Employers are allowed to require their employees to follow a dress code. Dress code requirements fall into two categories:

• Uniforms.
• General dress codes.

Employers are not required to pay for the cost of required clothing or attire unless it is considered a “uniform.”

Employers Are Required to Pay for Uniforms

Required clothing or attire is considered a uniform if it:

• Clearly identifies the employee with a specific employer
• Has the employer’s logo.
• Is a clothing item of an uncommon color.
• Has an ethnic or historical theme.
• Is formal clothing such as tuxedos, gowns, and garments made from fine cloth.
• Business suits and other traditional business attire are not considered formal attire.

Employers may not deduct from an employees wages or require a deposit for a uniform.

General Dress Code Items in Common Colors

If an employer’s dress code only features general requirements and allows these requirements to be met through common-colored clothing, they are not required to pay for the cost. Employers may offer to provide or pay for non-uniform dress code items.

Common colors, including light and dark variations, are:

• Tops: white, tan, and blue.
• Bottoms: tan, black, blue, and gray.