Employment dress codes can be difficult to follow sometimes, especially if you’re required to wear articles of clothing that are typically uncomfortable (like dress shoes). However, it’s possible to keep your attire professional without sacrificing comfort if you know all the tricks. In this article, we’ll explore several ways to stay comfortable at work without violating the dress code.
- Wear compression socks
Whether you’re working on your feet all day or sitting at a desk, sore feet can be a big problem. If your feet or legs hurt after work, it could be from a lack of blood flow. Neither sitting nor standing all day is good for you, and in both cases, compression socks can help.
Compression socks are comfortable, affordable, and discreet. They look just like regular socks and if you get them in a solid color to match your work clothes, nobody will notice. By applying gentle pressure, compression socks promote blood flow and prevent fluid build-up in your legs and feet. You might think it’s weird to feel achy if you aren’t standing all day, but poor circulation from sitting all day can make your legs and feet feel tired and sore.
- Ask for an accommodation
If you have a disability that is covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), you’re entitled to request a reasonable accommodation from your employer that would otherwise violate the dress code. However, your request needs to be related to your disability and can’t cause your employer an undue hardship. For example, if you have a foot condition, you can request a modification to the dress code that allows you to wear sneakers instead of dress shoes. If you’re entitled to request an accommodation, doing so can make all the difference.
- Choose breathable fabrics
If your discomfort comes from feeling hot and sweaty, choose clothing made from breathable fabrics. Materials like cotton, linen, and bamboo are excellent choices for regulating body temperature to keep you cool and comfortable. You can find just about every type of clothing made with cotton, from shirts and trousers to dresses and even blazers.
Many people prefer bamboo over cotton because it’s eco-friendly and wicks moisture away from the body. The only downside is the higher price of bamboo fabrics, especially if it’s organic. However, it’s a small price to pay for all-day comfort.
- Check in with Human Resources (HR)
Sometimes a company’s dress code policy is stricter on paper than it is in reality. Talk to your HR person and find out if there are any exceptions to the written policy that won’t result in a writeup. You might even learn that your written dress code is inaccurate. For example, your company policy might be outdated because nobody bothered to change it. As a new employee trying to follow the rules, you might think other people are just getting a free pass, when in reality, the dress code is officially more casual.
When you talk to HR, ask about specific clothing items and provide pictures if possible. If something is on the edge of casual, but can look more professional when worn with other items, take a photo of yourself wearing the full outfit and show it to your HR person to get their input. Something that would get rejected with a verbal description might be deemed acceptable with a photo presenting the full context.
- Choose comfortable shoes
Shoes can be a major source of discomfort, especially when you’re required to wear dress shoes. If you can’t get around wearing traditional dress shoes, try supportive insoles with arch support. If your feet get sweaty in dress shoes, add some foot powder to absorb the moisture.
If those solutions don’t work, or you just want to skip right to something comfortable, get a pair of dress sneakers. They’re built for comfort and look like professional shoes, but are still slightly identifiable as sneakers. If that’s not good enough to meet your company’s dress code, look into sneakers disguised as dress shoes and nobody will know the difference.
Prioritize comfort whenever possible
Wanting to dress comfortably doesn’t mean you’re trying to break the rules. With a little research and creativity, you can find comfortable clothing that fits within your company’s dress code. Whether you ask for an accommodation under the ADA, ask for clarity around what you can wear, or get clever and wear sneakers disguised as dress shoes, you don’t have to suffer. There is a middle ground where comfort and style meet your company’s dress code policy.
