Uniforms and special clothing

Employers can require employees to follow a dress code or wear a uniform or special clothing.

On this page

• Follow a dress code
• Wear a uniform or special clothing
• Wear personal safety clothing or equipment
• What you can do

Follow a dress code

Employers do not have to pay for an employee to meet a dress code, for example:

• Business casual clothing
• No jeans, no cut-offs
• A white shirt, dark pants, dark dress shoes

Employees can choose how to meet the standard required for a dress code.

Wear a uniform or special clothing

If it's required for the job, employers must provide a uniform or special clothing to employees at no cost. They must also pay to clean and maintain these items or agree to reimburse employees for it.

Special clothing is...

• Chosen by the employer
• Purchased from a specific store
• A specific brand or style
• Easily identified with the employer (e.g. clothing with a company logo or unique company colours)

Employers cannot charge a deposit for uniforms or special clothing. Any articles of clothing must be returned to the employer when requested.

Wear personal safety clothing or equipment

In accordance with WorkSafeBC regulations, employees must purchase their own:

• Clothing needed for protection against the elements
• General purpose work gloves
• Appropriate footwear including safety footwear
• Safety headgear

Employers may choose to provide these items at little or no cost to employees. These items are only considered special clothing or a uniform if it clearly identifies the wearer with the employer (e.g. a company logo).

Employers must provide personal protective equipment required by the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation at no cost to employees.

What you can do

If you're having issues at work, find out what you can do:

• Use Solution Explorer
• Contact Employment Standards
• Submit a complaint