Courts in the U.S. say employers have right to set conservative dress codes, as long as the rules apply equally to men and women
Courts in the U.S. are allowing employers to ban what they consider to be “sexy” dressing in the workplace, according to Eric Matusewitch, deputy director of the New York City Equal Employment Practices Commission.
What, in the eyes of U.S. courts, constitutes sexy?
“It’s considered attire that is particularly revealing and of extreme fit, such as spandex, and also use of excessive makeup,” Matusewitch said in a Chicago Tribune article.
He said female employees have charged that dress codes prohibiting the above discriminate against women. But courts are upholding the rights of employers to set reasonable dress and appearance codes.
“(Courts) state there is no sex discrimination if the codes apply equally to men and women,” he said. “So, if men are required to dress conservatively, employers can require women to avoid tight, flashy and revealing outfits. In general, courts are stating that the appearance of company employees may contribute greatly to its image and success with the public, and that a reasonable dress or grooming code is a proper management prerogative.”
What, in the eyes of U.S. courts, constitutes sexy?
“It’s considered attire that is particularly revealing and of extreme fit, such as spandex, and also use of excessive makeup,” Matusewitch said in a Chicago Tribune article.
He said female employees have charged that dress codes prohibiting the above discriminate against women. But courts are upholding the rights of employers to set reasonable dress and appearance codes.
“(Courts) state there is no sex discrimination if the codes apply equally to men and women,” he said. “So, if men are required to dress conservatively, employers can require women to avoid tight, flashy and revealing outfits. In general, courts are stating that the appearance of company employees may contribute greatly to its image and success with the public, and that a reasonable dress or grooming code is a proper management prerogative.”
