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109 Dress Code Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

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Dress codes are a common topic of debate in schools, workplaces, and other institutions. While some people believe that dress codes are necessary for maintaining a professional or respectful environment, others argue that they can be restrictive and discriminatory. Regardless of where you stand on the issue, writing an essay on dress codes can be a thought-provoking exercise. To help get you started, here are 109 dress code essay topic ideas and examples:

The impact of school dress codes on student academic performance
Dress codes and gender equality in the workplace
Cultural sensitivity in dress codes
The history of dress codes in schools
Dress codes and freedom of expression
The politics of school dress codes
The racial implications of dress codes
Dress codes and body image
Dress codes and self-expression
The psychology of dress codes
The role of dress codes in promoting professionalism
Dress codes and social class
The relationship between dress codes and discipline in schools
Dress codes and school safety
Dress codes and LGBTQ+ rights
The impact of dress codes on student mental health
Dress codes and religious freedom
Dress codes and workplace productivity
The enforcement of dress codes in schools
Dress codes and cultural appropriation
The impact of dress codes on student confidence
Dress codes and workplace morale
Dress codes and fashion trends
The effectiveness of school dress codes in preventing distractions
Dress codes and the right to privacy
Dress codes and student creativity
The ethics of dress codes in schools
Dress codes and student engagement
Dress codes and teacher-student relationships
The role of dress codes in shaping societal norms
Dress codes and school spirit
Dress codes and mental health stigma
The impact of dress codes on student self-esteem
Dress codes and body positivity
Dress codes and workplace discrimination
The economic implications of dress codes
Dress codes and workplace diversity
The impact of dress codes on student behavior
Dress codes and academic performance
Dress codes and the right to individuality
The enforcement of dress codes in the military
Dress codes and workplace professionalism
The relationship between dress codes and job satisfaction
Dress codes and employee retention
Dress codes and workplace safety
The impact of dress codes on employee morale
Dress codes and age discrimination
Dress codes and summer dress
The enforcement of dress codes in public spaces
Dress codes and school culture
Dress codes and peer pressure
The impact of dress codes on student relationships
Dress codes and workplace ethics
Dress codes and sustainability
The relationship between dress codes and environmental awareness
Dress codes and social media
The impact of dress codes on student identity
Dress codes and school pride
The enforcement of dress codes in religious institutions
Dress codes and cultural assimilation
Dress codes and the right to protest
The impact of dress codes on student activism
Dress codes and corporate social responsibility
Dress codes and the gig economy
The relationship between dress codes and job security
Dress codes and workplace hierarchy
Dress codes and employee rights
The impact of dress codes on employee well-being
Dress codes and workplace innovation
Dress codes and gender norms
The enforcement of dress codes in sports
Dress codes and athletic performance
Dress codes and sportsmanship
The impact of dress codes on fan behavior
Dress codes and sports culture
Dress codes and athletic endorsements
The relationship between dress codes and sportsmanship
Dress codes and sports ethics
Dress codes and sports diversity
The impact of dress codes on sportsmanship
Dress codes and the role of technology
Dress codes and virtual dress
The relationship between dress codes and online identity
Dress codes and virtual reality
Dress codes and social media influencers
The impact of dress codes on social media behavior
Dress codes and cyberbullying
Dress codes and digital citizenship
The relationship between dress codes and online safety
Dress codes and virtual communities
Dress codes and the future of technology
The impact of dress codes on virtual interactions
Dress codes and artificial intelligence
Dress codes and virtual reality gaming
The relationship between dress codes and virtual fashion
Dress codes and virtual communication
Dress codes and virtual etiquette 99

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Essay on Dress Code

Students are often asked to write an essay on Dress Code in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Dress Code

What is a dress code.

A dress code is a set of rules about what you can wear. Schools, offices, and clubs often have dress codes. They help people look neat and proper for different places. For example, your school might ask you to wear certain colors or types of clothes.

Why Dress Codes Matter

Dress codes are important because they create a sense of unity. When everyone wears similar clothes, it can make people feel like they belong to a group. In jobs, it helps customers know who to ask for help.

Pros and Cons

Having a dress code means everyone knows what to wear without thinking too much. But, some people feel dress codes limit their freedom to express themselves through their clothes.

Dress Code Tips

When you follow a dress code, make sure your clothes are clean and fit well. If you’re not sure what to wear, ask a teacher or a friend. Always try to look your best within the rules.

