American Apparel Dress Code Scandal

American Apparel is making news with recent leaks about its strict dress code and its struggle to stay out of bankruptcy. This is a closer look at that dress code scandal, retail dress codes in general, and my own brief encounter with American Apparel President and CEO Dov Charney.

The American Apparel scandal gained steam when the gossip site Gawker.com published complaints from employees and former employees about the eccentric grooming guidelines they had to follow. At some point Dov Charney's personal phone number even got posted, and he claims that some points were altered while still defending his dress code as comparable to other retailers.

According to the posts at Gawker, the major rules for women include keeping makeup to a minimum, and having full eyebrows and long, natural hair. Oddly, bangs are singled out as "not part of the direction we're moving in." Men are advised to avoid any makeup, facial hair or excessive hair product.

New York Magazine got in on the action with a funny sampling of more than two dozen retail dress codes. As you would imagine, blue denim, body piercings, unnatural hair color and bare midriffs are the typical no-no's. Still, there's room for the rugged individual. Patricia Field prides itself on its liberality and will even bend its no-nudity rule for special occasions like Halloween. Seven New York welcomes the exhibitionist who needs to wear skimpy outfits but forbids vintage clothing or cheap shoes.

My own encounter with Dov Charney was at a 2005 Los Angles conference for United Students Against Sweatshops. I was sitting at an outdoor table when he introduced himself and immediately launched into a loud speech describing himself as a Jewish hustler. As I was getting a little anxious that onlookers would think I provoked this exchange, he asked me to feel his t-shirt. Normally this is not an invitation I would encourage from anyone over 6 years-old, but I was desperate to change the subject. To my surprise, the cotton was almost as soft as my old Sonia Rykiel's at a fraction of the price. From there we had a pleasant discussion of apparel labor practices.

Whatever the employee dress code scandal and financial troubles plaguing American Apparel, Dov Charney did succeed in paying higher wages to apparel workers and making good quality products. I don't think the styles suit women my age, but I wouldn't even notice if the salespeople wear bangs.