Workplace Dress Codes

Ever since the formation of companies there has always been an expectation of attire worn in the workplace. In recent years, business casual has continued to become more casual, which has allowed low-income job seekers more accessibility to a larger pool of jobs without being burned with the financial cost of purchasing a new wardrobe. This decline has raised a critical question, do dress codes positively effect the workplace? Many job seekers report that the dress code of a business significantly effects their likelihood to consider the company as a future place of work. Thomas Kiddie, a college graduate on the journey to find his first job said, “Since the official “uniform” for Bell Labbers matched my college-student wardrobe perfectly, I knew that Bell Labs was the place for me.” (Saitki 2009). Some reasons that people have for wanting dress codes in the workplace abolished are, high cost, minimal ability for self expression through clothing choice, and a high number of dress codes are “subjectively interpreted and lead to a gateway of

One of the key arguments against dress codes is the lack of ability for self expression through attire. In a poll posted on the HR Magazine website asking if companies should implement dress codes, 27% of people said voted yes adding, “allowing people to wear what they want creates better engagement” (HR Magazine, 2016). Yet, 70% of people voted for a uniformed dress code with the allowance of casual Friday’s and other small breaks from business attire and added, “formal attire boots confidence and production” (HR Magazine, 2016). While self expression through clothing is an important right that should not be put down or diminished, there is a time and a place for it. Dressing more formally for work allows one to feel more powerful and important in the role they play in the office. The lack of ability for self expression is a weak argument for taking