250 Words Essay on Dress Code

A dress code is a set of rules about what clothes people can wear. Schools, offices, and some events ask people to follow a dress code. This means everyone wears similar kinds of clothes. It keeps things fair and makes sure no one feels left out because of what they wear.

Types of Dress Codes

There are many types of dress codes. For example, in school, you might have to wear a uniform. This is a special set of clothes that all students wear. At a party, there might be a fancy dress code, which means you need to wear your best clothes. In offices, the dress code is often formal, which means suits for men and dresses or suits for women.

Dress codes are important because they help people know what is okay to wear. They can make sure that no one’s clothes cause a problem or distract others. In school, a dress code can help students focus on learning instead of what everyone is wearing.

Dress codes have good and bad sides. A good side is that they can make everyone feel equal. A bad side is that sometimes people feel they can’t express themselves with their clothes. It’s important to find a balance so that people can feel comfortable and still follow the rules.

Dress codes are about wearing the right clothes for the right place. They help keep things fair and respectful. It’s good to follow the dress code, but it’s also important to feel good in what you wear.

500 Words Essay on Dress Code

A dress code is a set of rules about what clothes people can wear. Schools, offices, and different events often have dress codes to make sure everyone looks proper and respects the place or event they are at. For example, your school might ask you to wear certain colors or types of clothes so that all students look alike and no one feels left out because of what they wear.

Why Do We Have Dress Codes?

Dress codes are important because they help keep things fair and orderly. In schools, if everyone wears the same type of clothes, it can stop students from feeling bad if they don’t have the latest or most expensive clothes. Dress codes in the workplace make sure that everyone looks professional and ready to work. They also help customers know who to ask for help because the workers are dressed in a certain way.

There are many kinds of dress codes. Some are very strict, like a uniform that all students must wear. Others are more relaxed, just asking people to wear smart clothes or avoid certain items like flip-flops or hats. At formal events, you might have to wear a suit or a dress. Each dress code is made to fit the place or event it is for.

Pros of Dress Codes

There are good things about having a dress code. It can make choosing what to wear easier because you know what is expected. It can also make everyone feel like they belong to a group, like their school or company. Dress codes can also teach us about respect and how to dress appropriately for different situations.

Cons of Dress Codes

But, not everyone likes dress codes. Some people feel that they can’t express themselves or show who they are through their clothes. They might think that dress codes are too strict or that they don’t have a say in what they can wear. Sometimes, if a dress code is not thought out well, it might not be fair to everyone.

Following Dress Codes

When there is a dress code, it’s important to follow it. If you’re not sure what you can or can’t wear, it’s a good idea to ask a teacher or someone in charge. They can explain the rules to you. Remember, dress codes are not there to make life hard but to make sure everyone is dressed right for the place or event.

Dress codes are all around us and they play a big role in how we dress for different places and events. They have good points, like making everyone feel equal and looking proper, but they can also have downsides if people feel they can’t be themselves. It’s important to understand why dress codes exist and to follow them while also thinking about how they affect everyone. Whether you’re going to school, work, or a special event, knowing about the dress code can help you fit in and feel comfortable.

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School Dress Codes and Self-Expression Essay

The need to introduce dress codes in all educational institutions can be listed among the most widely discussed topics regarding students’ rights. Today, many researchers against the introduction of strict rules for school children refer to creative ability and self-expression in their arguments. Dress codes, and especially school uniforms, urge students to wear clothes that they do not choose. To some extent, it runs counter to the freedom of expression protected by the First Amendment (“School dress codes,” 2017).

Self-expression is extremely important for teenagers, but not all its forms are socially acceptable. Instead of letting children wear clothes that they want, about two-thirds of schools in the United States utilize dress code policies that are rather strict (“School dress codes,” 2017). In the context of dress codes, self-expression remains a tricky question. However, it does not always involve wearing something really provocative or even offensive, such as clothes with controversial slogans. Many children who do not belong to subcultures just want to choose their favorite colors or express their mood with the help of clothes, and prohibiting it does not seem just.

Self-expression can also be related to socialization and differences between social groups, and dress codes attempt to create “artificial” uniformity. Being urged to wear only approved clothes, students are deprived of an opportunity to understand the differences between social groups and the unique problems of their social class. For instance, practices banning certain hairstyles popular among racial minorities are still used in some institutions “that were exclusively white” two decades ago (Chutel, 2018, para. 4).

