The latest word on the celebrity circuit says that clothing retailer Abercrombie and Fitch is concerned that having Mike “The Situation” Sorrentino (from TV’s Jersey Shore) wear their clothing will reflect poorly on their brand’s image. In the article titled, “Abercrombie and Fitch pays "The Situation" not to wear their clothes,” posted August 17, 2011 at CBSNews.com, the clothing retailer actually went so far as to offer a “substantial payment” to the MTV reality star to wear an “alternative brand.”
If your employees have ever shown up at work in clothing that screams inappropriate, you might understand how A & F feel. Image is likely an important part of your organization as well. Having a well-written dress code can help shape the image that you want your brand and workforce to represent.
Latest Word on Company Dress Codes
According to the July 14, 2011 Reuters article, “Flip-flops Number One "don't" for summer work attire: survey,” a survey of 1,000 adults conducted in June 2011 found that men and women agreed the most inappropriate summertime clothing at work were flip-flops. In addition, 80% of women thought miniskirts were inappropriate while only 61% of men agreed. More than 76% of women disapproved of strapless tops, but only 55% of men felt the same.
Another relatively new development surrounding workplace dress codes has to do with the potential for discrimination on the basis of sex. Where organizations run into trouble is when enforcement of the policy punishes men or women for not being sufficiently masculine or feminine.
Establishing and Enforcing Dress Code Standards
On the other hand, establishing a policy that sets standards of dress and personal appearance on the job can help your organization avoid inconsistencies and establish the right company image.
You have the right to have a policy that requires employees to maintain a business-like, professional appearance. Appropriate business attire generally may be different for men and women where there is a clear, nondiscriminatory reason. Restrictions on things such as visible tattoos, body piercings, bare midriffs, mini-skirts, torn jeans, and even fragrant perfume, are considered acceptable.
Your policy should list your general standards as well as any specific requirements, such as certain types of clothing (i.e. steel-toed boots) or uniforms. If you observe a casual day, be sure to communicate which days are involved and the acceptable attire.
Here are a few tips for building a company dress code:
- Base it on business-related reasons and explain those reasons (i.e. company image, safety).
- Specify what clothing is appropriate (i.e. slacks, Dockers, polo shirts) and what is inappropriate (i.e. tank tops, torn jeans, see-through clothing)
- Make reasonable accommodations when appropriate (generally for religious reasons)
- Apply the dress code uniformly
Abercrombie and Fitch doesn’t want The Situation wearing their brand out of concern for what it does to their image. While you cannot control what brands your employees wear, you do have control over the style of clothing and the image they present when they are at work.
Deborah S. Hildebrand - Deborah S. Hildebrand is a freelance writer & HR consultant with 20+ years in human resources & a Bachelor's degree in Business.
