Dress Code

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Conference delegate attire should be proper and appropriate since it reflects directly upon the Local Chapter, State Association, and National HOSA. Conference delegates (advisors, members, and guests) are required to wear HOSA uniforms or appropriate business attire to all conference activities unless otherwise noted for functions such as the HOSA dance.  

Under no circumstances will blue jeans, shorts, or other casual attire be accepted at any conference function (with the exception of tours, HOSA’s dances, and other recreational activities as noted in the specific event dress code). Delegates dressed in such casual attire will not be permitted to participate in official HOSA conference meetings.

The final decision regarding dress code violations is at the discretion of the conference staff.

HOSA Uniform

Tailored navy blazer with emblem affixed over the heart.

  • Shirt/blouse for females (white tailored or short-sleeve white jewel neck shell
  • Shirt for males—white closed-neck, man-tailored dress shirt, suitable for use with a tie
  • Accent for female members - maroon HOSA scarf or tie is optional but not required
  • Accent for male officers - navy or  maroon long tie
  • Matching navy slacks for males and matching navy slacks or skirts for females
  • Closed-toe blue or black shoes (hose optional)
 

Competitive Event’s Dress Attire

Delegates must adhere to the Dress Code as specified in the individual competitive event guidelines for the orientation and event in which they are competing.  Bonus points will be given according to the individual guidelines. 

For all competitive events, five (5) bonus points will be added once per competitor and/or team to the tally sheet for appropriate dress. In team events, all team members must be properly dressed to receive the bonus points. Exceptions are as noted in the event guidelines.

  • School tags, state badges or ID's must be removed or completely covered during competition.

Business Attire

Females

Business suit, tailored dress or blazer and skirt/slacks with tailored blouse or polo shirt.  Dress shoes must be worn, tennis shoes are not acceptable.

Males

Business suit, sport coat and slacks with dress shirt and tie, or slacks and polo shirt. Dress shoes must be worn, tennis shoes are not acceptable.

Tips for Business Attire Dress Code Success

No dress code can cover all contingencies so HOSA members must use a certain amount of judgment in their choice of clothing to wear. HOSA members who experience uncertainty about acceptable HOSA attire should ask his/her HOSA local or state advisor.

Here are a few more tips to help you understand the HOSA Dress Code.

  • Any skirt or dress must be no shorter than 4 inches above the knee.
  • No denim clothing or canvas shoes will be acceptable.  Denim pants in colors other than blue are not permitted.  Blue jean skirts and dresses are NOT acceptable.
  • Dressy pants of different lengths that are part of a suit/ensemble may be acceptable but “shorts” are not acceptable.
  • Casual tank or tube tops, t-shirts, sweat pants/shirts, or tennis shoes are never acceptable.
  • Business attire may include khaki pants and polo tops.
  • Clothing that works well for the beach, yard work, dance clubs, exercise sessions, and sports contests is NOT appropriate for HOSA events, meetings, and conference sessions.
  • Clothing that reveals cleavage, your back, your chest, your stomach or your underwear is not appropriate for HOSA delegates.
  • Clothing should be pressed and never wrinkled. Torn, dirty, or frayed clothing is unacceptable. Any clothing that has words, terms, or pictures that may be offensive to HOSA delegates or guests is unacceptable.
  • Open-toed shoes and heeled sandals are permitted. Flip-flops are not.
  • Boots worn outside of your pants is not considered as business attire.
  • Any type of skinny pants or leggings is not acceptable.

Definition of Flip-Flops: Flip-flops and thong sandals are flat, backless, made of rubber or leather, plain or embellished with beads, etc., consisting of a flat sole held loosely on the foot by a Y-shaped strap, like a thin thong, that passes between the first (big) and second toes and around either side of the foot.

 

HOSA Casual

Longer-length shorts (no short-shorts), capri's, neat jeans (no holes showing skin), polo shirts, sweatshirts, HOSA or appropriate t-shirt and casual footwear such as flip-flops, tennis shoes, etc.

Inappropriate Attire:

The following attire will not be allowed at any HOSA event:

  • Clothing and accessories which are sexually suggestive, or display profanity, drugs, alcohol or tobacco products

  • See-through, tight fitting, spaghetti straps, strapless, extremely short, or low-cut tops/dresses/shirts

  • Pants or skirts which are worn below the hip bone; or visible undergarments

  • Spandex, leggings, leotards, cutoffs or pajamas

  • Clothing which is stained, torn or ripped

  • Bare feet or bedroom type shoes 

Dance Dress Code

  1. Students must wear a chapter or conference HOSA t-shirt. Shirts may not be tied around the waist or shoulders. Requiring students to wear a HOSA shirt helps us identify quickly whether or not the student is a HOSA student and helps us keep non- HOSA members from attending our dances.

  2. If a student does not have a HOSA shirt to wear with their jeans, they must wear the official HOSA uniform or business attire.

  3. Students may wear clean jeans. Holes or cuts in them which shows skin is not acceptable. No underwear or midriffs showing at any time. Students are not allowed to roll up the pant legs on their jeans.

  4. No Capri’s, no cut off jeans, no shorts allowed.

  5. Students must wear their HOSA conference name badge where it can be easily read.