U.S. Senate Relaxes Dress Code, Allowing More Casual Attire on Senate Floor

The U.S. Senate has taken a step towards embracing a more casual approach to attire, with Majority Leader Chuck Schumer announcing on Monday that the chamber’s Sergeant-at-Arms staff will no longer be responsible for enforcing a dress code on the Senate floor.

This change in Senate protocol comes as Congress grapples with crucial debates, including the possibility of a government shutdown and discussions surrounding age limits for lawmakers. Primarily, the alteration in dress code rules aims to accommodate Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman, known for his unapologetic penchant for trademark hoodies and shorts while carrying out his Senate duties. Fetterman frequently casts votes from doorways or peeks into chambers to circumvent potential issues arising from his more relaxed attire.

Schumer clarified the shift, stating, “There has been an informal dress code that was enforced,” without explicitly mentioning Fetterman. He further added, “Senators are able to choose what they wear on the Senate floor. I will continue to wear a suit.”

In response, Senator Susan Collins of Maine humorously remarked to reporters that she intended to “wear a bikini” on the following day. She voiced concerns about preserving the Senate’s dignity, asserting that abolishing the dress code could undermine the institution’s decorum.

Alabama GOP Senator Tommy Tuberville, a former head football coach at Auburn University, expressed his displeasure with the decision, stating that it bothered him “big time.” In jest, Tuberville mentioned his intention to don a “coaching outfit” during his next appearance on the Senate floor, emphasizing his disapproval of individuals wearing shorts in the Senate.

However, etiquette experts suggest that the Senate’s decision to ease the dress code shouldn’t be surprising, given the prevalence of casual attire in many U.S. workplaces. This trend has gained momentum, particularly since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and the rise in remote work.

Richard Thompson Ford, a law professor at Stanford University and the author of “Dress Codes: How the Laws of Fashion Made History,” suggests that the nation should observe how this new dress code plays out. He notes that while norms of professional dress have evolved, some form of dress code is likely to persist in public spaces since individuals often judge each other based on appearance and attire.

Senator Fetterman, a first-term senator who returned to work this spring after receiving treatment for clinical depression, expressed his sentiments on the matter during an interview on MSNBC. He questioned the focus on his attire, stating, “Aren’t there more important things we should be talking about rather than if I dress like a slob?”

Florida Governor and Republican Presidential candidate Ron DeSantis criticized the Senate’s dress code decision, considering it disrespectful to the Senate. Fetterman responded to DeSantis’s comments on social media with a playful retort.

The episode highlights the historical connection between dress codes and politics, dating back to the late Middle Ages. Clothing has always played a role in making political statements and expressing affiliations or opposition.

Ford, the Stanford professor, explains that Senators Fetterman and Kyrsten Sinema, known for her bold sleeveless dresses, challenge conventional expectations and help shape new norms in Washington. Rejecting traditional dress codes, they have developed a unique persona and personal brand, reinforcing their strength and independence in defying conventional Beltway norms.

As the Senate embraces this more relaxed dress code, it reflects changing attitudes towards formal attire, both within the institution and across workplaces in the United States.