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UBS Corporate Wear Dress Guide for Women and Men

Contents
4 Introduction 18 Shoes and Belts 38 Jewelry
5 The philosophy behind Corporate Wear 19 Shoes 39 Underwear
5 Clothing as a crucial element in ­ 19 Belts
non-verbal communication 20 Personal items 40 Grooming with style
21 Jewelry 41 Shaving
6 UBS Corporate Wear 21 Perfect make-up 41 Facial care
22 Hands 41 Hands
8 What is Corporate Wear? 22 Hair 42 Hair
9 General guidelines 23 Perfume and deodorants 42 Other facial hair
24 Fresh breath 42 Colognes and deodorants
10 UBS Corporate Wear for Women 24 Lingerie and stockings 43 Clothing care
26 Clothing care
12 The two-piece suit and the ­trouser 44 Checking your appearance!
suit 28 UBS Corporate Wear for men
13 Suits and trouser suits in combination 46 Business etiquette
with a waistcoat 30 The suit 47 What is so important about etiquette?
13 Camisoles 31 Suits with or without a waistcoat 47 Posture
32 Shirts 48 Welcoming a customer
14 Blouses and cardigans 33 Shirts 48 Accompanying a customer
15 Blouses 33 Polo shirts 49 Making a customer comfortable
15 Polo shirts 33 Dress code 49 Personal space
15 Cardigans 34 Accessories for men 49 Before a customer leaves
15 Dress code 35 Ties/knotting
16 Accessories for women 36 Shoes and belts 50 Further reading
17 Scarves and velour neckerchiefs/ 37 Belts/Shoes
knotting 38 Socks 50 Contact
Introduction
The philosophy behind Corporate Wear namely, acting with respect, responsibility and integrity; being
The success of our company is built on strong relationships careful, reliable and consistent; and meeting the highest
based on mutual respect with our customers, our ­shareholders ­professional standards.
and with all other persons with whom we have contact. The
primary concern in every one of our actions must invariably be Clothes make the man or woman, as the saying goes. People
the needs of the customers and the development of long- are primarily influenced by visual stimuli. The color anthracite
term relationships. By ensuring that our daily contact with all emits competence, warmth and seriousness; the perfection in
our interest groups is above reproach, we will be making a a person’s appearance to the outside world can create an
direct contribution to the reputation of UBS as a Group of the atmosphere of internal tranquility and security.
utmost integrity, responsibility and competence.
Thus, bearing in mind that the initial impression on others is
The most valuable asset UBS has is its reputation. An integral crucial, we have developed Corporate Wear. It emphasizes the
factor in irreproachable behavior also includes the way we professionalism of our Bank. It is a business suit in which both
present ourselves. The employees who wear Corporate Wear men and women will be well dressed, whatever the season.
are in most cases the initial contact our customers will have The material is a mixture of natural and synthetic fibers woven
with UBS and as such will be viewed as representatives of UBS. using the latest technology. It contains a high proportion of
wool and 2% Elasthan to ensure that it is comfortable to wear.
Clothing – an important component in non-verbal
­communication
A well-groomed outward appearance and a polite and self-
confident approach to UBS customers by all those dressed in
Corporate Wear will bring across our values and Group culture.
In this way, we specifically demonstrate what we wish to
­convey with the concepts of truth, clarity and performance,

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UBS Corporate Wear
7
What is Corporate Wear?
Corporate Wear is an integral part of the overall presentation of Corporate Wear guidelines
the UBS brand to the public. It adds strength to our endeavor • Compliance with the Corporate Wear guidelines can be
to be perceived as a first-class financial institution. PMM-relevant for persons wearing Corporate Wear.
• “The Dress Guide for Corporate Wear” is an integral part
UBS Corporate Wear is business wear that conveys a profes- of the guidelines.
sional and stylish impression and at the same time highlights • Corporate Wear is the property of UBS and must be
the competence and the personality of the wearer. The Corpo- returned to UBS by the employee on leaving employment.
rate Wear items of clothing that are available will satisfy • Corporate Wear or parts of it must not be worn on private
demands in terms of function, comfort and individuality. The occasions nor combined with personal items of clothing or
clothing has been designed and manufactured in keeping with accessories.
the latest fashion trends, and yet retains a classic design. The • Old accessories must be rendered unusable and disposed of.
dark shade of anthracite denotes professionalism and provides • All items of the uniform which are not used anymore must
a classic background to the matching, colored accessories. be taken to the clothing depository designated by UBS.

