The Federal Directorate of Education (FDE) has issued a dress code for the teachers serving in the federal government educational institutes.
A notification issued on Monday gave a detailed outline what men and women can and cannot wear.
The notification reasoned that a dress code is being issued because “research has proved that dress has an influence on people’s perceptions and is more than just about something you are wearing.”
It barred women from wearing jeans or tights, and male teachers from wearing jeans and T-shirts.
They have been directed to wear teaching gowns in class and lab coats in the laboratory.
Female teachers can wear a “simple and decent shalwar kameez/trousers shirt with dupatta/shawl”.
Only formal shoes, which includes pumps, loafers and mules, are allowed. But owing to long duty hours, comfortable shoes like sneakers and sandals can be worn as well.
Teachers using headscarves can continue to wear scarves and hijab, the notification read.
Male teachers have been barred from wear shawls (chadars) in winter, but can wear sweaters, coats and jerseys.
If a male teacher is wearing shalwar kameez, he has to wear a waistcoat with it.
If he is wearing a dress shirt, it should preferably be full sleeves with tie and trousers. During the summers, a half sleeves dress shirt and/or bush shirt can also be worn.
Men can only wear formal shoes, which includes dress shoes, loafers, Moccasins and boots. Sneakers and sandals can be worn too, but not slippers.
All non-teaching staff must also always maintain presentable and wear neat, clean and properly ironed clothes and appropriate shoes.
A note on “physical appearance” and personal hygiene was also given by the FDE, asking all heads of institutions to ensure that every staff member observes “reasonably good measures” in their physical appearance and personal hygiene. This includes a regular haircut, beard trimming, nail cutting, showers and use of deodorants/perfumes.