Thus, some dress code rules can be regarded as harmful because they decrease the visibility of racial and ethnic minorities. Importantly, this tendency is true for social classes; when all children are dressed the same, social inequality becomes less visible, but it does not disappear.

In the modern world, dress codes are also used to promote the “right” relationships between men and women, which makes them harmful for the latter. For example, many types of clothes popular among female students (especially during hot weather) are considered to be “sexually suggestive” (“School dress codes,” 2017, para. 7). According to the proponents of such rules for teenage girls, short skirts and similar clothes contribute to sexual crime in schools (“School dress codes,” 2017). As a result, female students are objectified and shamed based on their clothing choices.

Despite the popularity of arguments about creativity, school dress codes are believed to have a variety of advantages related to their initial intended purposes. One of the functions of school uniforms is to minimize differences in appearance and, therefore, improve student safety (“School uniforms,” 2018). At the same time, the positive impact of dress codes is related to students’ academic performance (Daniels, 2005). By creating uniformity, stricter rules manage to distract children from “showing off their wealth” or demonstrating subculture or religious affiliation (“School uniforms,” 2018, para. 4).

Given the ability of these restrictions to reduce conflicts and prevent educational stratification, more attention is paid to the acquisition of knowledge during lessons. The positive effects of measures for creating uniformity were observed in a variety of experiments. After the implementation of school uniform policies in a school district in California, fights between students decreased by more than fifty percent, and even more, significant decreases were observed in drug usage (“School uniforms,” 2018). Thus, the positive effects of uniforms should also be acknowledged.

Chutel, L. (2018). Dress codes that restrict natural hairstyles harm black students . Web.

Daniels, S. (2005). School dress codes are necessary and constitutional . Web.

School dress codes . (2017). Web.

School uniforms . (2018). Web.

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IvyPanda. (2021, May 27). School Dress Codes and Self-Expression. https://ivypanda.com/essays/school-dress-codes-and-self-expression/

"School Dress Codes and Self-Expression." IvyPanda , 27 May 2021, ivypanda.com/essays/school-dress-codes-and-self-expression/.

IvyPanda . (2021) 'School Dress Codes and Self-Expression'. 27 May.

IvyPanda . 2021. "School Dress Codes and Self-Expression." May 27, 2021. https://ivypanda.com/essays/school-dress-codes-and-self-expression/.

1. IvyPanda . "School Dress Codes and Self-Expression." May 27, 2021. https://ivypanda.com/essays/school-dress-codes-and-self-expression/.

Bibliography

IvyPanda . "School Dress Codes and Self-Expression." May 27, 2021. https://ivypanda.com/essays/school-dress-codes-and-self-expression/.

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Dress Code, Essay Example

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The aim of the present paper is to summarise exploration of the concept of dressed for success in the working environment. In this context, attention was paid to the meaning of this concept, meaning of dress code in an interview and casual environment. The importance of Casual Fridays and its limitations were also outlined. Appropriate conclusions were given in the end of the paper.

Key words : dress code, dressed for success, interview working place, confidence.

Human life can be characterised in various ways, but the most common and accurate description would be – diversity and uniqueness. Human beings aim at self-expression and preservation of individuality; that is why we often wear shocking clothes at youth and modify our bodies with piercing and tattoos. On the other hand, there not a single human being which would crave for happiness and universal human values in this or that way. Thus, it can be argued that we all want success. The concept dressed for success originated in the context of the aforementioned human desire to be unique and individual, but still successful and happy according to general standards. The essence of the concept is not in the idea of wearing formal clothes to work or interview in order for people to take you seriously but in the idea of corresponding to the formal or required dress code by one’s intelligence and personal characteristics (Marcketti and Farrell-Beck 2008). In other words, clothes should not only be appropriate in terms of the chosen company’s guidance, but also should correspond to person’s self-perception and self-expression. It should be comfortable for the person to be himself/herself and still remain a professional.

Inability of new specialists to understand a difference between professional look corresponding to the situational requirements and exaggeration of formalities is usually one of the mistakes on interviews. The interviewees want to look older and more professional so much that they forget this dress style might be an exaggeration for this exact occasion. For instance, wearing an evening suite with black t shinny shoes might be quite fancy on the pram, but would not be appropriate on the job interview. The best solution for a job interviews could have been if not a full suite, than formal trousers, white or blue shirt and not even necessarily a tie (Boyadjian 1999).

