In an effort to promote consistent understanding and enforcement of the Westminster Public Schools Dress Code, the district has revised some of the guidelines for the 2025-26 school year that begins in August. In formulating the changes, the Dress Code Student Committee met with district leaders to create a plan that included input from staff and the Board of Education. 

Details are being shared now, in advance of formal board action at the beginning of the 2025 school year, so that students and families have updated information before they buy any new clothing. 

What is a Dress Code?

A dress code is more than a list of clothing rules—it’s a guide to help students navigate the many roles they will play in life. Westminster Public Schools believes that one of the greatest responsibilities is to prepare students for life after graduation. Whether a student chooses to pursue college, join the workforce, or explore other paths, understanding how to meet the expectations of different environments is a critical skill. The dress code helps students recognize that school is a unique and professional space, much like the workplace they will soon enter.

Rather than stifling personal expression, the WPS dress code is designed to build a sense of readiness and awareness. Just as everyone adapts to how they act and dress at home, at work, at church, or in social settings, school has its own set of expectations. Learning to dress appropriately for school is a step toward understanding how to present oneself confidently and respectfully in the wider world. It’s a positive part of the educational experience—one that supports students in becoming responsible, adaptable individuals ready to take on the future.

Below are the new guidelines that have been revised for clarity, consistency and equity. Note that this list is not exhaustive. Final decisions regarding attire will consider safety, context, and student intent. Questions about attire should be directed to the building administrator. 

Permitted Attire

Students are expected to wear attire that allows them to participate fully and safely in their learning environment. Permitted attire includes:

• Tops: T-shirts, sweatshirts, blouses, sweaters, and tank tops with secure straps at least 1" wide that cover the chest and undergarments. This applies equally to all students.
• Bottoms: Pants, jeans, joggers, shorts, skirts, dresses, and athletic wear that fully cover the buttocks and undergarments. 
• Head coverings worn for religious or cultural purposes (e.g., hijabs, yarmulkes, durags, turbans).
• Clothing that reflects gender identity and expression, without restriction or assumption.
• Approved attire for school-sanctioned activities (e.g., spirit days, team uniforms, performances).
• Athletic uniforms that meet dress code coverage requirements.
• Safety-related clothing as required for specific settings (e.g., PE, CTE, science labs, fieldwork).

Minimum Coverage Expectations

To ensure consistency in enforcement, the following expectations must be met:

• All undergarments must be fully covered by opaque outer clothing.
• All students must wear a top that covers the chest, stomach, back, and sides, and a bottom that covers the buttocks and upper thighs.
• Transparent or mesh clothing that reveals undergarments or private areas is prohibited.
• Bare midriffs, deep cut sides, or unbuttoned shirts that expose the torso are not permitted, regardless of gender.

Prohibited Attire

Students may not wear clothing, accessories, or adornments that:

• Depict, promote, or reference drugs, alcohol, tobacco, violence, illegal activity, or weapons.
• Contain hate speech, profanity, sexually explicit content, or discriminatory messages or images.
• Intentionally expose undergarments or private areas (e.g., genitals, buttocks, nipples).
• Include metal spikes, chains, or other items that could cause injury.
• Cover the face to the point of being unidentifiable (except for religious, cultural, or medical reasons).
• Include hats or hoodies worn indoors, unless for approved medical or religious reasons.

Violate safety protocols for specific settings (e.g., loose clothing in labs or shops).

Clarifying Examples

The following items are not allowed, regardless of current fashion trends or student gender:

• Bralettes or garments resembling undergarments worn as standalone tops.
• Shorts or skirts that do not fully cover the buttocks and undergarments.
• Unbuttoned shirts or tops that expose the chest or midriff.
• Crop tops that expose the stomach or ribs.
• Pants worn below the hips that expose undergarments (“sagging pants”).

Students who are out of compliance with the code will be talked with in a private, respectful manner and all efforts will be undertaken to avoid public disputes and confrontations. First-time violations will be treated as a learning opportunity to allow for common understanding. Repeat or serious violations will be handled through the district’s progressive discipline process as described in the Student Code of Conduct.

A more detailed look can be found in the Standard Operating Procedure for the WPS Dress Code.