In business always dress to impress, but what is deemed an appropriate attire policy? Has the modern workplace evolved beyond the ritual of a suit and tie and/or dark dress? Not so, it would appear. Recently, the Swiss banking giant UBS published a 43-page document for a cohort of their Swiss-based male and female employees alike, defining the parameters of acceptable workplace presentation and clothing.

The following are real extracts from this document: "Your jacket should be buttoned while standing. When sitting, the buttons should be undone. Store your suit on a large hanger with rounded shoulders to preserve the shape of the garment. Get a haircut every four weeks to maintain your hairstyle. Don't eat garlic and onions. Don't wear short-sleeved shirts or cuff links. Don't wear socks that are so short you might expose your leg while sitting. Also, don't wear socks that are opaque. Don't use tie knots that don't match your face shape and/or body shape. Women are encouraged to wear flesh-coloured underwear and stockings. Women's skirts should not be 'too tight behind'."

Men are also encouraged to wear a watch as it "suggests reliability and that punctuality is a great concern to you". Or that you just like watches, maybe?

Can an employer be so descriptive in designing a clothing policy? The answer simply is yes, but employers should be mindful of discrimination issues that may arise, particularly on religious grounds. In Ireland, employers cannot discriminate on the ground of religion. Indirect discrimination may also arise – if, for example, all facial hair is forbidden and unless objectively justifiable, problems may arise. One final consideration is that of tattoos and piercings, which are not covered by legislation, but nonetheless require careful consideration by employers. It may be prudent to define that tattoos should not be in view and that piercings should always be in keeping with a certain style.

Tomorrow morning, time yourself getting ready for work and think about the unfortunate banking employees testing their breath and comparing hangers.

Oisin Scollard is Legal Counsel with Legal HR firm Employmentclinic.ie