In recent years, the world has undergone rapid transformation, bringing about changes that are

markedly different from those of just a decade ago. In the workplace, there has been an increased
emphasis on individuality and authenticity, leading to heated debates about workplace attire
(Grant and Taylor, 2016). While casual attire has become a popular mode of self-expression, with
phenomena such as "casual dress day" and companies that eschew dress codes gaining popularity,
workplace attire has long been a rule entrenched with numerous justifications for its existence. In
this article, we will delve into the role of workplace attire in enhancing employee professionalism,
including its impact on efficiency, safety, quality, teamwork, and corporate image.

The influence of clothing on work performance cannot be overstated. This is undoubtedly an

effective workplace management tool. Empirical studies have shown that workplace attire can
improve productivity and the quality of work while also influencing negotiation outcomes
(ProCon.org, 2022). Proper attire can also imbue employees with a sense of conscientiousness,
trustworthiness, efficiency, professionalism, and competence (Peluchette and Karl, 2007),
highlighting the significant impact of clothing on work performance. When employees dress
appropriately, they project a professional image that conveys competence, confidence, and
credibility. This projection can have a positive impact on how they are perceived by their
colleagues and clients. It can also lead to better communication, collaboration, and teamwork
(ProCon.org, 2022). On the other hand, inappropriate attire can harm an employee's professional
reputation and affect their relationships with colleagues, clients, and customers. It can be seen that
appropriate clothing has a positive impact on job performance.

For corporations, workplace attire is an effective means of projecting a good corporate image and
management. Appearance is a significant factor in evaluating a company's services and image
(Gurung et al., 2018). Additionally, a comprehensive policy on attire can foster a stronger work
culture, while an absence of one or an excessively casual one may serve to erode an organization's
established culture (Grant and Taylor, 2016). Workplace attire is closely tied to company culture.
Corporate dress codes can build a company's brand and make its culture more visible, reflecting an
organization's culture, which is a fusion of social norms, faith, and values (Peluchette and Karl,
2007). A well-crafted dress code can also help to create a sense of unity and cohesion among
employees. Furthermore, workplace attire takes into account safety factors (ProCon.org, 2022),
restricting certain types of clothing in labs or manufacturing facilities to forestall burn-related
accidents and chemical spills. Additionally, it prohibits the use of masks and religious headscarves
in certain workplaces such as schools, cinemas, and prisons to prevent violent occurrences.

However, when workplace attire focuses solely on employees’ work results, it ignores other
important issues. Some prosperous work products have been built on the sacrifices of human
individuals and freedom and rights. Things like mandatory dress codes happen all the time in the
workplace. The form of mandated dress often discriminates against women and marginalized
groups. It is beyond dispute that dressing rules for women are more stringent than for men
(Gurung et al., 2018). These rules differ from corporation to corporation and are often based on
outdated ideas that do not align with modern values. Workplace attire can also be unfriendly to the
diversity of religions, races, and cultures (ProCon.org, 2022). African-descent people are often
restricted because of their hair and clothes. Headwear of any sorts was forbidden in the USA until
2019 when Congress changed the 1873 rules. Furthermore, some religious dress is banned in
France, violating the rights of ethnic minorities, women, and religious people.

From a psychological perspective, casual dress provides many advantages. Many corporations
such as PepsiCo., Clorox, and Citibank, which offer casual-dress benefits to their employees,
report that wearing casual clothing can boost morale, improve quality, and enhance efficiency by
creating a more pleasant working environment (McPherson, 1997). The first-ever national survey
of attitudes toward dress showed that boosting employee morale and efficiency may be a matter of
adopting a casual dress policy. It also shows that 57% of the respondents believed that dressing
casually can make them feel more camaraderie with managers and coworkers (McPherson, 1997).
Not only from a psychological point of view but also from an economic point of view casual dress
is a better choice. Casual clothes cost less than business suits and often do not require dry-
cleaning. With the cost of health care and other benefits increasing, allowing casual dress is an
attractive way to offer an increasingly popular new benefit at no cost to the employer (McPherson,
1997). Generally speaking, the advantages of dressing casually are many. Dressing casually can
lead to better attitudes about work, greater spontaneity, and improved relations among employees.

In conclusion, workplace attire is important for the management and development of a company
and employees' work practices. However, this requirement lacks humanistic care, disregarding the
economic and psychological situations of employees. Casual dress serves to address some of these
issues while reflecting the diversity and tolerance of a company. Consequently, implementing a
rule that integrates both workplace attire and casual dress or running both rules concurrently
represents the best approach. Notably, casual dress should be the focal point of consideration in
the reform of a company's dress code. By doing so, we can ensure that workplace attire is
inclusive, respectful, and conducive to productivity and employee well-being while also reflecting
the values and culture of the organization.