Generally, companies are free to require employees to dress in a particular way, including wearing a uniform, as long as those requirements aren't discriminatory or illegal. Also, federal law allows employers to deduct the cost of supplying and maintaining a uniform (having it mended or cleaned and pressed) from a worker's paycheck, as long as their wages don't fall below the minimum wage after said deduction.
But just because businesses are allowed to do something doesn't make it automatically right. Don't you think it's rather funny that a multi-million-or-even-billion-dollar organization won't even dress their recruits to show up? Redditor u/pacify-the-dead does. Recently, they made a post on the subreddit r/AntiWork about a meeting with their company's regional director. She told u/pacify-the-dead that their staff looks unprofessional and that everyone on the team better buy the uniform.
Turns out, there are plenty more people who go through this stuff. The post quickly went viral, and as of this article, it has nearly 3K comments, many of which are similar stories from other Reddit users. We thought it was an interesting topic, so we went through all of the replies and picked the most interesting ones. Continue scrolling and check them out.
#1
My company provides uniforms (pants/shorts, shirts, hoodies, spring coats, winter coats, and winter overalls) and they give us a yearly allowance to get new things.In a few months I'm going to check my stock and throw out the old [stuff] and get some more new ones.
The fact multimillion dollar corporations can't find $150 to buy uniforms for every employee is crazy to me.
Image credits: xAsilos
#2
Boss just hired a kid to work outside. It's 10 degrees today. They want him to buy one of our branded $90 Carhartt jackets. He can't afford it. They are mad at him. I told the kid on lunch, to go a block down the street to the coffee shop that is hiring at $16/hr to pour coffees and sling donuts. I hope he listens.
Image credits: Brihtstan
#3
Lol I work outdoors frequently, but the majority of my coworkers don't. Because of this, we are given staff t-shirts but that's it. I usually have to wear a windbreaker and sweater over my shirt to do my work outside.Leading to the questions from my supervisor, "Where is your staff shirt?" and I say it's under my layers. This dude says if I don't have a staff jacket (Which are 30 dollars!!!) then I should wear the t-shirt OVER my windbreaker...
Then has gall to talk about how important it is we look professional lmao
Image credits: MountainEmployee
#4
15 years ago at Little Ceasars. They made me pay for my uniform. Then fired me a day later.THEN asked for the f**king uniform back.
Image credits: NavyAnchor03
#5
This is also related to admin assistants & receptionists who are expected wear expensive office clothes to work everyday. These clothes are dry clean only & you can’t wear the same outfit more than once a week. They are supposed to look professional but they aren’t paid enough to even keep their clothes clean, let alone buy themMeanwhile their boss who gets paid 5x their salary is annoyed that their assistants don’t look good
Image credits: Madea_onFire
#6
Here is how it usually goes down for me....."What size of uniform do you take?"
" I take a 2xl or 3xl in a Double or triple tall size. "
"oh, uh...we don't have any of those you can order."
SIX MONTHS LATER
"We need to talk to you about your lack of professional appearance and how disrupting it is when the client thinks you are the one in charge."
"Ok sure, so which is it? Because it can't be both."
Image credits: AudioVisualPro
#7
Had to pay $80 dollars for a corset as a cocktail waitress. Basically just had to work a whole shift for free. AND I still had to tip out the bartender/bar back even though she would ignore me for a long time, so I wasn’t getting my drinks quickly, thus got tipped poorly :/I was young at the time and didn’t even think to question it. I only stayed about a month before I couldn’t stand it anymore. Still have the corset somewhere lol.
Image credits: Studiof**kface
#8
Owner of a restaurant I used to work for would make me buy his $45 merchandise shirts to wear if I accidentally spilled bleach on them while cleaning for $2.33/hr.
Image credits: -Reddit_Admins_Suck-
#9
I got a waitress job that required we wore a company shirt to work and provided us with only 1 shirt. We were encouraged to purchase backup shirts for $25 each. We were also only allowed to wear company branded hoodies if we got cold, ofcourse they didn't provide any and they were available for purchase at $35. What a joke. I lasted maybe 4 days with the cheap bastards.
