Endorsement

Dress & Grooming Standards

General Statement. The attire and grooming of both men and women must always be modest, neat, clean, consistent with the dignity adherent to representing the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and Brigham Young University-Hawaii.

Modesty and cleanliness are important values that reflect personal dignity and integrity, through which students, staff, and faculty represent the principles and standards of the Church. Members of the BYU-Hawaii community commit themselves to observe the following standards, which reflect the CES Board of Trustees and the Church Publication, “For the Strength of Youth”. The Dress and Grooming Standards are as follows:

Dress and grooming should emphasize appropriateness and cleanliness, avoiding any unusual apparel or physical alterations, such as color or style of hair, which bring undue attention to one’s self. So-called “grubby attire” may be worn only in the immediate areas of residence halls and at informal outdoor activities, but not on general campus, including dining or classroom areas. Grubby attire includes shirts without sleeves, sweats and jogging attire, work overalls, medical scrubs, military camouflage or fatigue outfits, informal lava lava, and clothes that are see through, which have holes in them (even if below the knee) or which are noticeably frayed, cut off, or patched. Hats are not to be worn while indoors. Obtaining tattoos is not permitted while attending the university. All previously acquired tattoos must be covered. Messages and pictures on clothing must be appropriate to LDS standards. Footwear is to be worn in public campus areas (flip-flops and slippers are permissible). Acceptable attire will be designated for each student body dance. Attire for all other school activities, including athletic events, should be consistent with these standards and guidelines unless otherwise designated by an appropriate authority.

Dress Standards

A modest, clean and neat appearance should be maintained. Shorts, dresses and skirts must be knee-length or longer. Clothing is inappropriate when it is sleeveless, revealing, or form fitting.  In addition, clothing is inappropriate when it is strapless, sheer, backless, tight or revealing (leggings and tights which are not covered), or has slits above the knee. Jeans, pants, or shorts with holes in them, even if below the knee, are considered grubby attire and are not acceptable as general campus wear.

Grooming Standards

Hairstyles should be clean and neat, avoiding extremes in styles and color. Hair should not be colored or streaked with pastels or done in a way to bring undo attention to self. Body piercing and tattoos are not appropriate. All previous tattoos must be covered at all times and no new tattoos should be obtained. Footwear must be worn in all public places (slippers and flip flops are acceptable).

Men should have hair trimmed above the collar and above the ears. Sideburns should not extend below the earlobe or onto the cheek. Men are expected to be clean-shaven; beards are not acceptable. If worn, moustaches should be neatly trimmed and not extend beyond or below the corners of the mouth. Earrings are not acceptable for men.

Women should not have multiple ear piercings.

Dress for Beach, Athletic or Exercise Participation

Students should be dressed in standard and be adequately covered to and from the beach, athletic activities or exercise locations. Clothing, including swimming suits, must be modest in fabric, fit, and style (no bikini, or French-cut styles, no midriff showing). Modest shorts above the knees, sweats and gym clothing are worn only in athletic and living areas. Appropriate dress for athletic participation as well as for dance aerobic classes includes modest t-shirts so that the midriff and back are covered. Tank tops worn should be modest so that underclothing or sports bras are not exposed under the arms. Appropriate footwear should always be worn. 

Leisure Attire: For residence halls and informal outdoor activities - not classroom/campus buildings or dining areas.

Sunbathing is not permitted in Residence Hall areas
Modest sweats and jogging attire which cover the midriff
Shorts extend to the knee
Work overalls, medical scrubs, military camouflage or fatigue outfits
Informal lava lavas
Pictures and messages on clothing are appropriate to LDS standards
Footwear is worn in public campus areas; slipper/flip-flops are permitted
Men wear shirts at all times in public areas