The dress and grooming of both men and women should always be modest, neat, clean, and consistent with the values and principles of Brigham Young University-Idaho and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Modesty and cleanliness are important values that reflect personal dignity and integrity. Members of the BYU-Idaho community represent the principles and standards of the Church. The members of that community commit themselves to observe the following standards, which reflect the direction of the BYU-Idaho Board of Trustees and the Church publication For the Strength of the Youth. These guiding principles apply at all CES institutions of higher education. The application of these principles may vary slightly at the various institutions in accordance with local conditions and circumstances.

Men

A clean and well-cared-for appearance should be maintained. Hairstyles should be clean and neat, avoiding extreme styles or colors, and trimmed above the collar leaving the ear uncovered. Sideburns should not extend below the earlobe or onto the cheek. If worn, mustaches should be neatly trimmed and may not extend beyond or below the corners of the mouth. Men are expected to be clean-shaven; beards are not acceptable. Earrings and other body piercing are unacceptable. Shoes should be worn in all public campus areas.

Women

A clean and well-cared-for appearance should be maintained. Clothing is inappropriate when it is sleeveless, strapless, backless, or revealing, has slits above the knee, or is formfitting. Dresses and skirts must be knee length or longer. Hairstyles should be clean and neat, avoiding extreme styles and colors. Excessive ear piercing (more than one per ear) and all other body piercings are inappropriate. Shoes should be worn in all public campus areas.

BYU-Idaho Dress and Grooming Standards

Good taste, common sense, discretion, consideration, and high moral standards are the watchwords for dress and grooming. Flagrant behavior or extreme dress and grooming at any time or in any place may result in a review of the individual’s understanding of the expected behavior or grooming. Clothing is to be modest in fabric, fit, length, style, and appropriate for the occasion. Men’s and women’s dress should be reflective of their gender, and excessive or extreme styles should be avoided. For women, wardrobe selection should reflect modesty and femininity becoming a Latter-day Saint woman. For men, clothing should reflect good taste and masculinity becoming a priesthood bearer.

The following supplemental information is provided to give students, staff, faculty, and administrators general guidelines in determining appropriate from inappropriate attire and grooming. Because of the constant change in dress and grooming styles, some trends, fads, or fashions common in the world may be determined inappropriate.  The Dean of Students, after consulting with his/her staff and the President’s Council, reserves the right to determine that a specific style or fad is inappropriate and thereby unacceptable at BYU-Idaho.

Failure to comply with the Honor Code or dress and grooming standards could result in suspension from BYU-Idaho.

Dress and Grooming for Women

Classroom Attire and Appearance:

Appropriate

Dresses, skirts, and blouses or sweaters
Modest pants, slacks or jeans must be ankle length
Dressy sweatshirts

Inappropriate

Bib overalls (all styles)
Caps or hats
Clothing is inappropriate when it:
    -- is above the knee
    -- has slits above the knee
    -- is low cut
    -- is backless
    -- is sleeveless
Excessive ear piercing (more than one per ear) and all other body piercing
Hair: extreme styles or colorations, or unnatural colors
Long johns or underwear styles
Low-cut or revealing necklines
Patched, faded, frayed, torn, or tight, formfitting clothing
Shorts of any length
Suggestive or vulgar wording or pictures on apparel
Sweat suits or PE-type clothing
Tank tops or sloppy tops, or midriff shirts/blouses

Flip Flops

Dress and Grooming for Men

Classroom Attire and Appearance:

Appropriate

Dress shirts, shirts with collars, and dressy sport shirts
Jeans that are neat and clean
Ankle length or longer slacks or pants
Sports coats, blazers, and ties
Sweaters
Dressy sweatshirts

Inappropriate

Beards (no 5 o’clock shadow)
Bib overalls (all styles)
Caps or hats
Earrings and all other body piercing
Grubby attire
Hair: no ponytails or pigtails, braids, designs, carvings, complete shaving, or extreme styles or unnatural color or tipping
Headbands or bandannas
Patched, faded, frayed, torn, or tight, formfitting clothing
Shorts of any length
Sweat suits or PE-type clothing
Suggestive or vulgar wording or pictures on apparel
Tank tops

Flip Flops

Dress Standards for Men and Women

Activity and Recreational Events Attire:

Dress standards for each event will be specified prior to the event. If no standard is specified, the minimum standard will be campus attire. Modest length shorts may be worn at specified outdoor activities and recreational events but are otherwise not acceptable campus attire. Modest casual attire may be worn at specified indoor activity or recreational events.

Concert and Drama Attire:

The minimum standard for men will be shirt and tie. Jeans are not acceptable.  The minimum standard for women will be a dress (or a skirt and blouse or sweater).  Care should be given to ensure that dress and appearance are compatible with the event attended.  Casual dress or clothing will not be permitted.

Semiformal Dance Attire:

Men:  A tuxedo is optional, while church attire such as a sports coat or dressy sweater is recommended.  A dress shirt and tie, formal half collar shirt without tie, or turtleneck with a sport coat and dress slacks are acceptable.  Dress shoes are required.  Not acceptable:  tennis or athletic shoes, t-shirts, kilts, jeans, or grubby attire.

Ladies:  A formal is optional, while Sunday dress is recommended.  A modest dress with the hemline or slits knee-length or below with dress shoes (required).  Not acceptable:  tennis or athletic shoes, sleeveless dresses, spaghetti straps, low-cut necklines, immodest use of sheer see-through unlined materials, and open back dresses below the shoulder blades.

Special Theme Dances:

Dress should be consistent with university dress standards at all events.  Appropriate dress will be specified in the publicity prior to the dance. 

Procedures and processes for enforcement of appearance are outlined in the Student Handbook. 

Please feel free to visit the Dean of Students Office in Kimball 230, call us at (208) 496-1120 or e-mail us with your questions or comments.