Equity Bank is known for its rigorous dress code, requiring employees to dress in a professional and well-groomed manner, embodying the company’s image. Both men and women must follow specific guidelines for their attire. In this article, we will explore the dress expectations for male staff and the additional etiquette rules they must observe.
According to an Equity Bank guidebook, men are encouraged to dress according to their body shape. Those with a V-shaped body are advised to opt for slim-fit shirts and suits, while individuals with an H-shaped body should choose straight shirts and European regular-fit suits. For those with an O-shaped body, American or relaxed-fit shirts and suits are recommended. READ FULL STORY
When it comes to attire, male staff must take into account several specific guidelines when dressing for work, including:
Tall, slender men should choose a style that enhances a masculine silhouette. Diagonal striped ties and well-fitted garments, such as single-breasted suits and waistcoats, are recommended to achieve this effect.
Short men should opt for pinstripes or narrowly spaced chalk stripes in dark shades to create the illusion of a longer silhouette.
Men with a heavier build should opt for well-cut double-breasted suits in light materials to help camouflage the tummy area. They should also choose dark colors with vertical pinstripes for a slimming effect.
Athletic men should choose Italian cut or custom-tailored styles with deeper necklines to best complement their physique.
They are expected to wear single-breasted, double-breasted, or three-piece suits during the week. These suits should be in classic colors such as black, dark blue, dark grey, dark brown, or light grey. The recommended fabrics include heavy cotton, wool blend, gabardine, polyester/cotton twist, high-quality wool, and herringbone wool.
Their pants should be tailored to their body shapes: V-shaped bodies should choose flat-front trousers, H and O body shapes should opt for double-pleat trousers, and single-pleat trousers are suitable for all body shapes. Pants should fit well at the waistline without the need for a belt, and the length should fall just above the shoe’s sole.
Male staff should wear well-fitting shirts and ensure they colour-coordinate them perfectly with their ties.
They should wear formal leather shoes in black, brown, or tan, paired with belts that are simple, elegant, and feature plain metallic buckles. Dark-colored, calf-length socks should also be worn.
“The only visible jewelry on a professional man should be a wristwatch and wedding band. An activity band in black or dark brown is also acceptable. Everything else should be suit accessories such as cufflinks, lapel pins, and pocket squares. Keep eyewear small in solid, neutral frames,” added the document.
Man bags should be simple sleek and structured, crafted in black, brown, or tan.
Here are the prohibitions that male staff are advised against:
Male staff should not wear sneakers, sandals or crocs, as well as overly casual items that go against representing Equity Bank as trusted brand.
They should not wear denim, clothes donning large branding, and T-shirts.
They must ensure not to wear overpowering deodorant, colognes, and aftershaves.
Their wallets should not bulge wallets in the back pocket.
Chewing gum in public is prohibited, as it is considered unprofessional and can detract from the polished image the company expects its employees to maintain.
Overall, they are expected to conduct themselves with class and maintain the bank’s image as a professional and distinguished business.
