If employers require a uniform or special clothing, they must provide them to employees at no cost. They must also pay to clean and maintain these items or agree to reimburse employees for doing it. They cannot charge employees a deposit for uniforms.

Special clothing is any item that creates a specific image, including items:

• Chosen by the employer
• Purchased from a specific store, including garments the business is selling
• In a specific brand or style
• With a company logo or unique company colours

Employers do not have to pay for an employee to meet a general dress code such as business casual, no jeans, no cut-offs, or a white shirt with dark pants.

Employees must purchase their own:

• Clothing needed for protection against the elements
• General purpose work gloves
• Appropriate footwear including safety footwear
• Safety headgear

These items are only considered special clothing or a uniform if it identifies employees with the employer (e.g. a company logo).