A dress code is a set of written and, more often, unwritten rules with regard to clothing.

Clothing, like
other aspects of human physical appearance, has a social significance, with different rules and
expectations applying depending on circumstance and occasion. Within a single day, an individual may
need to navigate between two or more dress codes. For example, many navigate between a home dress
code and a work dress code; usually this ability is a result of cultural acclimatization.[clarification
needed] Different societies and cultures will have different dress norms, although Western styles are
widely accepted as valid.

The dress code has built in rules or signals indicating the message being given by a person's clothing and
how it is worn. This message may include indications of the person's gender, income, occupation and
social class, political, ethnic and religious affiliation, attitude towards comfort, fashion, traditions,
gender expression, marital status, sexual availability, and sexual orientation, etc. Clothes convey other
social messages including the stating or claiming personal or cultural identity, the establishing,
maintaining, or defying social group norms, and appreciating comfort and functionality.

For example, wearing expensive clothes can communicate wealth, the image of wealth, or to quality
clothing. The observer sees the expensive clothes, but may misinterpret the extent to which these
factors apply to the wearer. Clothing can convey a social message, even if none is intended: if the
receiver's code of interpretation differs from the sender's code of communication, misinterpretation
follows. However clothes may be worn because they are comfortable and practical, not to convey a
message.

In every culture, current fashion governs how clothing is constructed, assembled, and worn to convey a
social message. The rate of change of fashion varies, clothes and its accessories within months or days,
especially in small social groups or in communications media-influenced modern societies. More
extensive changes, requiring more time, money, and effort to effect, may span generations. When
fashion changes, the messages communicated by clothing change.

Contents

1 History

1.1 Europe

1.2 The Americas

2 Signifier

2.1 Gender

2.2 Social status

2.3 Occupation
2.4 Ethnic and political affiliation

2.5 Religious affiliation

2.6 Marital status

3 Laws and social norms

4 Private dress codes

5 Education

5.1 History of Dress Codes in School

5.2 Stances of Dress Code Controversy

5.3 Examples of Dress Codes in Schools

5.4 Non-Communicative and Communicative Dress Codes

5.5 Dress Code Violations and the Courts

6 Work place

6.1 Business casual

7 Inverse dress codes

8 Violation of clothing taboos

9 Rebellion against dress codes

10 See also

11 References

12 External links

History

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Europe

See also: Sumptuary laws

In the Middle Ages, the European royalty and nobility used a dress code to differentiate themselves
from other classes of people.

The Americas
The indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest Coast had a complex social structure, including slaves,
commoners, and nobles, and dress codes to indicate these social distinctions. John R. Jewitt, an
Englishman who wrote a memoir about his years as a captive of the Nuu-chah-nulth people in 1802-
1805, describes how, after some time living there, Maquinna and the chiefs decided that he must now
be "considered one of them, and conform to their customs". Jewitt resented the imposition of this dress
code, finding the loose untailored garments very cold, and attributed to them a subsequent illness of
which he almost died. He was not allowed to cut his hair, and had to paint his face and body as a Nootka
would.[1]

Signifier

A placard informs tourists about the minimum clothing standards for entering St. Peter's Basilica in the
Vatican

Poster in Qatar calling on foreign women to dress modestly

Gender

See also: Cross-dressing

In most traditions, certain types of clothing are worn exclusively or predominantly by either men or
women. For example, long sleeves are common for both genders, and while the wearing of a knee-
length skirt or a knee-length dress tends to be associated with female dress, ankle-length trousers are
associated with male dress. Hairdressing in some societies may also conform to a dress code, such as
long hair for women and short hair for men.

