UBS to revise 44-page dress code

The existing dress code stipulates that red ties must be worn and advises men on how to knot them

Swiss bank UBS is revising its dress code after being widely mocked for its style guide, which suggests female employees wear skin-coloured underwear and advises men on how to knot a tie.

"We're reviewing what is important to us," UBS spokesman Andreas Kern said.

The existing 44-page dress code also tells women how to apply make-up, what kind of perfume to wear and advises them to avoid black nail varnish.

Men are told to get their hair cut every month and to avoid unruly beards.

All staff are advised to avoid garlic or onion breath.

The code only applies to client-facing staff, and UBS has previously said it had been "misunderstood".

The guide is thought to have been developed by top executives as part of UBS's attempts to improve its image.

Other pieces of advice in the document include: "You can extend the life of your knee socks and stockings by keeping your toenails trimmed and filed."

Another says: "Glasses should always be kept clean. On the one hand this gives you optimal vision, and on the other hand dirty glasses create an appearance of negligence."

Mr Kern told the BBC the mandatory dress code for men of a dark suit, black shoes, white shirt and red tie would remain, but said the bank was reviewing other things in the guide which were only meant as recommendations.

He said the size of the guide would probably be reduced from the current 44 pages, but could not say by how much.