The guidelines Who has to wear Corporate Wear?

These guidelines are mandatory and apply to all persons • All personnel working at Reception
employed by UBS who wear Corporate Wear at their place of • All personnel working at the Customer Information desk/
work. Line managers are responsible for compliance with and Safe Deposit
monitoring the Corporate Wear appearance. • Event attendants
• Security staff
The Corporate Wear manual contains care instructions and • All personnel working in Limousine Service
other important information.

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UBS Corporate Wear for women

Women’s Corporate Wear consists of five

items made up of a uniform, blouses and the
corresponding accessories that together give a
harmonious look. The scarf, the velour
­neckerchief and the rosette are all clearly visible
means of identification so that customers will
know you work for UBS.

You must combine the separate parts of your

uniform and the accessories in such a way that
your own personality will be brought out to
the best possible advantage.
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The two-piece suit and the trouser suit
The two-piece suit and the trouser suit in combination Camisoles
with a waistcoat A camisole is an excellent complement or alternative to the
These items of clothing are well-fitting, slightly tapered and classic two-piece suit or trouser suit and can be combined
extremely comfortable to wear. The cut is elegant and narrow, with a skirt or a trousers. The combination with a neckerchief
yet not too tight. The waistcoat and the jacket remain smooth is in this case an additional advantage, because it will harmo-
even when buttoned and do not restrict the wearer’s move- nize well with the dark color of the suit itself.
ments. Both skirt and trousers allow some movement whether
the wearer is standing or sitting so that they both regain their General advice
shape easily. When the wearer is walking, the skirt must not • When you are wearing a jacket without a waistcoat,
slide up out of position. ­camisole or pullover the buttons are to be closed; when
seated they are to be open.
The ideal length of the skirt is to mid-knee, at the most five • The camisole can be worn with or without a jacket – the
centimeters above or below the knee (measured from the jacket is to be worn open over the camisole.
middle of the knee).

General advice
• The blazer and the waistcoat both have two pockets – but
are not designed as cargo or utility outfits. So please leave
the pockets empty so that they do not bulge.
• Always leave the jacket unbuttoned if you are wearing a
camisole, a waistcoat or a pullover.

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Blouses and cardigans
Blouses to trousers/skirts being worn with a blouse only. Please
Our Corporate Wear blouses are slightly tapered and have a ensure that there is a uniform look throughout the buidling.
classic collar. The white blouses are classic wear for the busi-
ness woman. The striped one also looks very attractive and Polo shirts
gives some room for alternatives within Corporate Wear. On certain occasions or when there is no direct contact with
customers, a blouse may be replaced with the Corporate Wear
General guidance polo shirt. It is important to note that this is permissible on the
• A blouse is to be tucked inside your trousers or skirt; the instructions of a line manager in accordance with internal regu-
neckline must be in keeping with the business environment lations, and that care must be exercised to maintain uniformity.
(the width of a hand below the collarbone).
• When you are in Corporate Wear you must never wear General advice
the blouse or shirt too tight: no part of your bosom must • A polo shirt must always be worn without any accessories
be visible, as this would look vulgar. and must be combined with a skirt/trousers and a jacket.
• It is preferable to ensure that the blouse collar is over the • The collar is made of special material that will improve the
lapels of your jacket; but there are also advantages in show- wear of the polo shirt. To ensure that the polo shirt retains
ing it over the blazer collar. A great many people have a pale this quality it is very important to iron it at the recommended
skin not only in winter, and the contrast between pale skin temperature.
and the anthracite of a suit can sometimes be quite harsh.
The blouse collar folded over the lapels will frame the face in Cardigans
a bright and friendly way, making the wearer’s features softer. During cold weather a woolen jacket matching the other
• Flesh-colored underwear must be worn beneath a white ­Corporate Wear may be worn. The cardigan must always be
blouse. In addition, it is advisable to avoid using any ­make-up worn over a blouse and inside the blazer.
on your neck. Smudges of make-up on a collar do not look
nice. Dress code
• As a general rule a blouse must be worn with a waistcoat Dress codes may be issued for special occasions in order to
and/or jacket. On a warm day the line manager may agree ensure uniformity in the appearance of all those present.
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Accessories for women
Scarves, velour neckerchiefs and collars Knotting
A scarf, a velour neckerchief or a rosette, along with the nametag
are the means of identifying you as an employee of UBS. Scarf
You must always wear one of the three other accessories in
addition to the nametag. A correctly knotted scarf or velour
neckerchief will highlight your professionalism and your sense
of fashion. A number of knotting ideas are shown here.

