What is a dress code policy?

A dress code policy is a company policy that dictates the types of clothing employees should wear at work. There are different dress codes depending on the type of company and the industry they operate in. Some professions, such as medicine and law, already have set dress codes while others have no rules or regulations to determine how employees should dress at work.

In other cases, you may require particular dress codes only for certain employees. For instance, manufacturing and engineering employees will need to wear safety gear and protective clothing. For the industries that have no predetermined dress codes, it can be beneficial for you to create one for your company.

Related: How to Hire Seasonal Employees

What are the benefits of a dress code policy in the workplace?

Setting up a dress code for your company has the following benefits:

Impressing customers

For a customer-facing business or where employees spend a lot of time interacting with clients on a personal level, such as at a restaurant, it’s important to have a strong visual representation of your brand. A dress code presents your employees as a cohesive part of your company image and brand.

Removing doubts over what to wear

A clear dress code policy makes it easy for employees to decide what to wear. They only need a guideline and they can decide if the clothes they want to wear are appropriate.

General guidelines for workplace dress codes

The following rules apply to all workplace dress codes:

• They should respect religious and ethnic dress restrictions
• All employees should have good hygiene and proper grooming at all times
• All clothes should be well maintained and clean at all times and should be free of holes, tears or rips
• All employees have to dress professionally, which means avoiding inappropriate or revealing clothing
• All employees should avoid attire with inappropriate or offensive words or drawings

Related: Onboarding Guide

Sample dress code policies

The three top dress code policies applicable in different environments include:

Formal dress code policy sample

Please ensure the following dress code while at work:

• Suits: Suits should be in a neutral, conservative colours like brown, navy or black. Please avoid skirts shorter than two finger-widths from the knee. Suits should have 1,2 or 3 buttons.
• Shirts and blouses: White, collared button-ups or neutral blouses.
• Tights: Black or another neutral dark colours.
• Ties: Modest ties and other accessories whose colour can vary from bright to neutral colours or muted neutral patterns. Please note that ties should be of high quality and novelty ties such as sports teams’ designs should be avoided.
• Shoes: Neutral or dark coloured closed-toe heels that are either black, brown, grey or taupe, or closed-toe oxford shoes that are either black or brown.
• Hair: Well-groomed hair that is conventionally styled.
• Accessories: Conventional earrings and other accessories.
• Nails: Well-kept, neutral nails that are beige-toned or clear coated.

Business casual dress code policy sample

Please ensure the following dress code while at work:

• Tops: Sleeveless shirts or blouses, turtle necks, vests, dressy tops, casual dresses, short-sleeved button-ups, button-downs or collared shirts. Please note that dresses should extend below your knees.
• Blazers, coats and sweaters: Sportcoats, cardigan sweaters and decent blazers
• Bottoms: Knee-length skirts or pencil-cut dress pants that can be khaki, cotton corduroy or twill, or dark khakis, dress slacks or semi-formal pants.
• Shoes: Pumps, Shoes with heels, flats, open-toed heels, stilettos, closed-kitten heels, pumps, dark leather shoes, loafers, and tied-up shoes.
• Not allowed: Denim, ripped shirts or pants, sandals, workout clothes, leggings, sportswear, T-shirts, hooded sweatpants, crop tops, spaghetti straps, tennis shoes and shorts with inappropriate drawings or language.

Casual dress code policy sample

“A casual dress code is relaxed and following the example of numerous start-ups, we too follow this dress code at our company. However, please use professionalism and your best judgement to avoid wearing clothes that might make other employees uncomfortable. Revealing, distracting or profane clothing should be avoided to ensure an inclusive workplace.”

Dress Code Policy Templates for PDF & Word

Use these dress code policy templates to ensure your employees’ attire suits your company’s needs and image.

*Indeed provides these examples as a courtesy to users of this site. Please note that we are not your HR or legal adviser, and none of these documents reflect current labor or employment regulations.