An employers' guide to office dress code

Workplace dress code is a visible expression of a company's professionalism, respect, and attention to detail. It typically falls into three categories: business professional (suits, ties, formal shoes), business casual (slacks, blazers, polos, neat jeans in some settings), and smart casual/neat casual (clean jeans, sweaters, sneakers without looking sloppy). UK employers can set a clear, written dress code policy, but it must comply with the Equality Act 2010 — non-discriminatory, gender-neutral in effect, with reasonable adjustments for religion or disability, and PPE provided where needed. The policy should specify expectations (especially for client-facing roles), be shared via handbooks, reviewed regularly for inclusivity, and enforced fairly.

What is office attire?

How to enforce dress code rules

Get HR support as and when you need it

Picture this: it is your wedding anniversary. You arrive at your restaurant reservation, a popular high street venue, excited to begin a romantic, lovely night. As you and your significant other approach the host stand, the waiter greets you wearing a bright orange shiny polyester puffer jacket with a visible sauce stain on the collar. After confirming your reservation, you're informed that the waiter will be serving you over the course of the evening.

Many restaurateurs would be mortified to learn that this had transpired. Why? Because they understand the importance of appropriate dress in the workplace.

Workplace attire is more than just fabric and presentation; it is a powerful symbol of what your business stands for. It is an aspect of 'ethos' that your clients remember about your business well after they have encountered it.

When your team is dressed appropriately, it says:

"We care about the details. We respect this space and your time. We are a legitimate business."

In this article, we'll cover dress codes and policies and how you, as an employer, can enforce them. For same-day HR support, give one of our team of specialists a call on 01455 858 132.

What is office attire?

Office attire is professional clothing specifically designed for wear in business contexts, ranging from formal suits to more relaxed business casual options. Office attire should balance professionalism with comfort, whilst still representing a company's specific culture and avoiding overly revealing items.

Types of office attire

There are several genres of business / office attire for men, women, and those part of the LGBTQIA+ community. For instance, a finance company might have a particular genre such as formal, whilst a startup may focus more on casual dress. It all depends on the working environment.

Let's take a look at the most common types below:

• Business professional attire / formal attire / black tie: This office attire category is a formal dress code, synonymous with tailored suits and ties, pocket squares, dress / button up shirts or blouses, ties (for men), skirt suits or pantsuits (for women), and polished formal shoes, also known as dress shoes.
• Business casual attire / semi formal: This category is frequently associated with slacks, khakis, button-down, sleeveless shirts, blouses, polo shirts, blazers, and loafers; darker jeans may work in some offices.
• Casual: This consists of wearing jeans (usually denim), sweaters, T-shirts, sneakers, and flip flops. However, this doesn't mean dishevelled. Casual dress still requires neatness, and generally an avoidance of logos, bold patterns, and / or obtrusive colours such as neon’s and other bright textures.

Implementing a workplace dress code policy

As an employer, you can legally implement a Dress Code Policy. However, its implementation must be guided by the Equality Act 2010. In other words, it cannot be discriminatory on the basis of the nine protected characteristics (e.g. sex, religion, and / or disability).

• Your dress code / office attire policy must equally apply to all sexes even if requirements differ slightly (for example, ties to be worn by men and equivalent formal wear for women).
• Reasonable adjustments must be made for those with disabilities, and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) must be provided by you in applicable cases (i.e. manufacturing, fabrications, construction).

When looking to implement a dress code policy, the first step is to draft a clear, written policy that complies with the above. It is essential that it outlines the scope (e.g. dress for customer-facing roles), specifics (e.g., smart trousers, no ripped jeans), and consequences for non-compliance.

• Communicate your dress code policy in staff handbooks and induction materials.
• Regularly review for inclusivity where applicable.

How to enforce dress code rules

You can handle refusals to reasonably comply with your dress code policy as potential misconduct if the policy is contractual. It is essential that you assess the potential for discrimination claims before pursuing disciplinary action, otherwise you could risk a costly tribunal claim.

Examples of inappropriately assigned misconduct in these cases include banning headscarves (religious discrimination) or requiring high heels only for women (sex discrimination).

Get HR support as and when you need it

If you need support with drafting and formalising a dress code policy that works for your business, Croner's HR Advice team are here to support you! Croner has more than 80 years' experience in supporting UK business get their HR affairs in order.

Simply call one of our team of specialists a call for free, same-day support on 01455 858 132.