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MadyHR.ai Free Resources · USA

Free Dress Code Policy Template

A dress code sets clear expectations about how employees should look at work. The key legal point is flexibility: you must consider exceptions for religious dress and grooming, disability and, in many states, natural hairstyles.

Download free (Word .docx) Free · No sign-up · Opens in Microsoft Word and Google Docs · Last reviewed October 2026

Important: please read

This template is a free starting point, not legal advice. MadyHR.ai is not a law firm and cannot give legal advice. Employment law is different in every state, and some cities have their own rules. Laws also change. Before you use this template, check it against the laws where your employees work, and speak to an employment attorney or your state labor department if you are unsure. You use this template at your own risk, and MadyHR.ai accepts no responsibility for how it is used. Links to official government websites are given for information only; MadyHR.ai is not affiliated with or endorsed by any government agency.

When to use this template

  • Customer-facing teams
  • Uniform or safety clothing requirements
  • Setting a business-casual standard

Tips before you use it

  • Write rules that apply to everyone, rather than separate rules by gender.
  • Many states have laws (often called CROWN Acts) that ban discrimination based on natural hair textures and protective hairstyles.
  • If you require a uniform, check whether its cost can be deducted from pay — deductions can't take a non-exempt employee below minimum wage.
Rules in your state may differ. Federal law sets the minimum. Your state — and sometimes your city or county — may add extra rules on this topic. Check with your state labor department before you use this template. Find your state labor office (U.S. Department of Labor)

Template preview

Replace everything in [brackets] and delete the notes for employers before you use it. The Word download contains the full template.

[Company Name]

Dress Code Policy

At [Company Name], we expect everyone to dress in a way that is [clean, neat and appropriate for their role / describe your standard].

Our standard

  • [Example: business casual for office staff]
  • [Example: company uniform for customer-facing staff]
  • [Example: safety footwear and high-visibility clothing in the warehouse]

Safety clothing

Where safety equipment is required, it must be worn at all times in the relevant areas. [Company Name] provides [describe what is provided].

Exceptions and accommodations

We will consider exceptions to this policy for religious dress or grooming practices, disability, medical needs, pregnancy and any other reason protected by law, unless an exception would cause undue hardship. Natural hair textures and protective hairstyles, such as braids, locs and twists, are permitted. Any hair rule needed for health or safety, such as a hair net or tying hair back near machinery, applies to everyone equally, and we will look for a safe alternative where we can. Ask [HR Contact Name] about an accommodation.

This policy is not a contract of employment and does not change the at-will nature of employment with [Company Name]. [Company Name] may change this policy at any time, and will apply it in line with federal, state and local law.

I have received and read this policy, and I understand it.

Employee
Signature
Date

Frequently asked questions

Can a dress code ban religious clothing?

Employers must generally make an exception for religious dress and grooming practices unless it would cause undue hardship. Since the Supreme Court's 2023 decision in Groff v. DeJoy, undue hardship for religious requests means a substantial burden on the business, not just a minor cost. The EEOC's guidance on religious garb and grooming explains the background.

Can I charge employees for uniforms?

Under federal law, uniform costs cannot reduce a non-exempt employee's pay below minimum wage or cut into overtime pay. Some states have stricter rules.

Official sources

Each source below is an official U.S. government website. Check them for the latest rules.

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