The most important in this case, is that clothes should fit, be clean and well-presentable and that the person should be used to wearing it. There is nothing worse when, in addition to interview questions, a candidate should also worry about tight shoes or the feeling of the new shirt (King 2007). In this context, extreme formalisation might speak in the favour of interviewees’ lack of confidence and individuality. In this context, the person should wear something he or she is expected and expects to wear to work on the everyday basis. In the companies where employees do not have to deal with people, like IT specialist and call centre employees, the everyday dress code might be more casual than in financial or academic institutions. Thus, the best advice for the new employee is to read company dress code guidance and see which part of wardrobe should be used more often. The best solution is to wear neutral, professional clothes. For instance, neutral, casual wear might be Oxford shirts, sweaters, blouses, dresses and skirts so far their length is not one inch above knee (Boyadjian 1999).

From the personal perspective, one of the best inventions in corporate business is casual Friday. It does not only give employees an opportunity to relax a little bit and get ready to the upcoming weekend, but also shows the company’s appreciation of its staff and general human attitude. In case of casual Fridays, the most important thing to remember is that you are still at work and should look professional, though with less pressure on clothes aspect of professionalism (King 2007). Thus, one should not forget that this is still a working place and not a holiday. In other words, it is advisable not to exaggerate in self expression. It is not appropriate to wear torn jeans, T-shirts, sport hoodies, mini-skirts and any clothes that expose various parts of body (Marcketti and Farrell-Beck 2008). It is also unadvisable to have any piercing or tattoos exposed. All they might look great on the beach, they are inappropriate in the working environment. Although all these rules and prescriptions might be quite confusing for a starting employee, the work place policy guidance explains everything and makes life and work much easier.

Overall, from all mentioned above, it can be concluded that in order to succeed at work and look professional, initial awareness of company’s expectations is essential. Self-confidence, logic and understanding of limits are the best companions of a successful companion both on an everyday basis, Casual Fridays and during the leisure time.

Boyadjian Berge (1999). Create Fun @ Work, Improve Your Productivity, Quality of Life and Morale. Long Beach: Knowledge Capture and Transfer.

King, Larry (2007). Dressed for Success. Times , 169.20, 16-17.

Marcketti S. B. and Farrell-Beck J.(2008). ‘Look Like a Lady; Act Like a Man; Work Like a Dog’, Dress (Costume Society of America) , 35, 49-69.

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Essay: Pros and Cons of a Dress Code in Schools

Essay: Pros and Cons of…

Students mill through school grounds, all dressed in the latest fashions and trends. Although they may not think twice about their clothing, other than how fashionable they are, there is another factor that affects their dress for school, dress codes. Dress codes in North America have come under fire in recent years, amid arguments that raise many possible issues concerning them.

School dress codes have become a large controversy, as 55% of American schools enforce dress codes that are deemed “strict” and “controlling”. Though it is argued that times and our ideals have become more modern and progressive, our dress code policies have certainly not.

For generations, society’s mindset has improved drastically, beginning to wholly support women, people of colour, different shapes, sizes, and everyone in between. However, dress codes at their core have not changed with present times, though they are, on the surface, seen as appropriate, well-meaning, and inclusive.

Dress codes have been shown to cause increases in students grades and school performance averages. Although this is positive for students and schools, there is a cost behind this for parents and guardians. These policies make it much more difficult for both students and parents to buy clothing that children would actually wear, as dress codes are often specific and prohibit most clothing that students are willing to don.

However, the opposite is true as well. Dress code policies are open to interpretation and the final say comes down to school staff and administrators, meaning that students can never be truly sure that they will not be dress coded. On that same note, most clothing that students want to wear clothing that is fashionable would be considered unprofessional anyways. The use of dress codes prepares students for reality and what is expected of them as they age into society.

However, these expectations are not always what needs to be instilled in the mindsets of students, as society can be misogynistic and male-centric, and school clothing policies only perpetuate these beliefs. Dress codes circuitously support sexism, misogyny, and sexual assault directed towards females. School attire policies aid in the preparation of students for future professions. They help ensure that students have experienced clothing restrictions and are knowledgeable on acting according to these policies in any institutions.

However, these same rules that are crafted to help some students often end up discriminating against others. Many dress code policies are guilty of indirectly prohibiting clothing and dress that are symbolic to/are common in certain religions or cultures, thus enraging these groups and straying far away from the intended purpose. Are the benefits of these policies worth more than the costs? Or does the expense on students everywhere outweigh the advantages?

