Dress and Grooming Standards

The summer months often act as a temptation to lessen our dress standards. Even though school may not be in session, we are all asked to obey the Honor Code on and off campus. Here's an e-mail that the school sent out this year in June. We ask that you remain modest in your dress when on the property, even when in your own apt. Be weary of when your windows/ blinds are open.

Summer Weather & Modesty

The Church encourages modesty in dress for all occasions, including swimming and casual attire. Elder Robert D. Hales taught, “Modesty is a gospel principle that applies to people of all cultures and ages. In fact, modesty is fundamental to being worthy of the Spirit. To be modest is to be humble, and being humble invites the Spirit to be with us.”

Modesty is also a part of Personal Honor at BYU-Idaho and should be maintained off campus by students and employees (residing in Rexburg or in any other location) by wearing knee-length shorts, modest shirts, and swimsuits that are modest in fabric, fit, and style (no bikini or French-cut styles).

Here are a few excerpts from the dress and grooming standards section of the BYU-Idaho Honor Code.

Clothing is to be modest in fabric, fit, length, and style. It should also be appropriate for the occasion. Men 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 appropriate for a Latter-day Saint woman. For men, clothing should reflect good taste and masculinity appropriate for a priesthood bearer.

Women

A clean and well-cared-for appearance should be maintained at all times. Clothing is inappropriate when it is sleeveless, strapless, backless, or revealing. It should not have slits above the knee or be formfitting. Dresses and skirts must be knee-length or longer (even with leggings worn).

Pants, slacks or jeans should not be patched, faded, frayed or torn and must be ankle length—no capris or shorts may be worn on campus. Hairstyles should be clean and neat, avoiding extreme styles and unnatural colors. Caps or hats should not be worn in buildings. Excessive ear piercings (more than one pair) and all other body piercings are inappropriate. Shoes should be worn in all public campus areas. Flip-flops and other casual footwear are inappropriate on campus.

Activity and Recreational Attire

Dress standards for each event will be specified prior to the event. If no standard is indicated, the minimum standard will be campus attire. Modest casual attire may be worn at certain activities and events. Shorts and other pants ending above the ankle are inappropriate for campus. Shorts are only allowed at playing fields and must be modest in length. Traveling across campus to activities in shorts is not appropriate.