Workplace Dress Codes: Flip-Flops, Pyjamas and the Mystery of Dave’s Hawaiian Shirt

The Great Wardrobe Debate

In the age of hybrid working, workplace dress codes are wobbling somewhere between boardroom chic and bedroom casual. One day you’re in heels and a blazer, the next you’re answering emails in pyjama bottoms and a “World’s Best Dog Mum” hoodie.

And then, of course, there’s Dave. Dave, who insists that a Hawaiian shirt is appropriate for every occasion — including the quarterly finance review.

So, how do employers strike the right balance between professional, practical, and personal style, without becoming the dreaded Fashion Police?

Why Dress Codes Still Matter

Even in 2025, dress codes have their place. They:

• Help create a professional image for clients and customers.
• Keep staff safe (steel-toe boots beat flip-flops in a warehouse, every time).
• Prevent awkward “is this too much?” outfit dilemmas.

But dress codes don’t have to mean corporate grey suits and ties for all. The best ones are flexible, inclusive, and clear enough that nobody’s left guessing.

The Pyjama Problem (and Other Remote Realities)

With remote working, it’s not unusual to see colleagues in smart tops paired with… questionable bottoms. (Cameras don’t lie, folks.)

A modern dress code should acknowledge hybrid working. Think about:

• Encouraging professionalism for client-facing calls.
• Allowing comfort when working from home.
• Setting boundaries for “camera-on” meetings (bye-bye, SpongeBob PJs).

Flip-Flops, Safety, and Common Sense

Some things are more than fashion faux pas — they’re safety hazards. Flip-flops in a kitchen? No thanks. Dangly jewellery in a lab? Risky.

A good policy draws the line between self-expression and safety, so people can stay both stylish and intact.

Diversity, Inclusion, and Cultural Sensitivity

Dress codes should never unintentionally exclude or discriminate. Be mindful of:

• Religious dress (headscarves, turbans, kippahs, etc.).
• Hairstyles, tattoos, and piercings.
• Gender neutrality (ditch “skirts for women, ties for men” rules).

The best policies celebrate individuality while setting out clear expectations.

So… About Dave’s Hawaiian Shirt

The truth is, Dave’s shirt might be fine — if it’s not offensive, unsafe, or confusing for clients, why not let him bring a splash of colour? After all, workplaces thrive when people feel like themselves.

Final Thought

Workplace dress codes don’t need to be scary or stuffy. They’re just about setting fair, inclusive guidelines that keep everyone comfortable, safe, and professional — whether they’re rocking a suit, a hoodie, or (yes) even the occasional Hawaiian shirt.

For more practical yet light-hearted HR tips, check out our other blogs here.

And if you’d like official advice, the ACAS website has a handy guide on dress codes at work.