What Supporters Are Saying

What Critics Are Saying

Some employers oppose casual dress because in their opinion too many workers push the boundaries of what is acceptable. They contend that absenteeism, tardiness, and flirtatious behavior have increased since dress-down policies began to be adopted. Relaxed dress codes also lead to reduced productivity and lax behavior. Image counselor Judith Rasband claims that the general casualization of America has resulted in an overall decline in civility. "Manners break down, you begin to feel down, and you're not as effective," she says. Others fear that the authority and credibility of casually attired executives, particularly females and minorities, are undermined. Moreover, customers are turned off by casually attired employees.

Regardless of critics, employees love casual dress policies. As a result, nine out of ten employers have adopted casual dress days for at least part of the workweek. Supporters argue that comfortable clothes and relaxed working environments lift employee morale, increase employee creativity, and improve internal communication. Employees appreciate reduced clothing-related expenses, while employers use casual dress as a recruitment and retention tool.

Advice for Employees

The following suggestions, gleaned from surveys and articles about casual dress trends in the workplace, can help future and current employees avoid casual dress blunders.

• For job interviews, dress conservatively or call ahead to ask the interviewer or the receptionist what is appropriate.
  
• Find out what your company allows. Ask whether a dress-down policy is available. Observe what others are wearing on casual dress days.
  
• If your company has no casual dress guide policy, volunteer to work with management to develop guidelines, including illustrations of suitable casual attire.
  
• Avoid wearing the following items (which 80 percent of executives find unacceptable): sweatsuits, spandex, shorts, T-shirts with slogans, bared-midriff outfits, halter tops, tank tops, and flip flops.
  
• When meeting customers, dress as well as, or better, than they do.