Image credits: Sad_Snazzy_Snake
#10
I started a new job last week and got 5-7 shirts of various kinds (long sleeve, short sleeve, 3/4 zip fleece, etc) dropped off to me. All company branded, not mandatory yet for my department. Not one of them fits, as they didn’t bother to ask me my sizes, and they are mostly all a horrible slippery non-cotton fabric that I can’t stand. (I’m in the shipping/receiving department, so lots of running dirty packages around and getting sweaty.) I can dress appropriately professional all on my own. It’s not like anyone is going to question whether or not I actually work for the company if I’m not wearing a shirt with the name on it. Planning to see if I can swap the shirts out for something in my size in a style/fabric I’ll actually wear.
Image credits: thebat481
#11
Having worked in fast food, there are some places that give you 1 or 2 shirts, and then you have to buy any that you want after that. You also have to buy the special slip resistant shoes... at $50-$130 each, through a special catalog where you get a "company discount".It's ridiculous that someone has to spend a week's earnings to buy shoes they are required to have in order to do their job.
Image credits: Catri
#12
Tbh if these are just like printed t-shirts or whatever, I can guarantee the cost to the company to buy them is a fraction of that. It is likely they actually profit from selling these to employees.Source: my boss did this to us. I used to just steal them out of the inventory boxes and tell others where to find them cause I’m not paying anyone to perform labor for them.
Image credits: the1tru_magoo
#13
I used to drive an old station wagon to work. It’s was ratty as hell, but it was a project car and I loved that thing. I used to park out front of the building, and would drive a company vehicle throughout the day.One day when I was out the GM came by and told my manager I couldn’t park out front because it would deter customers. This wasn’t a business where customers typically came in for our services. You would call or do it all online. The building was mainly to have a base of operations for our truck and supplies as well as the offices. I was so blown away that I couldn’t park my car out front. It wasn’t even that bad. May not have been everyone’s taste, but also who gives a [damn]. These upper level managers have nothing better to do, so I swear they look for dumb s**t to fix so they feel worthy of the paycheck they don’t deserve.
Image credits: geeskeet
#14
I had a boss many years ago who had worked a night shift for a bank and they made him wear a tie and dress clothes. He hated it so much. His only directive to us was to look clean which I think is fair.
Image credits: GrimmandLily
#15
I used to work for Healthcare services group. Managing housekeeping, largely doing housekeeping, cleaning toilets, the works. It was like 5 years ago they stopped making us wear ties. Many ties got dipped in toilets.
Image credits: pacify-the-dead
#16
That is why I loved working with my dad, manager of a garden centre, uniforms were free however the shirts were uncomfortable and cheap. He told everyone on orientation this is a place where your clothes will get dirty here is a company shirt you can wear, but I won’t force anyone to wear something I wouldn’t want to do just dress appropriately for work. Hard to believe his former staff come back to visit him just because they miss him
Image credits: Swgoh-LimJahey
#17
One of our higher ups was at our store and asked my manager why a couple of us looked “unkempt” (a few of us have beards and tattoos) and my boss said “It’s not a Fortune 500”I like you, OP.
Image credits: Dinosauringg
#18
I had a packing job at a supermarket for four years. It was part time and didn't pay enough. They had uniforms, but said it was fine for me to wear a black polo because we weren't customer facing and started after the store had already closed. So I did, for almost my whole employment there. After a year they kept trying to get me to buy their shirts but I refused as they could never point to a rule that said I need to have one especially when the store is FREAKING!!!! CLOSED!!!!!At around the 4 year mark they brought in new rules and made us get these scratchy cheap dress shirts that were synthetic and not breathable which was a horrible idea for a stocking job. They still didn't provide the uniform, we had to buy it. So I wore my trusty black polo to their big inspection with upper management, being the only odd one out, yet the only one not also getting heat exhaustion. I quit with no notice a few days later to start working my current job which also happened to be my managers dream job. To say he was annoyed and jealous was an understatement. I skipped out of there that last night in my black polo and never looked back.