Social status

Emir Alim Khan's bemedalled robe communicates a social message

Formal attire for the Emperor and Empress of the Ming Dynasty of China[2]

In many societies, particular clothing may be a status symbol, reserved or affordable to people of high
rank. For example, in Ancient Rome only senators were permitted to wear garments dyed with Tyrian
purple; and, in traditional Hawaiian society, only high-ranking chiefs could wear feather cloaks and
palaoa or carved whale teeth. In China before the establishment of the republic, only the emperor could
wear yellow.[citation needed][dubious – discuss]
In 1996, former U. S. President Bill Clinton announced his support for the idea of school uniforms by
stating, “School uniforms are one step that may help break the cycle of violence, truancy and disorder
by helping young students understand what really counts is what kind of people they are.” Many school
districts in the United States took up the idea.[3] By requiring students to wear a school uniform they
are less likely to have something to make fun of other students for. This would cause the students to get
to know one another by their personality and who they really are rather than the clothes they wear.

Occupation

Military, police, and firefighters usually wear uniforms, as do workers in many industries. School children
often wear school uniforms, while college and university students sometimes wear academic dress.
Members of religious orders may wear uniforms known as habits. Sometimes a single item of clothing or
a single accessory can declare one's occupation or rank within a profession

Ethnic and political affiliation

In many regions of the world, national costumes and styles in clothing and ornament declare
membership in a certain village, caste, religion, etc. A Scotsman declares his clan with his tartan. A
French peasant woman identified her village with her cap or coif. A Palestinian woman identifies her
village with the pattern of embroidery on her dress.[4]

Clothes can also proclaim dissent from cultural norms and mainstream beliefs, as well as personal
independence. In 19th-century Europe, artists and writers lived la vie de Bohème and dressed to shock:
George Sand in men's clothing, female emancipationists in bloomers, male artists in velvet waistcoats
and gaudy neckcloths. Bohemians, beatniks, hippies, Goths, Punks, and Skinheads have continued the
(countercultural) tradition in the 20th-century West.

Religious affiliation

Mannequins with traditional Muslim veil at a Saturday market in Tira, Israel.

A Jewish or Muslim man may display his religious affiliation by wearing a cap and other traditional
clothing. Many Muslim women wear head or body coverings (see sartorial hijab, hijab, burqa or niqab,
chador, and abaya) that proclaim their status as respectable women and cover the so-called intimate
parts. A Jewish man may indicate his observance of Judaism by wearing a kippah.

Marital status

See also: Visual markers of marital status

Traditionally, Hindu women wear sindoor, a red powder, in the parting of their hair to indicate their
married status; if widowed, they abandon sindoor and jewelry and wear simple white clothing.
However, this is not true of all Hindu women; in the modern world this is not a norm and women
without sindoor may not necessarily be unmarried.

In many Orthodox Jewish circles, married women wear head coverings such as a hat, snood, or wig.
Additionally, after their marriage, Jewish men of Ashkenazi descent begin to wear a talit during prayer.

Men and women of the Western world may wear wedding rings to indicate their married status, and
women may also wear engagement rings when they are engaged.

Laws and social norms

Main article: Clothing laws by country

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Model of a nude beach in the DDR Museum, Berlin

In New Guinea and Vanuatu, there are areas where it is customary for the men to wear nothing but
penis sheaths in public - this is uncommon in more developed areas. Women wear string skirts. In
remote areas of Bali, women may go topless. In America and some parts of Europe, there are nude
beaches.

In the United States, a few businesses or restaurants display dress code signs requiring shoes and shirts,
claiming to be there on account of a health code,[citation needed] although no such health codes
exist.[5] Also, it is a common belief that there are laws against driving barefoot. However, no such laws
exist. It is quite uncommon for people to be nude in public in the United States and in many
circumstances, it is illegal. Many states and cities have laws and ordinances for indecent exposure and
sometimes nudity can overlap with disorderly conduct. However, there are a few private beaches and
resorts that cater to people who wish to be naked.

The “Free the Nipple Movement” is a global campaign seeking equality and empowerment for women
when it comes to dress code. It emerged as a reaction to the idea that it was socially acceptable for men
to appear without a shirt in public; whereas, a woman appearing topless in public would be construed as
indecent. The states of New York, New Hampshire, Hawaii, Ohio, and Texas have made it legal for both
men and women to appear topless in public. The remainder of states consider the exposure of the
female nipple to be an act of indecent exposure, putting them in a position where they can be charged
with a criminal offense. This appears to be a gendered law that promotes different expectations on how
a person is expected to dress when in public.

