Sri Lanka is among those countries that require all schoolchildren to wear a uniform. This is true even for so-called international schools operating here. The idea of a uniform is literally to create some uniformity among the school populace and place all children, rich or poor, on an equal footing. Having a uniform also reduces expenditure on different clothes.
But later on in life, when we enter the university or the job market, there generally is no such requirement. Nevertheless, a uniform is a must in sectors such as the Police and the Security Forces, Private Security, Nursing, Airlines and for workmen in many utilities. Some factories and vocational training centres also require a uniform for the workers and students.
This brings us to the controversial topic of dress codes for both men and women in companies and offices. Worldwide, many Government and private enterprises do have dress codes, which are specified or detailed in a handbook given to employees.
Work attire
Dress codes are used to communicate to employees what the organisation considers appropriate work attire. A dress code or appearance policy allows an employer to set expectations regarding the image it wants the company to convey. Dress codes can be formal or informal and might include the use of uniforms or even tee-shirts with the company logo.
Employers realise that impressions made on clients and customers are important to the success of an organisation. Employees typically are the “face” of the company, and employers often find it necessary to control that image. Dress codes used in many organisations range from those that require formal business dress or “business casual” to those that allow more casual wear or those that include grooming and hygiene standards. Employers must consider which type of dress code will not only provide the image they want to portray but will also support company cultures and values.
Employers also need to consider relevant industry standards or workplace safety regulations that affect employee dress and appearance. There are many hazardous occupations that may require the full gamut of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as seen during the Covid-19 pandemic too.
Informal wear
Some organisations designate Friday as the day of the week when employees may dress more informally than the normal day-to-day formal business or business casual attire. Many banks in Sri Lanka do this (for both sexes) and it also helps market or ‘brand’ the banks as the employees go about in public transport.
But there are many other factors that shape a company’s dress code or lack thereof. Companies must always take into account the climate factor – a full business suit or even a long-sleeved shirt (with or without a tie) or blouse may not be comfortable if the employees have to work outside in the field or even in a non air-conditioned environment. In the light of this factor, many companies allow men to wear short-sleeved shirts and women either sleeveless or short sleeved tops. This may include the dress down Fridays.
In an informal survey conducted among colleagues and company employees for this article, most respondents agreed that a company should have a dress code, albeit not a very restrictive one. They also voiced the need to respect the country’s social and cultural norms in choosing workplace attire. Many were of the opinion that a tank top or a short skirt would not be appropriate in this sense, even if the company allows them (some companies indeed do).
Several respondents said that they had to wear saris every day to office, pointing out that saris are a problem, especially when using crowded public transport during the morning and evening rush hours. Many also said that it is difficult to wear them for long hours. Saris are also more expensive than most other garments, though some institutions do provide a “uniform” sari to their women employees to solve this problem. Equally, many men who had to wear long sleeved shirts all day said they would rather prefer to wear short-sleeved shirts or tee-shirts with a collar.
‘Nice’ clothing
A considerable number of those surveyed said that companies should not have a dress code, written or otherwise. In fact, there are many companies and offices in Sri Lanka and elsewhere that do not have a dress code at all, which nevertheless expect employees to turn up in ‘nice’ clothing.
Those opposed to dress codes said that employees must have the freedom to wear what they want, within acceptable limits of decency and suitability. They mostly favour the “Smart Casual” approach, which as the term implies, allows employees to wear somewhat casual attire (casual frocks, short sleeved shirts etc) but in a smart way.
There is a debate worldwide on the suitability of denims and jeans for both sexes for workplaces, but there is little doubt that it is a very comfortable garment in any environment. However, it is generally accepted that cut-off or torn jeans cannot be considered as office wear. A few male respondents were in favour of Bermuda-type shorts, may be for Fridays and holidays, which is indeed common in many other countries during hot weather.
Company image
Many of those who responded to the survey said they were acutely aware that the clothes they wear, especially if they interact with customers or the public, would in turn reflect the image of the company they work for.
They see it as a total package and not just the dress – well groomed hair, nice shoes and even a good watch can convey a lot about a person in this image-conscious world. Appearance is important in more ways than one, apparently.
There was an overall consensus that the workplace is not the best place to make a “fashion statement” for men and women. What is important is to wear clothing that you feel comfortable in all-day long, regardless of whether your company has a dress code or not. Either way, there is a range of options and variations that one can try within the working week, unless of course, there is a uniform. Ultimately, as someone said, we are what we wear.