Image credits: gold-magikarp
#19
I work in a dealership garage, I get paid a dollar over minimum wage, each paycheck they make me pay like $12 or so for them. We get them through Cintas, but IDK what's in those uniforms but they made me break out all over and it's still hasn't healed.Companies want mandatory uniforms, they should pay for them.
#20
I get told all the time my department issued uniform is mandatory. I get that. They issue everything but the work boots and have the audacity to say the $200 boots I bought out of pocket is department issued and threatened to write me up.#21
Worked for a recruitment firm as the on-sight manager, the owner asked me what I needed while visiting. I said "fleeces, the doors in the cargo bay area are open all day, and the heating isn't doing much", He asked how many, I told him and he phoned head office and ordered them there and then. I know temp agencies get a bad rap, but the one I worked for really looked after all the staff.#22
One of the last doctor offices I worked in, I was asked my sizing. I must have looked confused because I was told the doctor provided 3 sets of scrubs made to size and a fairly hefty discount if you wanted any others. It was probably my favorite office I ever worked in, he treated and paid us quite well, when he died most of us ended up leaving the practice because we didn’t like who took over and the changes he wanted to make.
Image credits: Planksgonemad
#23
This is so infuriating. I once had a boss who wanted me to talk to my staff member about her "professional appearance." My staff member was making $35K before taxes and living w/her parents and siblings to help support that household. My boss was making well over $300K at the time. I'm sorry, but not everyone can afford a wardrobe from Bloomingdale's!
Image credits: yerrrrr10
#24
I had to buy a work shirt for $40 , my manager told me to buy 3 and 2 scrub pants. I only bought one shirt and wash it every Wednesday night. Ridiculous how uniforms aren’t provided.
Image credits: JayyeKhan_97
#25
Just for the record, I walked out in my third company logo-ed Nike shirt today, absolutely free, and Im NOT expected to wear it to work unless I want to. It wasn't given as a reward in place of a pay raise or called a Christmas bonus or some bulls**t... the CEO just thought it'd be cool for us to have shirts for the gym so they bought them. THAT'S how a company should treat branded clothing.
Image credits: december14th2015
#26
You're my hero. I worked for my company for 5 years accumulated 6 sets of uniforms. New Years Eve I was handed a new uniform and told to wear it or be fired. 50 bucks for each new uniform no compensation for what I've already bought. bs
Image credits: Jigsaw2799
#27
Reminds me of a loooooong time ago when I was assistant manager at Structure (now Express for Men) and my manager said that I needed to wear the current season’s clothes being sold. I said when then you are going to have to pay me more because I cannot afford spending that much money on clothes every three or four months. She didn’t like that and I didn’t stay there for very long.Another funny story was while working at Stricture late at night doing an inventory count someone asked me when I was going to get my own place (now that I was “supposedly” making money, it was $19K/yr). Without even thinking I said “when I get a real job and make real money…” It was a long night after that.
Image credits: th3_st0rm
#28
My last place of work I was a manager. They provided shirts for free, so when winter came around they went around asking if we wanted company fleece and what our size/color preference was. We were all looking forward to getting them, then when they came in we were informed it would be $25 for a fleece... That was already specifically ordered for personal preferences. I didn't buy one.#29
I worked at a deli chain. Shirt was $20 and taken out of your first check. Quit after 2 months#30
The last manager at my store tried to make us pay for coats with the company logo on them for deliveries. Her response to people not wanting to pay for them was to have a few "communal" coats that drivers could wear. DURING COVID. I told them I'm wearing my old one that we aren't allowed to wear anymore or they could buy me a new one.#31
I work for the state and I'm the only person in my office in a different union so I'm un-uniformed. It also doesn't help that I'm absurdly baby-faced. I've literally been mistaken for a co-workers child.#32
I used to work at the YMCA in childcare and they have a uniform. It actually makes sense because it helps parents pick out whose a leader in the crowd. Even they would provide us with the shirt though, which considering how cheap and demeaning to their staff shows just how low the bar is to just do this. They would only give us like 1 or 2 shirts though, thus technically requiring us to either reuse them or do laundry almost every single day. I just kept telling them I needed a replacement and then forgetting to return my old ones. They would tell me to bring them in but never remember to follow up on collecting them from me. I had a full set of 5 before I quit there.#33
I used to work for a bank (won’t mention the name but one of the large ones). They used to make you purchase uniforms (button downs and such with an embroidered logo) until they got got a nice class action lawsuit and then started giving out allowances to purchase said shirts.Please check your state laws.
