American Heritage Academy

Dress and Appearance Standards, for Activities

(Adapted from the ‘Especially for Youth Pamphlet)

“… When you are well groomed and modestly dressed, you invite the companionship of the Spirit and can exercise a good influence on those around you….Always be neat and clean and avoid being sloppy or inappropriately casual in dress, grooming, and manners” (for the Strength of Youth, pp. 15-16).

Young Men:

Clothing – Unacceptable clothing includes anything sleeveless, revealing, or immodest. Shorts may not be worn to activities unless they fall under the “Outdoor & Sports Activities” category (see*). Avoid “grubby” or “baggy” attire which may include patched, grayed, or torn clothing as well as sweats, PE-type clothing, and anything with vulgar or suggestive wording or pictures. Pants must be worn at the waistline so underwear does not show. Headbands and bandannas are not allowed. Hats are approved for outside wear only. Earrings and other body piercing are not acceptable.

On Campus: Not permitted, flip-flops, bib overalls (all styles), and shorts of any length.

Hairstyles – Hair should be clean, neat, and trimmed above the collar, leaving the ear uncovered. Avoid extreme lengths, styles, or colors. This includes no ponytails or pigtails, braids, designs, carvings, completely shaved heads, or unnatural hair colors. Young men are expected to be clean shaven; mustaches and beards of any shape or size are not acceptable. Sideburns must not extend below the earlobe or onto the cheek.

Footwear must be worn in all public areas.*

Young Women:

Clothing – Unacceptable clothing includes anything sleeveless, strapless, backless, revealing, too tight or immodest. Dresses, and skirts must be knee length or longer. Shorts may not be worn to activities unless they fall under the “Outdoor & Sports Activities” category (below). Slits in dresses and skirts must also be below the knee. Shirts and blouses must be modest in fit and must extend below the waistline, long enough to cover the stomach and back, especially when bending over. If shirts do not meet the approved length, undershirts must be worn to assure modesty. Sleeves must cover the shoulders. Additionally, other inappropriate clothing includes long johns or pajama styles; “sloppy” or grubby” styles such as patched, faded, or torn clothing; sweat suits; and any clothing with suggestive or vulgar wording or pictures. Hats are approved for outside wear only.

On Campus: Not permitted, Flip-flops, bib overalls (all styles), and shorts of any length, including Capri’s except when specified for outdoor activities (see*).

Hairstyles – Hair should be clean and neat, avoiding extremes in styles and unnatural colors. Excessive ear piercing (more than one per ear) and all other body piercing are not acceptable.

Footwear should be worn in all public areas.*

*Outdoor or Sporting Activities

Acceptable exceptions in clothing for outdoor sports games, and swim activities:

• Shorts (to the knee) or Capri’s.
• Flip-flops or bare feet (swimming activities)
• Modest swim suits which are:
• For girls: One piece, not high cut in the legs (swim shorts are highly recommended) not low cut on top, in front, or back, and no designer wholes where there should have been material to be a viable one-piece suit.
• For boys: no speedo ‘mini cut’ suits.

Concert Dress:

Sometimes an activity will call for Concert dress. The following guidelines will set the standard for what does and does not constitute “Concert Dress”:

• For Boys: a button down, collared shirt, tie, dress pants (no cargo pants or pants with pockets on the legs), and dress shoes (not tennis or skater shoes). No levis or denim pants allowed. Suits are appropriate in this category
• For Girls: Dresses or skirts that come to the knee or below, and dressy pantsuits are okay. (Jeans with dressy tops or blazers are not dressy pantsuits). Slits in skirts must not come above the knee. Dresses of sheer material or with spaghetti straps are not allowed. Dress Shoes