By Benjamin Roussey

Dress codes in the workplace have long been a topic of interest, debate and evolution. From the formal suits of Wall Street to the casual hoodies of Silicon Valley, what employees wear can significantly impact both the culture and the identity of a company. 

Historical context of dress codes

Historically, dress codes have served as a means to establish order, professionalism and hierarchy within the workplace. In the early 20th century, business attire was strictly formal. Men wore suits and ties, while women donned conservative dresses or suits. This formal dress code mirrored societal norms of the time, where appearance was closely linked to one’s professional and social status.

As industries evolved and the nature of work diversified, so did dress codes. The tech boom of the late 20th century, particularly in Silicon Valley, introduced a shift towards more casual attire. Companies like Apple and Microsoft championed the notion that creativity and innovation did not require a suit and tie. This change marked the beginning of a broader transformation in how dress codes could influence and reflect a company’s culture.

Psychological implications of dress codes

Dress codes can significantly affect employees’ psychological states and behaviors. The concept of “enclothed cognition” suggests that the clothes we wear can influence our psychological processes. For instance, wearing formal business attire can enhance feelings of power and confidence, while casual clothing might foster a sense of relaxation and approachability.

Formality and professionalism: Formal dress codes often promote a culture of professionalism and seriousness. They can create an environment where employees feel compelled to perform at their highest level, maintaining a clear distinction between their personal and professional identities.

Creativity and flexibility: Casual dress codes are often associated with creative industries. Allowing employees to dress casually can encourage a more relaxed atmosphere, fostering creativity and open communication. This approach can help break down hierarchical barriers and promote a more egalitarian workplace culture.

Identity and belonging: Uniforms or company-branded attire can instill a sense of belonging and unity among employees. Wearing the same outfit as colleagues can enhance team spirit and reinforce the company’s identity. This is particularly evident in industries such as retail and hospitality, where uniforms are a standard practice.

Modern trends and dress code policies

The evolution of dress codes in the workplace reflects broader societal changes, shifting professional norms and the dynamic nature of industries. In today’s diverse work environments, companies are increasingly adopting flexible dress codes that strike a balance between professionalism and personal expression. 

Business casual

Business casual is currently one of the most widespread dress codes in modern offices. It provides a middle ground between formal business attire and casual wear, allowing employees to feel comfortable while still presenting a professional appearance. The business casual dress code typically includes:

  • For men: Dress slacks or chinos, collared shirts (such as button-downs or polo shirts), blazers or sport coats (optional), and closed-toe shoes.
  • For women: Skirts or dress pants, blouses, sweaters, cardigans and professional dresses. Footwear can include flats, loafers or low-to-mid heel shoes.

Popularity across industries 

Business casual is especially prevalent in industries like finance, consulting and technology where employees often interact with clients or external partners but still require a degree of comfort for creative and intensive work.

Cultural impact 

By adopting a business casual dress code, companies aim to create a professional yet approachable atmosphere. This balance can help in:

  • Enhancing employee comfort and productivity by reducing the stress associated with highly formal attire.
  • Maintaining a professional image that aligns with client expectations and industry standards.
  • Fostering a positive and inclusive work environment where employees feel respected and valued.

Casual Fridays

Casual Fridays have become a common practice in many organizations, allowing employees to dress down at the end of the week. This trend emerged in the late 20th century as a way to boost employee morale and satisfaction. The guidelines for Casual Fridays can vary, but generally include:

  • More relaxed attire: Jeans, casual shirts and sneakers are often acceptable.
  • Maintaining professionalism: Despite the relaxed rules, clothing should still be neat, clean and appropriate for a professional setting.

Benefits

  • Boosts morale: Casual Fridays provide a break from the usual dress code, contributing to a more relaxed and enjoyable end to the workweek.
  • Encourages team building: A more casual dress code can help break down hierarchical barriers, making interactions among employees more relaxed and fostering a sense of camaraderie.

