It is legal for employers to institute a dress code in the workplace. For many in an office setting, for example, they are told to wear business casual attire. Those who work in retail may be given a specific uniform that they have to wear. Employees are not always happy to be told how they have to dress, but it is not a violation of their rights.
That being said, dress codes can become problematic if they are discriminatory against certain groups. Protected classes like race, religion, gender and ethnic background still apply. A discriminatory dress code may be illegal, even if the general idea of creating a dress code is not.
Subtle discrimination
In some cases, this type of discrimination may be overt. For instance, if an employer tells all female employees that they have to wear business casual attire but does not give any regulations for male employees, it is clearly a form of gender discrimination. They are trying to enforce certain gender roles or impose unequal regulations on employees based on their sex.
But in other cases, it can be a bit more subtle. Many religions have certain types of jewelry, headwear or other dress that are either required or common. An employer may make a dress code that prohibits the wearing of these items, saying that it is legal because it applies to all employees. But the truth is that only employees of that specific religion are realistically being impacted by such a rule, so it could still be a form of discrimination.
Do you believe you have suffered discrimination in the workplace? Whether it revolves around a dress code or anything else, it is critical that you understand your rights and legal options.