• A velour neckerchief must always be folded and then knotted.

The knot Itself must not point downwards but must point as
far as possible upwards and to the left. Likewise the usual
“boy scout style» (the neckerchief pointing to the back of your
neck) must be avoided.
• You must always undo the knots after wearing neckerchief so
that the material can recover its shape. If necessary you can
lightly press it (no. 1 on your iron).
• Never hang the velour neckerchief loosely round your neck
allowing it just to dangle down. Doing so would reduce your
business-like appearance.
• You must fasten the nametag horizontally on the left on the Neckerchief
upper third. The pochettes will help you to position it correctly.
• You can replace a scarf/velour neckerchief with a rosette, any
of which are to be worn on your left.
• Cleaning and care instructions are to be found in the manual.
Shoes and belts
Shoes • In addition to regularly cleaning and polishing your shoes,
“Your shoes reveal everything.“ you must inspect the soles and heels to see if they need
repairing. Worn heels can really spoil your general
Without a pair of matching, high-quality pumps, even the ­appearance.
best-quality suit will not have the intended effect. Only the • Shoes appreciate being regularly cleaned and polished and
right shoes will complement whatever Corporate Wear you will benefit from the use of shoe trees or being padded
are wearing and will demonstrate style, elegance and a good with paper when they are not being worn.
sense for the overall look. Black shoes are the best to wear • Give them a “period of rest” lasting twice as long as you
with your anthracite-colored outfit. They must always be have actually worn them so that the leather can dry and
­classic, fashionable, closed, smooth-leather pumps. Heels recover.
must be no higher than seven centimeters; open shoes are • Change your shoes once a day: in a different pair you will
taboo when you are dressed in Corporate Wear. be able to stand and work better.
• If you are working in Security or in Limousine Service, you
When you are choosing shoes, you must always remember are allowed to wear closed shoes suitable for the time of
that you have to wear them all day. So make certain they are year, provided that they match your uniform; boots may
the correct size and are comfortable to wear. You must avoid only be worn when your duties take you outdoors.
new shoes that hurt your feet, because they will prevent you • Never wear shoes that are too small for your feet – there is
from being friendly and helpful when dealing with customers nothing worse than a painful smile.
and from giving them your complete attention. UBS does not
provide or pay for shoes. Belts
Corporate Wear also currently includes a belt: skirts and
General advice ­trousers are provided with belt loops. You must always wear
• You can make your shoes more comfortable, above all on a belt, because without one you will not look fully dressed.
a hard floor, by inserting “party feet” silicone insoles.

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Personal items
Jewelry • Glasses: extremely fashionable frames or highly tinted
Jewelry must add an individual touch, improve the effect of ­lenses are not permitted.
whatever you are wearing and draw out your personality. – Ensure that your jewelry and the color of the frame do
As far as color is concerned, jewelry must always match your not clash.
­Corporate Wear – and that can include eye catchers which – Glasses are intended to help you to see clearly – so make
look exclusive without being garish. The most suitable items sure you keep them clean.
are simple earrings, creoles, rings and necklaces that match • Sunglasses may be worn during outside duties – but it is
whatever you are wearing. You must also avoid more than only polite to remove them when talking to a customer or
seven items of jewelry and, for security reasons, anything that to another person so as to maintain eye contact. Do not
is too conspicuous. The wearing of jewelry is not compulsory. move sunglasses to the top of your head.
• The clientele of UBS is international and for this reason no
General advice kind of offensive or religious symbols are to be displayed
• The seven-item rule for wearing jewelry can include the on clothing or on the person.
­following. It is a matter of making a suitable overall impres-
sion: Perfect make-up
– a simple wedding ring (1) Matching Corporate Wear with the appropriate accessories,
– a simple watch (1) shoes and jewelry is just one aspect of perfect style; the sec-
– an ordinary pair of glasses (1) ond aspect is skin and hair care. An elegant outward impres-
– earrings (2) sion can be created only if both aspects are attended to ade-
–o  ne more ring, a chain/necklace or a bracelet as the eye quately. Make-up helps women to appear more competent;
catcher (2) lightly and carefully applied daytime make-up in the form
• Visible tattoos / piercings or ankle chains are considered of a foundation cream, mascara and the discrete application
unfashionable and are not business-like. They are not of a lipstick in tone with the Corporate Wear will enhance the
­permitted in conjunction with Corporate Wear. impression you make and are thus very important.

