Govt bans jeans, T-shirts for male, female teachers

The Federal Directorate of Education (FDE) has banned wearing jeans, tights and t-shirts for teachers during the duty hours as Directorate has formally issued a dress code on Tuesday.

A notification was also issued by FDE directing teachers to also wear teaching gowns as well as lab coats while performing duties in classes and laboratory, respectively.

The notification also barred female teachers from wearing jeans, tights. The male teachers have also been barred from wearing jeans and t-shirts by the FDE.

FDE claimed that research has proven that attire has an influence on people’s perceptions and is more than just about something you are wearing. The notification reads: “At first instance, the outlook imposes a very positive expectation subjective to the likeliness and behaviour pattern of the students.”

The FDE has also recommended simple and decent shalwar kameez/trousers with dupatta/shawl for female teachers along with formal shoes, which include pumps, loafers and mules. But owing to long-standing hours during teaching, comfortable shoes like sneakers and sandals can be worn. The teachers wearing headscarves will be allowed to wear scarves and hijab.

However, for male teachers, wearing shawls (chadars), sweaters, coats and jerseys were allowed during winters. They are, otherwise, allowed to wear shalwar kameez only with waistcoat. If they wear a dress shirt, it should preferably be full sleeves, with a tie and trousers. During the summers, a half sleeves dress shirt and/or bush shirt can also be worn.

For shoes, men can only wear formals, which include dress shoes, loafers, Moccasins and boots. Sneakers and sandals can be worn but not slippers.

All non-teaching staff must also always maintain presentable attire 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/perfume.