The Gender Nondiscrimination Act prohibits employers, health care providers, and housing authorities
from discriminating against people on the basis of gender. While employers are not able to discriminate
in their hiring practices, they do have the ability to create a gendered uniform. Employers cannot force
someone to wear a uniform for a gender they do not identify themselves as, but this becomes an issue
for non binary gendered people. In society, clothing is marketed by gender and dressing across this
established line is often construed as an anomaly. Skirts, dresses, and high heels are clothing marketed
almost exclusively for women. If a man wore any of these pieces in public it would be seen as outside of
the norm.

Private dress codes

See also: shoe § etiquette, mourning, and Sharia

Dress code for a private club in Soho, London

Private organisations may insist on particular dress codes or standards in particular situations.

Religious bodies may insist on their standards of modesty being followed at their premises and events.

Employees are sometimes required to wear a uniform or certain standards of dress, such as a business
suit or tie. This may depend on particular situations, for example if they are expected to interact with
customers. (see also International standard business attire) These policies vary depending on the
industry with lawyers, bankers, and executives often wearing suit and tie. Some work places require that
tattoos be covered.

Patrons of a disco or nightclub are sometimes expected to dress in a particular style, such as clubwear;
and bouncers of a disco or nightclub at times refuse entrance to those whose clothing they consider not
consistent with the atmosphere of the venue.

Patrons of a casino, shop, or restaurant are usually expected to dress to a minimum standard, such as
smart casual.

The organisers of some parties sometimes specify a costume or theme for the event, such as a naked
party or toga party.

Fetish clubs often require patrons to dress in fetish clothing or else all in black.

Dress codes function on certain social occasions and for certain jobs. A military institution may require
specified uniforms; if it allows the wearing of plain clothes it may place restrictions on their use.
A "formal" or white tie dress code typically means tail-coats for men and full-length evening dresses for
women. "Semi-formal" has a much less precise definition but typically means an evening jacket and tie
for men (known as black tie) and a dress for women. "Business casual" typically means not wearing
neckties or suits, but wearing instead collared shirts, and more country trousers (not black, but more
relaxed, including things such as corduroy). "Casual" typically just means clothing for the torso, legs and
shoes. "Wedding Casual" defines yet another mode of dress, where guests dress respectfully, but not
necessarily fancily. The uniform may consist of various items that are appropriate length and style
depending on what the school suggests: for example, khaki pants or shorts, plaid skirts, a button-up
collared shirt, a sweater, a coat and tie and even socks. Some schools have each grade assigned a color
type which communicates what grade the student is currently in. That way if a student is lost someone is
able to figure out what grade they are in just by looking at the color of their shirt. If the student is
younger, older students and faculty are able to look out for them and make sure they are safe.
Organisations which seek to maintain standards of modesty have difficulties with sheer and see-through
clothing.

Dress codes usually set a lower limit on body covering. However, sometimes it can specify the opposite:
for example, in UK gay jargon, dress code, means people who dress in a militaristic manner. Dress code
nights in nightclubs, and elsewhere, are deemed to specifically target people who have militaristic
fetishes (e.g. leather/skinhead men).

Education

History of Dress Codes in School

Dress codes were first implemented in the school system to prevent students from wearing
inappropriate clothing items to school and was thought to create a safer and more professional
environment. Even though dress code was created to positively affect schools, the rules actually impede
on students' right to self-expression. There have been many court cases regarding school dress code, the
first being the Tinker vs. Des Moines Independent School District. The case was held because students
wore black armbands to protest the Vietnam war.[6]

Stances of Dress Code Controversy

The major stances over school dress code are the two extremist sides, to completely remove dress
codes or to introduce a dress code, and the middle view, to adjust the existing dress code. Pro-dress
code advocates explain the classroom benefits of a distraction-free and professional environment
outweigh the negative social effects placed on the students.[7] Those who are against dress code argue
that dress codes take away your 14th amendment rights. The middle stance wants to urge for change in
their current policies.
Examples of Dress Codes in Schools

In some grade schools, students are prevented from wearing short shorts, leggings, crop tops, saggy
pants, and other clothing items that are deemed "too revealing" or "inappropriate".