Dress codes are policies enforced in schools in order to prohibit certain clothing items that are deemed inappropriate or offensive. Their intended goal is to keep all students and staff comfortable, and to maintain a positive school climate.

In the 1950’s to 1960’s, positive economic conditions caused a drastic increase in household average income. With this excess income, everyday citizens were beginning to purchase and wear more fashionable clothing, articulating their culture, beliefs, and interests. However, the government was not fond of this new method of self-expression, and eventually began to ban many clothing items.

In the United States of America, dress codes were first established in 1969, in the Tinker v. Des Moines Community School District. A group of high school students had worn black armbands to class, protesting the Vietnam War. This sparked controversy, and became the limit for the community school board. Rules prohibiting certain clothing items were inputted in schools from then on.

More and more schools across the nation and across the world began developing their own clothing bans, which are now collectively referred to as dress codes. Presently, the prohibitions on clothing are not very well received, and students are fighting for more freedom concerning their dress as codes become increasingly specific. However, dress codes do have a number of advantages for not only the school, but the students as well.

Dress codes improve student’s school experience. Studies have shown that students who stress over their appearance are apt to perform worse on cognitive tasks, compared to those that show little to no concern. Attire policies have been shown to increase student’s grades on examinations.

In fact, 46% of TDSB schools state that the purpose of their dress codes is to “support a positive learning environment”. If a student obsesses over their fashion, hair, makeup, and looks, they spend less focus on their academics, clubs, and overall education. With the aid of dress codes, students cease any worry about their looks, as many items cannot be worn anyways.

Students are often bullied because of their clothing, and dress codes help prevent this by limiting the attire that is available for them to wear. Children of lower-income families may not be able to afford popular brands and expensive clothing, which is the main reason why so many students, especially teenagers, are bullied at school. With dress codes banning many items such as ripped jeans and baggy clothes, which are popular styles with name brands everywhere, there are fewer chances for bullying due to attire.

Mental health disorders in students such as depression, low self-esteem, and eating disorders are often accelerated by worries over clothing and appearances. Schools enforcing dress codes can improve the school climate. By restricting certain clothing items, students do not feel the need to don showy or revealing attire to belong, as these pieces are prohibited by dress codes.

It would help prevent students from feeling insecure about their bodies and clothing because they wouldn’t be the only ones not dressed in the latest styles and trends. Mental health issues are common in teenagers, meaning that a great deal should be done to prevent them, which includes dress codes.

The policies that dress codes contain make experiences difficult for parents of schoolchildren, and well as students themselves. The rules are impossibly specific. “Skirts and shorts must be no shorter than 2 inches above the knee” is an incredibly precise policy that is completely unrealistic to measure. Most students don’t have the time to take a ruler to their shorts every morning. It is also inefficient and opens up a multitude of possibilities for students to be punished, which isn’t the aim of dress codes, supposedly.

Parents bear difficulties purchasing clothing for their children, and attire policies cause even more frustration for them. With dress code rules, parents cannot purchase merely any clothing for their children. They also must keep the dress codes in mind and speculate if it follows the policies or not.

In a study of children’s apparel choices, 41% of girls’ clothing in stores marketed towards “tweens”, such as Abercrombie & Fitch Kids, were considered sexual. The more specific the policies, the more irritating and difficult to follow they are for parents. This is time consuming for those who have errands to run, work to do, and a life to live.

The policies have many issues and inconsistencies that make it difficult for students to be positive that they are following the dress code. For example, “the final say in whether a student’s outfit is violating the dress code is subjective”, which is stated by 50% of U.S. schools.

For example, McLouth High School in Kansas, U.S.A. states “shorts and skirts must be as long, or longer than, the longest fingertip. Shorts and skirts that pass this test may still be deemed inappropriate. ” Policies like this make it virtually impossible for students to be completely sureif they are following the dress code, as the end ruling is a teacher or administrators’ opinion. No data or measurements, just a statement that worries students everywhere.

Dress codes are made to keep a professional environment and keep students clean and orderly. Students feel more comfortable in an appropriate environment. If a student was to wear revealing clothing to school, it could make others feel uncomfortable and unhappy. Dress codes prevent the discomfort of students and teachers. Without them, schools would run rampant with clothing enforcing offensive messages, exposing attire, and student displeasure.

