Types of workplace clothingTypes of workplace clothing

Formal Attire• In some careers, formal business attire is a

requirement. These careers may include professions such as law and finance and some customer-facing jobs such as public relations. Some companies have strict dress codes that dictate the type of suits and dresses, color of ties and the height of heels that employees should wear. For most, formal business dress includes suits for both men and women. For both men and women, formal workplace attire includes good grooming and wearing appropriate accessories, such as the correct shoes and tights

Business casual• Companies use this type of workplace attire in hot weather or in

more casual businesses. Business casual is a neat, pulled-together look that does not include items such as flip-flops, shorts and sleeveless tops, but can include slacks or chinos, button-down shirts with no jacket and casual skirts or dresses. A 2007 article in USA Today reports that there is widespread confusion about the type of attire allowed in a business casual environment. Companies need to make their dress code clear to avoid inappropriate casual dress. Business casual is sometimes also used as a way to save money. According to the article, Texas A&M University instituted business casual dress in summer as a way to keep employees comfortable while the school instituted the cost-saving measure of setting its air conditioning at 75 degrees.

Casual Attire

• Some companies have abandoned dress codes altogether and allow employees to wear almost anything. Some Silicon Valley companies take casual dress to the extreme. According to one Apple Computers employee, quoted in "Apple Insider," sweatpants and bare feet are common at the company. Casual attire generally means you may wear your everyday clothes, such as jeans and T-shirts. This type of dress is most common in tech and media companies.

Uniforms• Some workplaces require uniforms. These tend to be most

common in service occupations, such as an airline flight attendant, or in public service jobs, such as a firefighter or police officer. Uniforms make workers stand out, so those they serve can recognize them easily. The style and variety of uniforms varies tremendously. Some business, may have uniforms made to order for their staff, while others will dictate a standard type of clothing, such as black pants and black button-down shirt. A few companies may dictate the type of makeup and hairstyles they allow with workplace attire. For example, the City of Houston does not allow uniformed police officers to have beards.