Bulawayo Polytechnic, an academic institution based in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, has introduced a new dress code which blocks female students from wearing skimpy or revealing clothing. Picture: Ihsaan Haffejee.
Bulawayo Polytechnic has introduced a new dress code which blocks female students from wearing skimpy or revealing clothing.
According to a notice making rounds on social media, female students will be barred from lecture rooms for wearing clothes which are tight-fitting or reveal cleavage.
According to the memo, those judged to be “inappropriately dressed” will be blocked from accessing the school’s facilities and attending lectures.
The new regulations ban skirts or dresses that are more than five centimetres above the knees; string tops or dresses; biker and bum shorts; clothing that reveals cleavage; does not cover the shoulders and stomach; is short, tight-fitting, ripped, sleeveless or see-through.
Headgear is banned for male students except on religious grounds. Also banned is “dropping of trousers” or shorts and slippers.
In September, the University of Lusaka in Zambia issued a letter to students saying students should not wear shorts, ripped jeans, tight dresses or clothes that reveal cleavage.
“Students are required to observe the appropriate manner of dress and appearance while attending classes or engaging in other academic pursuits on or off campus”.
Students have further been banned from wearing shorts, under shirts, shirts or blouses showing off undergarments or cleavage.
Also banned are tops that leave skin exposed, crop tops, or halter tops, as well as excessively tight or revealing clothing such as tight or short dresses and skirts.
Clothing banned include those made of see-through material, like fishnets.