#34
My boss's just implemented a PPE policy that includes eye protection, slice resistant gloves, and safety toe shoes/boots. They provide the glasses and gloves, and pay $150 per year to all our production team for compliant footwear. In sure your company could shoot $10 per person for uniforms.#35
Reminds me when I worked for Domino’s: optional $60 Jacket (the only winter-wear allowed), and two free shirts and a hat.My boss seriously was trying to sell these things like how high schoolers sell Blue & Gold, yet fails to realize that’s at least an entire day’s worth of work.
#36
When I worked at AZ, a decent shirt was $20, pants were normally $10-15, and decent shoes for lots of walking that met company guidelines were $30. As someone who worked at a car dealership for a bit, formal Ford training, and formal automotive education and I was a sales manager, made $10.50 per hour in 2018. Battery acid from changing batteries in cars or moving old batteries around in the store would occasionally spill battery acid on my clothes and leaving nasty stains (they wouldn't totally eat through the clothes most of the time). If you told me to buy more shirts and pants, I would hit you with the "nobody else with my qualifications that cares about customers will work for what I get paid. Bite me."Mediocre compensation all around. Even though I returned to college, I am out of college now. Currently, I am an accountant (almost Certified Public Accountant). The pay and benefits are so much better.
#37
I briefly worked in Walt Disney World, and while they have a lot of room for improvement in how they treat their people, work clothing was one thing I felt they did right. All of it was done on a checkout system; part timers could take out three outfits and full timers could take out five (tops and trousers). Then you could also take out one of each fall jacket and winter coat, rain gear, hat if it was required, belt, etc.—you only had to provide your own underwear, shoes, and socks. If you wanted you could keep your clothes as long as you were employed by them, or you could turn it in at any time for a clean set and their laundry service would take care of it (a lot of us would hold onto trousers if we found a pair or two that fit especially well and then just swap our shirts).That was my first job and it set my expectations. I was really disappointed and frustrated when I went to work at a Six Flags and they issued me a single polo shirt and told me I’d have to provide my own khakis and buy any additional shirts out of pocket. And of course I ruined one of my two pairs of khakis in the first couple weeks when they snagged and tore on a trash can.
#38
I have to wear a uniform...i get it for free. I have about 30 T-shirt. Winter shirts sweaters, hoodies different thickness of winter jackets. I have a lot to complain about about the company I work for...clothing isn't one of them. What's with these cheap ass companies not paying for clothes?#39
Every job I've had that required a uniform made us pay for them. We couldn't even have it docked from our checks - nope, you had to buy the uniform up front, from the company, before your first shift. Branded t-shirts usually cost me $20-$25. Utter horse s**t.
Image credits: ClaryTheBroke
#40
That's literally illegal, the company must provide the uniform AND if they expect them to be clean the company must also pay to clean the uniform. They might be able to get away with providing multiple. The last uniformed job I had gave me 6 shirts so I didn't have to waste my money on excessive laundering. The job before washed our uniforms for us on site. Fire department washed our uniforms for us on site. Current job doesn't have uniforms because it's a real job not a costume party
Image credits: AbsoluteTruckstick3
#41
I used to work for a dealership that required you buy their uniforms and wear them...they were like 35+ a shirt. Before you even started your job you were in debt to the company like 120+ dollars, which they were nice enough to deduct from your checks.Here's the best part. They changed uniforms every year!
Image credits: capasso23000
#42
I got hired at a warehouse, where I moved up alarmingly fast; currently the warehouse manager. I found several boxes of company shirts, one day. The owner complained that my workers didn’t wear the shirts. I asked why and the workers said “they said it was optional, but the shirts are 15 bucks each.” I walked into the back and gave everyone 5 shirts. At this point in my life, I just don’t care. Stay strong homies#43
My previous workplace was pushing the staff to buy an overpriced hoodie with their logo so we can use out of work as it wasn’t allowed to use at work. The boss was always trying hard to squeeze the pennies we got paid….