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Hands General guidance
Clean, well-cared for hands and carefully manicured finger- • Your hairstyle must take into consideration the answers to
nails are obviously very important. Nail varnish and lipstick these important questions:
must always match the color of your Corporate Wear. Exotic – What style best suits a person of my age?
and fashionable colors such as green, blue, dark brown or – How much time have I got every morning to do my hair?
black, etc. as well as fingernail decorations are not permitted. – What is the best hairstyle for me in view of the quality
and amount of hair I have?
General advice – What is the overall proportion?
• Hands that have not been cared for, or peeling or chipped – What shape is my face and how would I best describe my
nail varnish, create a clear impression of negligence regard- features?
ing one’s personal appearance. • If you try to style your hair against its natural state (if, for
• If your fingernails refuse to grow to a decent length, well, example, your hair is curly and you use a hair iron to
just let it be! A great many elegant and fashionable women straighten it, because the latest fashion is for straight hair),
keep their fingernails short. If your fingernails are well you will end up with a lot of stress. And a style that has
looked after, they will look best as nature created them! given you so much trouble will be quite obvious for all to
see.
Hair • Long hair (more than shoulder length) must be tied. Hair-
The right hairstyle is very important in order to feel good clips should look nice and be the same color as your hair;
about yourself and to please others. If your hair is well alternatively you could use a hair band or a net.
groomed, it will contribute a great deal to your well-being. In • You are not permitted to have hair that has been overly-
addition, research has shown that if hair is well cared for and dyed or hair that has been done into strands/dreadlocks –
styled to suit the individual, it will make that person more like- such styles will also need a lot of attention.
able and approachable. Thus well-groomed hair is an impor- • If you have to dye your hair, you must ensure that you
tant factor in revealing to others the positive aspects of one’s always touch it up before the color starts to fade.
personality.

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Perfume and deodorants General guidance
The perfumes and colors we use contribute far more than • Using perfume correctly: Dab it in places such as your wrist,
most of us believe to how others react to us. Just as with your inner elbow, or the nape of your neck. Never rub
make-up, perfume must do something positive for your the perfume in, however, because that can break up the
­personality. molecules.
• The best time to apply perfume is immediately after a hot
The perfume you use must only be noticed at arm’s length or shower, when the pores of your skin are still open. If you do
less by another person. Perfume, just like any deodorant, must that, the scent will remain far longer. In addition, your skin
never be over-applied. It is also advisable to change to differ- must not be dry, so always apply some body lotion first. It is
ent ones quite often so that your own sense of smell does not also important to use an unperfumed lotion that has no
have a chance of getting too accustomed to a particular scent. scent of its own; otherwise, the result might be quite an
That way, you will have a better idea of how much to apply. interesting, but possibly overpowering mixture. An alterna-
tive solution: make sure your body lotions fit in with your
perfumes.
• Just how much perfume you use will depend entirely on its
characteristics. As a general rule, you must always start by
using very little and then wait 15 minutes until it has started
to take effect. Then you can always add a little more.
• Strong perfume is not suitable for everyday use at work.
Also avoid any temptation to re-apply perfume during the
second half of your working day, and never try out a new
perfume during your lunch break.

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Fresh breath Lingerie and stockings
The pleasant scent of sparingly applied perfume can often Lingerie is one of the most personal items of clothing. Never-
come up against other, somewhat offensive odors. Apart from theless, for that very reason it should not be neglected. Your
breath smelling of garlic or onions, such odors include the lingerie must fit perfectly, never pinch or cut into your body,
smell of tobacco. of course never be visible through your outer clothing, and
never be silhouetted through your uniform.
General guidance
• When your work involves customer contact, you must not Your stockings must match the color of your Corporate Wear
smoke. In addition, avoid smoky restaurants and cafes and must be plain. Tights or stockings that are of a slightly
­during your lunch break. darker shade than a skirt or trousers will make your legs
• Avoid eating anything containing garlic or onions. Even appear longer. During summer you may wear thin, skin-col-
­chlorophyll tablets will do little to remedy the situation. ored stockings with a skirt or trousers. If you do so, it is very
• Chewing gum may help to clean your teeth; but when you important that you and your colleagues all dress the same.
are with other people it can have an unpleasant impact. You must always wear dark stockings under a pair of trousers.
If there is any disagreement on the color, your line manager
will decide. A pair of tights must always be worn with a skirt,
even during hot weather. You are not permitted to wear
opaque stockings, mesh stockings or any stockings with a
­patterned or shiny surface or with any kind of decoration.