Dress codes have the possibility of aiding a positive school reputation. By enforcing dress codes, schools limit the possibly offensive messages that could be delivered by students’ clothing. Schools could be known for having respectful students if they limit the negative messages spread by their pupils, through clothing, actions, or otherwise. Image is what is first seen of the students, and therefore the school, so it is important for the students to possess a clean image.

It is essentially “dressing for success”. Dressing well has the ability to positively affect the morals, attitudes, and work quality of students. Professional dress can lead to confidence. Individuals that are better dressed will often stand taller and project independence. A recent study has revealed that the participants dressed professionally were more likely to think outside of the box and produce creative ideas compared to their poorly dressed colleagues. By schools teaching students how important this is, they position them well for success.

Though dress codes are meant to keep a professional environment, their rules promote sexism and misogyny, even going so far as to encourage rape. Clothing articles that are targeted towards females are often put through dress code policies constantly, much more so than those targeted towards males. 57% of dress code attire bans are towards clothing items marketed to females, such as skirts, leggings, and crop tops, compared to a mere 5% for boys(and 38% to all genders). This only instills the belief that females should be more controlled and have more rules in life than males.

Dress codes and the phrases told to girls to justify the policies often include vocabulary that is demoralizing and blames girls for their actions. The most common words used for dress code policy explanations include “disrupt”, “distract”, “appropriate”, “safe”, “health”, “modest”, and “respect”. Of these words, 76% of dress code policies include the phrase “disrupt” or “distract”, making these two the most common words used to validate the rules.

Often times, they’re used for the 57% of banned clothing marketed towards girls. The use of this vocabulary makes it seem as though a girl should be ashamed of her body, and that female bodies are merely items for males to view and be distracted by. It is unacceptable for these masked discriminations and double standards to slip through the cracks of what is seen as a strong and fair system.

Revealing clothing is frequently banned in school dress codes, however in doing so, it often ends up sexualizing young children, especially girls. Many young girls have their first experience of being shamed for their clothing through school dress codes and at very young ages. It is not appropriate or legal at all for 10 year old girls having to change out of shorts or tank tops because they could be “distracting” to male classmates or, worse, male teachers that are much older than them.

Sexualizing young girls and conditioning others and themselves to believe that they need to change to fit societal views is what guilts women who are victims of sexual harassment and assault, though they should never be held accountable for something of that matter.

Dress codes prepare students for the real world. Many workplaces have dress codes, and having them at schools as well helps students practice this. It teaches students to consider their dress choices in a practical, real sense. Fashion is something that many teenagers are absorbed with, however often in a more shallow sense.

By teaching the need to think broader than just how stylish their clothes are, schools instill this mindset of making pragmatic choices in their students. Schools must always aim to act as a good model for reality, which ensures the future success of their students.

There are often punishments for failure to follow the rules in workplaces. This certainly includes dress codes. For example, if an employee wears ripped jeans to a business-casual office job, they will be “dress coded” by their manager. Further failure to obey rules may even lead to their dismissal.

This is precisely how school dress codes work as well. Failing to follow the dress code would lead to the student being “dress coded” by a teacher or administrator and the punishment could eventually lead up to suspension or expulsion from school. Showing students that there are actual consequences for their decisions teaches them the importance of diligently obeying the rules.

It helps students practice professionalism and how to dress well. How students dress is most other’s first impression, and cleanly dressed individuals give a good impression. It proposes the idea that they are professional and intelligent, while dressing carelessly makes students seem just that- careless.

Clothing with holes and tears, as well as clothing that exposes the midriff are often seen as lazy and unprofessional by employers. By inputting bans on these articles, schools are actively preparing students for a future position in which there is a dress code to be followed.

In their journey to ensure the comfort of everyone at the school, dress codes are often discriminatory and downright offensive to certain groups. African-American students are more likely to be dress coded than any other racial group, especially caucasian peers. Many schools in North America have rules which prohibit natural African-American hair, which is inappropriate and discriminatory towards their culture.

However, there are no rules against any other ethnicity of hair. Studies have shown that girls of colour are much more likely to have their outfits deemed “provocative” and “unladylike” compared to caucasian peers, even when both groups are violating the dress code.

Dress codes often discriminate against people of larger body proportions. Kelsey Anderson, a Missouri teen, wore a long sleeved blouse and long jeans to school one day. She was dress coded. The teacher that dealt with the punishment stated that the reason the teen was dress coded was that “plus size women need to dress accordingly” and that “bustier women need to wear clothing that covers their cleavage”. In other words, she was specifically harassed because she was not considered thin.