Image credits: Callsign_Rheego
#44
Where I work there is no uniform, we are very anti poverty and are aware that even a white shirt and black trousers isn't something everyone has, I know I don't. We are all encouraged to express our identity, whether you are at the bottom or the top which I love. As long as you have your ID and don't wear anything offensive it's all fair game.
Image credits: GuiltyCredit
#45
For all their faults in other regards, Harbor Freight at least gave us our uniforms for for free and weren't too picky about the jeans you could and couldn't wear.Before I left, however, they did start charging for alternative t-shirts. So, if you wanted to get a shirt with one of the brands of tools Harbor Freight owns, you'd have to pay. Otherwise, the navy blue shirts with HFT on the back we're free. Not only was I against getting those alternative uniforms myself, I thought they should be paying me money for being a walking billboard.
#46
This pisses me off and it stems from the military.Stationed in Schofield Barracks Hawaii, we'd get a monthy "uniform allowance" something like $15-$20.
Pants and Blouse cost about $80 all together.Boots your basic pair were about $60, a comfy good pair will be about $150PC(Patrol Cap - AKA Your Hat) - $20Pack of Green Socks - $15Pack of Tan Shirts - $10 for the cheap basic tan shirts.Beret was $10/$20 bucks too(Though the last I heard was they did away with the Beret completely - buy 2 cause if you f**k up shaving it, you're going to need a replacement)Alterations(Getting rank, patches, nametags and awards sewn on) would come to about $25 - more if your company had specific things (We had to get our platoon name ironed on our tan shirts)
You were generally expected to have 4 uniforms(including boots). 2 for the field(could be dirty and stained) 1 for everyday(didn't have to be prim and proper, but clean enough) and one for formation(Clean, Crisp and Proper, no stains, all patches and everything clean and tight)
Once a year you were allowed to exchange in 4 dirty uniforms and 1 pair of boots for a standard issue replacement of 4 uniforms and a pair of boots (And depending on that time frame, where you are, and what you were doing or what was planned, that didn't always happen) - This is just the standard everyday uniform. This isn't
If a uniform is required it should be paid for by the company. Replacements should be covered and frequent depending on the job.
I work in IT now, and they want us to wear company branded clothing from their shop. The cheapest shirt is $20 bucks, and for working in IT, they want us to have the standard polo which is $35, the underarmour one is $50, and the cold weather clothing is all $60 or above.
Edit: And good luck if you have a formation inspection by some Officer or Sergeant Major type, you will be buying a brand new uniform even if you have a good one tucked away for such an occasion.
Image credits: default8080
#47
In the UK if you got told you had to supply you're own uniform or pay for it you'd tell your boss to f**k off, even your average 16yr old fast food worke wouldn't take that here.I remember when I was 16 labouring 10 hour days for 40 pound a day - even then I was given a few shop polo's and some proper decent workwear trousers (snickers brand if I recall).
Had to supply shoes/boots on the job but that's been it. Any uniformed workwear the employer has to pay for it.
#48
And at the places I worked... the more money you made the more free swag you got.*sips homemade latte out of UPS branded mug
I really wish I knew who made my UPS duffle too. Thing is beast
#49
I had a former superior try the whole "you look unprofessional" with me.Sat me down to complain about my appearance. I asked what was wrong with it and he wouldn't be specific. Just kept talking in general terms.
Finally I dropped the bomb on him. "The employee handbook says "collared shirt and dress pants. I'm the only employee who does this. (employee 1) wears jeans every day and (employee 2) looks like Jake Elwood. When is their meeting?"
Once I had him backed into a corner he finally admitted what he had a problem with. My beard and piercings.
"Handbook says nothing about either," I replied.
"Well you can either comply now or we can change the rules and force your compliance," he said all puffed up.
"Sounds like you have your answer then," and I turned back to my computer and went back to work. Didn't even look to see him leave.
That was the end of that issue. Never heard another word about it.
