Personal Appearance

A Personal Appearance policy sets role- and safety-based expectations for grooming, attire, fragrance, and professionalism, while protecting employees' rights to reasonable accommodations and ensuring consistent, non-discriminatory enforcement.

How to Write a Personal Appearance Policy

• Start with "why" and introduce the concept.
• Set a baseline expectation for clean, well-groomed, role-appropriate attire.
• Include guidance for remote work appearance in virtual meetings.
• Address fragrance use as a courtesy for coworkers with sensitivities.
• Explain how employees can request appearance-related accommodations for religious, cultural, or disability reasons.
• Note that some roles have safety-driven appearance requirements and may require specific clothing, uniforms, or protective gear.
• Describe how attire or grooming concerns will be handled through a private conversation and adjustments.
• Prohibit appearance-related comments that could be perceived as harassment or bullying.
• Encourage reporting of concerns and reinforce non-retaliation.

For advice on writing a Personal Appearance policy in a specific jurisdiction, see below.