Being an educator often comes with unexpected demands, especially in the form of dress codes. Despite being adults, teachers are frequently subjected to strict clothing regulations, the likes of which are quite unbelievable. Here are some of the most outlandish teacher dress code rules that will surely boggle your mind!
Compulsory Mani-Pedis
- “I used to have a principal who demanded extra duties if she noticed your unpainted toenails while wearing sandals.”
- “Chipped nail polish is considered a violation of the dress code.”
Shoe Regulations
- “No sneakers allowed without a doctor’s note.”
- “All footwear must have a strap or closed back.”
- “A maximum of three toes can be visible at any given time.”
- “Teachers are prohibited from wearing rubber-soled shoes.”
Strict Policies on Visible Tattoos
- “I was handed socks to cover my foot tattoos when they peeked out between my sandal straps.”
- “I received a written warning when a student accidentally revealed my chest tattoo during a hectic situation.”
- “I have a wedding band tattoo around my finger, but I’m required to cover it with a band-aid.”
Bizarre Dress Codes for Clothing
- “Capris are forbidden unless part of a coordinated outfit.”
- “Absolutely no denim, not even jackets.”
- “Velour is strictly prohibited.”
- “Our dress code only permits ‘age-appropriate trends.’”
- “Pantyhose must be worn under all pants, including jeans. This was in 2009.”
- “Male teachers are required to wear shirts with ties and slacks, even when working after school hours.”
- “Our principal once taped paper to the bottom of a teacher’s pants because she deemed them too short.”
Teacher Dress Code: Denim Dilemma
- “Teachers are banned from wearing denim on school premises. Period.”
- “No jeans allowed during virtual teaching sessions.”
- “We are only allowed to wear jeans every sixth school day, and administration keeps track to catch any ‘cheating.’”
- “A mandatory ‘donation’ is required for the social fund each semester to wear jeans on Fridays, regardless of whether you plan to wear them or not.”
- “Blue jeans are off-limits, but other colored denim is allowed. Isn’t blue a color too?”
Hair, Makeup & Accessories
- “Ponytails are strictly prohibited.”
- “Curly hair must be straightened.”
- “Visible roots are not permissible.”
- “Makeup is mandatory for a professional look at our preschool.”
- “Teachers are required to wear lipstick and touch it up frequently to appear ‘fresh and alert.’”
- “No red lipstick allowed.”
- “Staff members are not allowed to change their hairstyle throughout the entire school year.”
- “Only natural hair colors are permitted.”
- “Only lower earlobe piercings are allowed. No other piercings are permitted, and only females are allowed pierced ears.”
- “Male teachers are prohibited from wearing any jewelry.”
- “Bags or purses big enough to carry a child are not permitted.”
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