#50
That sums up exactly the sentiment that the corporate overlords have regarding their workforce. They don't care how hard you struggle, as long as you "look professional" and pretend to be happy. Nothing but a bunch of sick, sadistic bags of flesh.#51
I was a server at a restaurant where we had to buy our white and blue checkered shirts, but could wear whatever jeans as long as there weren’t holes.One night I carried too many drinks on one tray and spilled a blueberry/ blackberry mojito all over myself. My shirt was obviously stained and ruined so my manager handed me another one to change into for the remainder of my shift… $45 for the shirt came out of my next paycheck. Absolute bull s**
#52
Someone said that at a hospital I worked at. Most of the patients were wealthy and elderly. Think Super, Super Boomers.Do they realize that sometimes we have to deal with body fluids, sometimes getting spliled on us? The patient that peed all over herself because she refused help? The guy that decided to draw his own blood because he thought that would be a good idea in the lobby?
Yet these patients thought we'd be on our "Sunday best". Probably after stepping out of our cars with fins on them.
#53
Back in the day when I worked for Time Warner Cable they provided us with uniforms; shirts, pants, hats and even climbing boots (every two years, including Red Wings if you wanted them). They were very much sticklers about your shirt being tucked in and that you never wore a hat that wasn't a Time Warner cap. A lot of ex-military so they were really into the uniform thing but no big deal, it made sense and they provided all the stuff plus a laundry service.Also on our annual review was "Professional Appearance". On a scale of 1-5 it was a basic managerial edict that no one was ever able to get higher than a 3 which was defined as met all standards, so in effect - average. Typical. But my buddy had a good question to his supervisor: "I wear the uniform you provide, it is always clean, shirt tucked in, polished boots etc. I keep my hair neatly cut and shower and shave before every shift. What else do I need to do to get above average in this category?" The answer was of course, well um yeah well um yeah...you can't. Pretty f**ked up when Mr. Pig Pen with the dirty wrinkled uniform, 5 days of no showers and beard growth and no tooth brushing plus scuffed up boots can get the same "average" rating as you...cuz that, like almost all employee reviews, is how this s**t is rigged by management.
#54
My dad was a correctional officer for 30 years. (Just retired) He had to buy a uniform and they were like $80 ea! You pretty much had to have 2 minimum. Booo! For him it was much more worth it though. He was a county employee, had a union, pension, good benefits. I’m not sure why a company that pays their employees less than $10/hr would expect people to buy the shirt! I’ve worked a several retail places and always got 2 shirts free right away.#55
I've never bought a company shirt for any company I've worked for. Charging me full price as an employee is horse s**t. We're talking $60 for a f**king cotton polo, $30 for a barebones tshirt. F**k that. You want me to wear company swag? Then provide it for free. I'm not buying it. I don't love the company THAT much damn. I just work here so I don't go broke.#56
My old job provided our uniforms. The problem was, they gave us 1 uniform each. I worked 5 days a week. Was I supposed to wear a dirty uniform, or do laundry 5 times a week?#57
State agency I had worked at decided to implement a "dress code"......until the lawyers reminded them that would be considered a "uniform" and the State would be required to furnish them at no cost to the employee.
#58
My company gives 2 high vis shirts a year, but we can pay for more.We technically don't have to wear the t-shirts, but we must always adhere to osha and the gc, so high vis is usually required.
And I dont normally own high vis shirts. But we're allowed to wear an extra layer as a provided vest in 110 degree Texas.
Not the worst deal, and I've been able to fish high vis shirts from office managers, but come on. I want to be able to professionally represent the company AND be safe AND not die in 110 degree weather, thanks. Let me have my damn 2$ shirts without spending 25$.
I just dont fully understand why they think 2 high vis shirts is enough to cover the needs of a weeks worth of labour. I'm stinky at the end of the day, and do NOT want to put that same shirt back on tomorrow.
#59
I worked at a coffeeshop a few years back. We had a Yelp review that state something the effect of "The entire staff looked like they were about ready to murder someone..."Management tried to bring this to our attention so that we could "adjust our attitudes" but we all laughed and said "Finally, someone gets it!"