Fully casual

Fully casual dress codes are embraced by some companies, particularly startups and tech giants like Google and Facebook. This approach allows employees to wear comfortable, everyday attire, such as jeans, t-shirts and sneakers. Fully casual dress codes reflect a company’s innovative and non-conformist culture, where creativity and individuality are highly valued.

Cultural impact

  • A relaxed dress code can encourage a more informal and dynamic work environment, which is conducive to creative thinking and problem-solving.
  • It can help attract new talent. Younger generations, particularly Millennials and Gen Z, usually prefer workplaces with casual dress codes, viewing them as more modern and flexible.
  • Fully casual dress codes reflect company values. It generally signifies a flat organizational structure and an open, inclusive culture.

Remote work and hybrid models

The rise of remote work has further transformed dress codes. With employees working from home, many companies have relaxed their dress code policies. The focus has shifted from what employees wear to their productivity and output. Remote and hybrid work environments have led to new norms and expectations:

Remote work

  • Comfort is key: Employees working from home often dress in casual or comfortable clothing, such as loungewear or athleisure, as long as it is appropriate for video meetings.
  • Output over appearance: Companies prioritize employee productivity and results over adherence to a strict dress code.

Hybrid models

  • Flexible dress codes: In hybrid work environments, companies may adopt a mix of dress code policies, allowing more casual attire on remote days and business casual or professional attire on in-office days.
  • Adaptability: Employees can choose attire based on their schedules and tasks for the day, promoting a sense of autonomy and work-life balance.

Case studies

Tech industry: Google

Google’s casual dress code is a cornerstone of its corporate culture. The company believes that a relaxed environment fosters creativity and innovation. Employees are encouraged to express themselves through their attire, reflecting Google’s value of individuality and diversity. This approach has contributed to a culture of openness and collaboration, where employees feel valued for their contributions rather than their appearance.

Finance industry: Goldman Sachs

Goldman Sachs, a leading global investment bank, has historically adhered to a formal dress code. Pertaining to this, in 2019, when the economy was booming, the firm relaxed its dress code policy, allowing for more casual attire. This change aimed to align the company’s culture with modern, flexible work environments while maintaining a professional standard. The new policy reflects Goldman Sachs’ recognition of the evolving nature of work and the importance of adapting to attract and retain top talent.

Retail industry: Starbucks

Starbucks provides an interesting example of a dress code that blends uniformity with personal expression. Employees, known as “partners,” wear green aprons, which symbolize the brand and create a cohesive identity. In relation to this, partners are also allowed to personalize their attire with accessories and hairstyles, reflecting the company’s commitment to individuality within a unified framework.

Impact on company identity

Dress codes are a powerful tool for shaping and communicating a company’s identity. They convey the company’s values, culture and brand image to employees, clients and the public. A well-defined dress code can enhance a company’s identity in several ways:

Brand consistency: Uniforms and branded attire ensure that employees represent the company consistently. This is particularly important for customer-facing roles, where the appearance of employees directly impacts the customer’s perception of the brand.

Reflection of inclusivity and respect: Dress codes should be inclusive and respectful of cultural, religious and gender diversity. Allowing personal expression through dress shows that the company values individuality and respects diverse backgrounds and preferences.

Forward-thinking about changing work norms: Modern dress code policies that accommodate remote and hybrid work demonstrate a company’s adaptability and responsiveness to changing work norms and employee needs.

Employee engagement: Allowing employees some degree of choice in their attire can boost engagement and job satisfaction. When employees feel comfortable and can express their individuality, they are more likely to be motivated and committed to their work.

Dress codes are strategic to the long-term success of an organization

Dress codes are more than just rules about what to wear; they are a reflection of a company’s culture and identity. From fostering professionalism and unity to encouraging creativity and individuality, dress codes play a key role in shaping the work environment. As the nature of work continues to evolve, so too will dress codes, adapting to new trends and the diverse needs of the modern workforce. By thoughtfully considering the impact of dress codes, companies can enhance their culture, strengthen their brand identity and create a more engaged and motivated workforce.