Casual Friday — or Dress Down Friday — has become a modern office staple, giving employees the freedom to trade in their usual workwear for something a bit more relaxed.
But while “dress down day” can foster a laid-back atmosphere and boost morale, it can also leave business owners and employees alike wondering where the line is between casual and professional.
After all, what we wear and how we present ourselves is important in the workplace — whether we like it or not.
Here, we’ll explore the do’s and don’ts of Casual Friday, from style tips that suit your workplace culture to policies that keep things smart but comfortable.
If you’re looking to make the most of this weekly perk while keeping it workplace-friendly, here’s everything you need to know.
What is a Dress Down Friday?
Dress Down Friday, sometimes called Casual Friday, is a day when employees can skip the usual business attire in favour of more comfortable, casual clothing — think jeans, trainers, or even your favourite cosy jumper.
For business owners, it’s a simple perk that can boost team morale and create a more relaxed vibe to end the week.
But if you’re wondering about the exact dress-down meaning, it’s really about allowing some flexibility in the dress code while still keeping things appropriate for the workplace.
Done well, Dress Down Friday adds a bit of personality to the office without losing that professional edge.
When did Dress Down Friday start?
Dress Down Friday, or Casual Friday, started popping up in workplaces in the 1960s and gained real traction in the 1990s as a way to break up the week with a more relaxed dress code.
But it actually has roots in "Aloha Friday" in Hawaii, where businesses encouraged employees to wear Hawaiian shirts to work.
For many hybrid workplaces, Dress Down Friday can be a bridge between remote and office culture, letting employees ease into the workspace while maintaining some comfort
It's now a popular workplace tradition that lets teams end the week on a more casual, comfortable note — while still getting the job done.
What are the benefits of Dress Down Friday in the office?
Dress Down Friday offers more than just a chance to ditch traditional office attire — it can actually bring some great benefits to your workplace.
Here’s how allowing a more casual dress code one day a week can positively impact your team:
- Boosts morale: A relaxed dress code signals a break from the routine, helping employees feel more at ease and valued.
- Reduces absenteeism: That’s right — according to a 1998 study (a long while ago, but still interesting), implementing Casual Friday could reduce the number of one-day and Friday absences in your team.
- Encourages team spirit: Casual days can create a sense of camaraderie, allowing colleagues to bond in a more laid-back setting.
- Increases comfort: Comfortable clothing can reduce stress and help people focus on tasks rather than attire.
- Fosters creativity: Many workplaces, like coworking spaces, are often more relaxed environments, making Dress Down Friday feel natural and even more beneficial for fostering creativity and collaboration.
- Shows flexibility and care: Allowing casual dress reflects a flexible, employee-friendly culture, which is a great asset in attracting and retaining talent.
What are the disadvantages of Casual Friday in the office?
While Casual Friday can be a fun change, it does come with a few potential drawbacks.
Here are some challenges to consider when implementing a more relaxed dress code:
- Potential drop in productivity: For some, dressing down can lead to a “weekend mindset” that affects focus and productivity levels.
- Client impressions: If clients or customers visit on Fridays, a more casual look could impact their perception of your business’s professionalism.
- Ambiguity around rules: Without clear expectations, employees may feel confused about what's allowed, leading to inconsistency and occasional awkwardness.
- Discomfort among staff: Not everyone may feel comfortable dressing down, especially if they prefer a more formal look or worry about fitting in with the casual crowd.
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What to wear on Casual Friday
Deciding what to wear on Casual Friday can be tricky for you and your team.
The goal is a casual dress code that still feels work-appropriate — but what ‘work-appropriate’ means for your brand might be different than others.
If your team typically wears more corporate clothing (like suits), it’s better to err on the side of caution, with corporate casual dress — somewhere between formal business attire and true casual wear, like:
- Smart jeans
- Separate blazer (not part of a suit)
- Polo shirts or button-downs
- Chinos
- Jumpers and cardigans
- Midi or maxi dresses
- Knee-length or maxi skirts
- Flat shoes
- Smart trainers
- Sandals, boots, or wedge heels
If your brand’s aesthetic is usually more casual for daily office wear — like most startups — you may find that Dress Down Friday can help ease the return to the office and create a more welcoming atmosphere.
But what do you wear on Casual Friday if your office vibe is more casual anyway? Well…
- Everyday jeans
- Plain t-shirts (or with smaller graphics)
- Smart joggers
- Trainers
- Hoodies
Are jeans OK for Casual Friday?
Yes, jeans are usually fine to wear for Dress Down Friday — go for smarter, tailored jeans for a more corporate environment, but for a more casual office, slightly distressed or ripped jeans are usually fine.
What should you not wear on Casual Friday?
Casual Friday is all about finding that sweet spot between comfort and professionalism, but there are a few things that are best left at home. Here’s what to avoid to keep things office-appropriate, even on dress-down days:
- Gym wear: While comfy, leggings, trackies, and sports tops can look overly casual and out of place in a professional setting.
- Flip-flops or sliders: This is less about the look of flip-flops or sliders, and more about safety — they can increase the risk of tripping up, which of course, you want to avoid — particularly in an office setting.
- Overly ripped or distressed jeans: Most jeans are fine, but anything with holes or heavy distressing can look a bit too laid-back.
- Anything too revealing: Keep things like crop tops, short shorts, or low-cut tops for the weekend rather than the office.
- Loungewear or pyjama-style outfits: Comfortable, yes, but joggers or overly casual sets can make it hard to look work-ready.
- Offensive graphic t-shirts: Any swearing or (ahem) lewd imagery is best left at home, rather than in the office.
What to include in your Dress Down Friday policy
When writing a Dress Down Friday policy, it’s important to strike a balance between allowing more relaxed attire and keeping a professional tone.
Implementing Casual Friday in your office is great, but most employees want a bit of guidance when it comes to what to wear — what one person considers ‘casual’ might not be the image you want for your brand.
However, it’s important to consider different cultural perspectives when writing your Casual Friday policy — and your dress code policy in general.
Many studies, like this one, show that dress codes are often written aligning without consideration for minorities, so it’s always worth considering, and having a conversation with your team before implementing any sort of dress code policy.
Here are some key elements to consider including in your Dress Down Friday policy:
- Clarity on attire: Define what’s acceptable, such as smart jeans, polo shirts, or casual dresses, and mention what to avoid (e.g., gym wear, overly distressed jeans).
- Footwear guidelines: Specify acceptable options like loafers, clean trainers, or flats, while discouraging flip-flops or overly casual footwear.
- Seasonal adjustments: Outline if certain guidelines change in warmer months, allowing for lighter fabrics while still looking work-appropriate.
- Client-facing rules: If employees may meet with clients, ensure they know to dress a bit smarter to maintain the company’s image.
- Consistency across teams: Set clear guidelines that apply to all departments to avoid any confusion or mixed signals.
- Encouragement of personal style (within reason): Inclusivity is key: let employees know they’re welcome to express individuality, as long as it aligns with your professional standards.
Embracing Dress Down Friday can be a fantastic way to create a relaxed, comfortable atmosphere in the office, helping employees end the week on a positive note.
With a clear policy and a few guidelines, you can keep the balance between casual and professional, making sure everyone feels at ease without losing that workplace polish.
Remember, Casual Friday is a perk that can boost morale and foster a friendly vibe, so enjoy it!
When done thoughtfully, it’s a small shift with a big impact, reinforcing your company culture and showing that you value flexibility and team well-being.
