failure to comply with the dress code can result in group sanctions and exclusion from group activities.

Headdress

Many dress codes will address the issue of hats and headdress. If your job includes a uniform, a company-provided hat may be required. In most cases, non-work-related hats are discouraged or prohibited inside the building or in school. Headdress worn for religious reasons is usually protected under the right to freedom of speech. Any protective helmets or headgear necessary for work or participation in the group activity would be mandatory.

Shirts and Tops

Dress codes can mandate a uniform top for employees or group members to wear. Modest apparel is the norm with minimal exposure of the chest. Low-cut garments are usually against the dress code. Transparent or see through tops are frequently discouraged. Uniforms can often carry the name of the individual or a team number on the back of a jersey.

Pants and Skirts

Modestly fitted pants are normally expected. Some dress codes regulate against jeans or denim material. It is less common to find a requirement for women to wear skirts instead of pants. If skirts are worn, they must be at or below the knee in most settings. Both skirts and pants should be worn in a non-provocative way, not sagging or exposing undergarments. Some uniform dress codes can require certain colors or materials to be worn.

Footwear

Dress codes can define appropriate shoes or footwear for the workplace or other settings. Tennis shoes or athletic shoes are banned in some cases. Open-toed shoes are discouraged frequently for safety reasons. Women's heel size may be restricted for safety and comfort considerations. Shoes are required to be worn in the workplace and classroom for safety and sanitary reasons.

Hair Restrictions

In a professional work environment, employers may limit the length of hair for males to be over the collar and not covering the ear completely. Beards and mustaches are sometimes banned or must be well-groomed. Women may be required to wear hair up if the length interferes with the job.

References

• Professional Dress Code tips
• Dealing with dress codes
• Dress Code Guide