Sample Business Dress Code Policy (2024)

This sample EmployeeDress Code Policytemplate is ready to be tailored to your company’s needs and should be considered a starting point for setting up your company dress code policies.

This business dress code policy should include:

  1. Clear guidelines on grooming and cleanliness, ensuring employees present themselves well.
  2. Specific rules on what constitutes work-appropriate attire, prohibiting clothes typical for workouts or outdoor activities.
  3. Provisions for special occasions or positions that may require different dress codes, such as meetings with clients.

Sample Business Dress Code Policy (1)

Business dress code policy template

Policy brief & purpose

Our dress code company policyoutlines how we expect our employees to dress at work. Employees should note that their appearance matters when representing our company in front of clients, visitors or other parties. An employee’s appearance can create a positive or negative impression that reflects on our company and culture.

Scope

This policy applies to all our employees.

Policy elements

These dress code rules always apply:

  • All employees must be clean and well-groomed. Grooming styles dictated by religion and ethnicity aren’t restricted.
  • All clothes must be work-appropriate. Clothes that are typical in workouts and outdoor activities aren’t allowed.
  • All clothes must project professionalism. Clothes that are too revealing or inappropriate aren’t allowed.
  • All clothes must be clean and in good shape. Discernible rips, tears or holes aren’t allowed.
  • Employees mustavoid clothes with stamps that are offensive or inappropriate.

What is Business Dress Code?

Our company’s official dress code is [ Business/ Business Casual/ Smart Casual/ Casual. ]

We may change our dress code in special cases. For example, we may require employees to wear semi-formal attire for an event. Then, both male and female employees should wear suits, ties, white shirts and appropriate shoes. Our company may also introduce [dress-down Friday] when employees can wear more casual clothing like jeans, simple blouses and boots. This won’t apply ifemployees are meeting with clients, partners and other external parties.

An employee’s position may inform their dress code. If employees frequently meet with clients or prospects, they should conform to a business dress code.

Disciplinary Consequences

When an employee disregards our dress code, their supervisor should reprimand them. The employee should start respecting our dress code immediately. In some cases, supervisors may ask employees to returning home to change.

Employees may face more severe consequences up to and including termination, if:

  • Their appearance causes irreparable damage, like loss of a major client.
  • They repeatedly violate our dress code.

Disclaimer: This dress code policy template is meant to provide general guidelines and should be used as a reference. It may not take into account all relevant local, state or federal laws and is not a legal document. Neither the author nor Workable will assume any legal liability that may arise from the use of this policy.

Frequently asked questions

Sample Business Dress Code Policy (2024)

FAQs

What is an example of a company dress code policy? ›

All clothing should be clean, ironed and in good shape. Refrain from wearing clothes that have tears, rips or holes, even if it is the current fashion. All employees should maintain an acceptable level of bodily hygiene to ensure that interactions with other staff and clients remain positive and pleasant.

How do you write a dress code rule? ›

Dress Code Policy Template
  1. All employees are expected to be well-groomed and to have good hygiene. ...
  2. All attire must be appropriate for work, do not show up in workout or outdoor activity dresswear.
  3. All employees are expected to dress professionally, anything that is revealing or inappropriate will not be tolerated.

What should you keep in mind when you draw up a dress code policy? ›

Give specific examples of what types of attire are acceptable. Know the latest fashion trends. Make sure the examples you provide don't consist of outdated fashion. Strive to create a policy that allows employees to be stylish so they feel like they look good at work.

What is a good dress code policy? ›

Employees should dress in business casual attire unless otherwise stated by their manager. Employees are expected to be well-groomed and should abstain from wearing any clothing with holes, stains or inappropriate words or imagery. Clothing should not be revealing or make others feel uncomfortable.

What is an example of professional dress code? ›

Examples of business professional clothing: Jackets and blazers with matching pants or skirt. A button-up collared shirt and tie combination. A tailored, conservative shirt.

What is the difference between a dress code and a dress policy? ›

Overview. Dress codes are used to communicate to employees what the organization considers appropriate work attire. A dress code or appearance policy allows an employer to set expectations regarding the image it wants the company to convey.

How do you tell an employee to dress more appropriately? ›

Watch your wording. Instead of telling an employee, ``Your appearance is too messy,'' say, ``I think your appearance could be more polished.'' Or, rather than say, ``Your clothes are too revealing,'' explain, ``It would be beneficial for you to dress more modestly.'' Use language that is clear, but also kind.

What is a neutral dress code policy? ›

A gender neutral workplace dress code is, in its simplest form, communication from an employer about what that employer considers to be appropriate workplace attire, without including any gender- or gender identity-based rules or guidelines.

How to argue against dress code? ›

To protest biased dress code policies, you can write the language of the policy or words that teachers or administrators said to you when explaining why your clothing violated the dress code. If the language used by the school is inflammatory or gender biased, your clothing becomes a protest statement.

What are some arguments for a dress code? ›

Benefits of school dress code are:
  • Dress codes at school can drastically limit acts of violence. ...
  • It allows students to concentrate on school activities: ...
  • It makes it simpler and easy to get ready for school every. ...
  • It limits the distractions that may arise in the classroom. ...
  • Dress codes help to easily spot the trespassers.

What is an example of a casual dress code policy? ›

Acceptable Business Casual Attire includes, but is not limited to slacks, khakis, capris, golf shirts, and shirts with a finished neckline, skirts, dresses, turtlenecks, or sweaters. Clothing and shoes must be neat and clean.

How do you address a dress code violation at work? ›

Only discuss fact-based evidence of when and why your staff are in violation of the dress code for work. Never discuss their appearance, attractiveness or intrusive comments. Avoid saying anything that may be taken as inappropriate, such as, “Your body looked amazing in that dress, but you can't wear it at work!”

How do you politely enforce a dress code? ›

You should communicate the purpose and benefits of the dress code, as well as the expectations and consequences of complying or violating it. You should also provide examples of appropriate and inappropriate outfits, and avoid vague or subjective terms that may cause confusion or discrimination.

How to address employee dress code issues? ›

Say that this person's attire is unacceptable and that you need to discuss what can be done to fix it. Relate your points back to the company's written dress code, which can help prevent it from feeling like a personal attack. Have a copy of your employee handbook with you so you can review it with the employee.

What is a work policy dress code? ›

Business casual is the most common dress code in American workplaces, and it can vary based on each workplace. Men typically wear dress pants or khaki pants with collared button-up shirts, and they may also wear a sweater over this shirt. Women can wear business separates and blouses or shirts without collars.

What are the three types of dress codes for the workplace? ›

If you ask someone what the dress code at their office is, they'll generally give you one of four dress codes: business professional, business casual, smart casual or casual. There are some other in-between dress codes, but these four generally cover the spectrum of what your average American wears to work every day.

What is the proper dress code in business? ›

Avoid anything too bright, trendy or ill-fitting. With collared blouses, make sure the shirt is not too tight across the chest area and undergarments are appropriate as well. Clean, polished and presentable dress shoes that compliment your outfit. Heels are NOT required but a classic pump is a good staple.

What is an example of a dress code announcement for employees? ›

“At [COMPANY NAME], we encourage our employees to dress comfortably in casual attire. Employees should use their best judgment to dress with professionalism and not wear anything that would make other employees uncomfortable. Clothing should not include profanity or appear distracting or revealing.

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