In colleges, the most common type of dress code is business casual, but most colleges don't have dress
code requirements.

Non-Communicative and Communicative Dress Codes

Non-communicative dress code violations in public schools are violations that are without implications
of hate, gang-affiliation, etc.[8] Communicative dress code violations are violations of an explicit nature,
where the clothing has implications of hate, violence, gang-affiliation, etc.[8]

Dress Code Violations and the Courts

In cases where dress code rules in public school systems have been violated by noncommunicative
clothing, courts repeatedly legitimise dress code discrimination based on gender.[9] Amongst the
transgender populations, gender based dress codes are primarily enforced against individuals who are
biologically able to remain within their own gender group, but that may wish to transcend to another
gender.[clarification needed] [9]

Work place

Western dress codes

Formal wear

Semi-formal

Informal

Business casual

Smart casual

Casual

White collar work place clothing has changed significantly through the years. In a corporate office,
appropriate clothes are clean, business casual clothes such as (for men) a dress shirt, polo shirt, and
trousers, or other similar outfits. Suits, neckties, and other formal wear are usually only required in law
offices and financial sector offices. Previous business dress code eras (the 1950s in the U.S.) featured
standardized business clothes that strongly differentiated what was acceptable and unacceptable for
men and women to wear while working. Today, the two styles have merged; women's work clothes
expanded to include the suit (and its variants) in addition to the usual dresses, skirts, and blouses; men's
clothes have expanded to include garments and bright colours.[citation needed]

Casual wear entered business culture with the advent of the Silicon Valley, California, technology
company featuring casual work clothes on the job. Additionally, some companies set aside days —
generally Fridays ("dress-down Friday", "casual Friday") — when workers may wear casual clothes. The
clothing a company requires its worker to wear on the job varies with the occupation and profession.

Some businesses observe that anti-discrimination law restricts their determining what is appropriate
and inappropriate workplace clothing. Requiring men and women to dress differently at the workplace
can be challenged because the gender-specific dress codes would be based on one sex and could be
considered stereotypical.[10] Yet, in fact, most businesses have much authority in determining and
establishing what work place clothes they can require of their workers. Generally, a carefully drafted
dress code applied consistently does not violate anti-discrimination laws.[11]

Business casual

Main article: Business casual

Business casual dress, also "smart casual", is a popular work place dress code that emerged in white-
collar workplaces in Western countries in the 1990s, especially in the United States and Canada. Many
information technology businesses in Silicon Valley were early adopters of this dress code. In contrast to
formal business wear such as suits and neckties (the international standard business attire), the business
casual dress code has no generally accepted definition; its interpretation differs widely among
organizations and is often a cause of sartorial confusion among workers.

The job search engine Monster.com offers this definition: In general, business casual means dressing
professionally, looking relaxed, yet neat and pulled together. A more pragmatic definition is that
business casual dress is the mid ground between formal business clothes and street clothes. Examples of
clothing combinations considered appropriate for work by businesses that consider themselves as using
the business-casual dress code are:

for men: a shirt with a collar (polo shirt) and cotton trousers (or "khakis" in American English).

for women: a tennis shirt and trousers.

Generally, neckties are excluded from business casual dress, unless worn in nontraditional ways. The
acceptability of blue jeans and denim cloth clothing varies — some businesses consider them to be
sloppy and informal.
Inverse dress codes

Inverse dress codes, sometimes referred to as "undress code", set forth an upper bound, rather than a
lower bound, on body covering. An example of an undress code is the one commonly enforced in
modern communal bathing facilities. For example, in the public bath SchwabenQuellen, no clothing of
any kind is allowed in the sauna part of the resort. Other, less strict undress codes are common in public
pools, especially indoor pools, in which shoes and shirts are disallowed.