Reports show that curvy and busty girls are more likely to be policed for their outfits than thinner and less busty classmates. This blatantly reveals the discrimination towards larger women, and how much harder it is for plus sized women to dress while still obeying the objectivity of dress codes. Many religious practices are disregarded from school dress codes. Muslim women are often penalized for wearing hijabs, which is an important aspect of their beliefs.

Unfortunately, this discrimination follows them outside of the classroom. It affects them in school athletic events as well. Noor Abukuram is an Ohio high schooler, who, in October of 2019, was disqualified from a cross country event in her region. She was sporting a hijab, and though it was formulated especially for athletes, she was eliminated from the event for violating the dress code, after finishing the race. This showcases dress code discrimination against religious wear, despite the fact that it is not offensive or harmful to anyone.

As the bell rings, signifying the start of class, students begin separating from their groups and entering various classrooms. It may seem like an average day, but some students will be dress coded. Some students will have to face embarrassment or suspensions because of it. And a select few may revolt and cause changes in the school dress policies for schools across their board.

Though dress codes have the potential to improve the school climate and student’s school experiences, they often fail to meet these goals. Dress codes place a controlling finger on the student body and causes student frustration. They become fearful of what may happen to them even if they are attempting to follow school dress codes, as failure to follow dress codes can lead to embarrassment at best and expulsion at worst.

This makes their school preparations difficult and more worrisome than they need to be. Dress codes do have a positive aim, which is to keep a professional school climate. Professionalism is important, however, though many schools house professional students, they are also raising ones with sexist mindsets. Dress codes prepare students for reality and their futures. Often, workplaces will have professional dress codes.

Consequences for refusing to follow these policies can even lead to being dismissed from a position. Schools having these same rules ensures that students are aware of the severity of the punishments and how important it is to follow the rules. These same rules that can prepare students so well for reality and their own futures are also largely detrimental to certain groups of students, like students of colour, plus sized students, and religious students.

Dress codes have a variety of pros and cons and it is still controversial on whether the pros outweigh the cons or vice versa. However, reality is that dress codes may not be entirely abolished for some time, and that is something that may have to be dealt with on both sides.

Works Cited

Almasy, Steve, and Natalie Johnson. “Texas Parents Sue School Officials They Say Used Sharpie to Cover Son’s New Haircut.” CNN , Cable News Network, 21 Aug. 2019, 17 Feb. 2020, www.cnn.com/2019/08/20/us/texas-haircut-sharpie-lawsuit/index.html.

Green, Dennis. “It turns out that dressing well can actually make you more successful.” Business Insider, Business Insider, 5 Aug. 2017, 21 Feb. 2020,https://www.businessinsider.com/dressing-for-success-actually-works-2017-7

Heller, Susanna. “A Teen Was Reportedly Told She Violated Her High School’s Dress Code by Being ‘Busty’ – Now She’s Seeking Legal Action.” Insider , Insider, 13 Sept. 2017, 17 Feb. 2020, www.insider.com/teen-called-busty-plus-size-dress-code2017-9.

“Muslim Teen Athlete Disqualified in Ohio Race over Hijab.” BBC News , BBC, 25 Oct. 2019, 17 Feb. 2020, www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-50186728.

Showalter, Sandi Kelly. “The Importance of Dressing Professionally.” Career Trend, Career

Trend, 3 Sept. 2019, 21 Feb. 2020, https://careertrend.com/facts-5136548-importance-dressing-professionally.html

“The Sexualized Messages Dress Codes Are Sending to Students.” The Pudding , n.d, 17 Feb.

2020, www.pudding.cool/2019/02/dress-code-sexualization/.

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Dress Code Essay Examples

The case for school uniforms.

The debate over school uniforms has been ongoing for years, with proponents and opponents presenting their arguments on whether uniforms should be a requirement in educational institutions. In this essay, we will make a persuasive case for the implementation of school uniforms by examining the...

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The Dress Code Debate in the Workplace

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The Dress Code Debate in Educational Institutions

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The Significance of the Dress Code at the Workplace

There is an incentive of how generally we dress on different occasions. How you dress at work portrays how you will be perceived and how well your company is organized. It, not all cloth we wear to the workplace. Some rules and regulations guide the...

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