Can we force women to wear nylons? 11-06-2008

Can an employer require women to wear socks or stockings to cover their legs in a corporate environment? I realize an employer can require women to wear pants if the type of work warranted the safety precaution of wearing pants for all employees performing that task.

Rita Risser Replies:

Employers have great freedom to have dress codes. They do not have to have a safety reason. For instance, in 2006 a federal appeals court upheld a casino employee dress code that called for "professional" appearance, including requiring women to wear -- and barring men from wearing -- makeup and nail polish.

Generally, the "no bare legs" policy sounds okay, but there might be additional facts that would change the answer. Best to contact a local attorney or the EEOC.

Information here is correct at the time it is posted. Case decisions cited here may be reversed. Please do not rely on this information without consulting an attorney first.