Dress and Personal Appearance

Most courts have upheld an employer’s right to establish dress and grooming standards. Ask a local attorney to verify that this is allowed in your state before establishing such a policy. This policy may be modified to fit the needs of your organization. For example, your organization may want to allow  “business casual” dress on a certain day of the week or on other days your organization designates.

SAMPLE POLICY:
DRESS AND PERSONAL APPEARANCE

Dress and personal appearance are fundamentally important to express the mission and brand of our organization. Appearance must reflect the tasteful and moderate position we choose to take. Furthermore, employee dress should reflect a professional attitude, consciously projecting quality service to our coworkers and the community.

Employees are expected to maintain a neat, well-groomed, and professional personal appearance at all times.

The following item(s) may be worn (to comply with our organization’s dress and personal appearance policy / to reflect the professional attitude and image of our organization):

Women

• Suit (dress pants or skirt)
• Dress pants (dress pants should extend to the top of the ankle. Fitted pants and leggings are not considered dress pants)
• Dress or skirt that reaches the top of the knee when standing
• Blouse
• Sweater with skirt or dress pants
• Dressy shoes, boots, or sandals
• Dressy, professionally tailored sleeveless or cap sleeved blouses (“sleeveless” is defined as to the edge of the shoulder)
• Tank tops, spaghetti strap tops, one-shoulder tops, and camisoles must be worn under a jacket or sweater at all times
• Leggings or tights under a dress, skirt, or sweater that reaches the top of the knee when standing

Men

• Suit, sport coat, dress shirt and dress slacks
• Collared dress shirt and dress slacks
• Dressy sweater with a collared dress shirt
• Appropriate socks and shoes
• Belt or suspenders
• Ties are optional

Denim pants, such as jeans (unless specifically approved by the organization due to weather or special events), shall not be worn. Other items, not specifically listed above, may be deemed inappropriate for the workplace by (name of organization).

An employee may be asked to change or to refrain from wearing certain attire going forward, even if the specific clothing item is not specifically addressed above. Questions regarding dress and personal appearance should be directed to (the business administrator / human resources / other).

If you are unsure about whether an outfit is professional, consult with (the business administrator / human resources / other) or do not wear the outfit.

This is a sample handbook policy only. Your organization is responsible for compliance with all applicable laws. Accordingly, this document should not be used or adopted by your organization without first being reviewed and approved by a licensed attorney in your area. Brotherhood Mutual assumes no liability in preparation and distribution of this sample document.

Working Together © 2022 Brotherhood Mutual Insurance Company. All rights reserved. www.brotherhoodmutual.com/working-together. Updated 9/2021.