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General guidance
• Whenever you are required to undertake physical work and
in order to prevent a cold, you may wear special underwear.1
• Modern microfiber materials are ideal for such underwear.
• Such underwear is light, fine, sporty, breathable – and,
unlike cotton, it does not lose its shape.
• Possible colors for stockings / knee-length stockings:
– Nearly Black
– Black
– Anthracite
• Always have an identical spare pair of tights. Ladders can,
of course, be repaired using transparent nail varnish and,
with a little luck, stopped from growing. But the damage
can still be seen, and you must put on a different pair as
soon as possible.
• You will be able to lengthen the life of your stockings or
tights if you have well trimmed and smooth toenails. Long
or split fingernails are not good for your stockings, either.
And they can easily cause unsightly loose threads to appear.

1 The website www.comforttrust.ch/onlineshop can be used to order under

s­ pecials terms functional underwear for your own personal use after you have
entered the reference number C4TASA-1205.

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Clothing care
General guidance • Scarves and velour neckerchiefs must be washed in accor-
• Whenever possible you must hang up your uniform after dance with the instructions. If the color starts to fade over
you have worn it to air. If possible, leave it out of doors for time, please inform your line manager. The manufacturer’s
at least two days before wearing it again. This will give the washing and care must be strictly followed!
fibers time to recover and your clothes will not wear out so • Any part of your uniform that is not clean must be cleaned
quickly. as soon as possible and must not be worn again until it is
• Trousers and skirts must be steam pressed regularly and clean. Stains can become deeply embedded and will then
always remember to press the trouser creases as well. be more difficult to remove.
• Remember to take your uniform to the dry cleaner’s regu-
larly so that it can be cleaned in a really professional way.
• Each time you have worn a blouse, it must be washed
­properly and then ironed. Follow the washing instructions
carefully. A blouse must be ironed when it is still damp.

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UBS Corporate Wear for men

Men’s Corporate Wear consists of a classic ­two-piece

suit that may be combined with any of three different
colored shirts. There is a choice of two different UBS
ties to complete the e­ nsemble. The tie and the
nametag are the ­visible signs that identify the wearer
as an employee of UBS.

The aim is that you combine your suit o that it reflects

your personality and blends in with UBS and your own
personal accessories.

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29
The suit
A suit with/without a waistcoat General guidance
The single-breasted jacket with two buttons and trousers are • During hot weather you can remove your jacket, as long as
the main two items of UBS Corporate Wear and form a classic you are wearing a waistcoat and a long-sleeved shirt. Your
business suit. In addition, a waistcoat can also be worn. When superior will give you the permission. It is important that all
you are standing or walking, you must do up all the buttons staff is dressed in a standard fashion.
except the bottom one. The bottom button must always be – There is a special, separate dress code for those working
left undone. When you are sitting down, you must keep the in Security or Limousine Service, to be defined by the line
jacket undone. When all the buttons are closed, the jacket manager.
must be completely smooth and not appear to be restricting • Only freshly creased trousers will make a good impression,
your movements. The back slit must not become folded. The so please ensure that you keep them like that at all times.
collar must fit closely and there must not be any sign of a • Do not carry too much in your pockets – full jacket pockets
crease or fold below the back of your neck. The shoulders spoil your appearance.
must be well-fitting – if they are too broad, the impression will • Also avoid keeping a thick wallet in the back pockets of
be that the suit is too big and that your head is small. If the your trousers.
shoulders of the jacket are too tight, your movements will be • Hang your jacket on a proper hanger so that the shoulders
restricted and your head will appear to be unusually large. keep their proper shape.
Your jacket must cover your bottom completely. If you have
decided to wear a waistcoat as well, the bottom button must
be left undone in the same way as the lowest button on your
jacket. As for trousers, you must ensure that there is a slight
overhang on the shoes. Your waistcoat must cover your belt,
and when it is buttoned it must be smooth and not restrict
your movements.

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Shirts
Shirts Polo shirts
Corporate Wear shirts are tapered, and their modern cut is On certain occasions or in a working environment that does
nowadays more comfortable to wear. Your shirt collar must not involve direct customer contact, a Corporate Wear polo
be loose enough to be able to place a finger between the shirt may be worn instead of the shirt. Your line manager will
­collar and your neck. The cuffs should not be too loose; the give you instructions in this matter or you must comply with
sleeve length is correct when with your arms at an angle the UBS regulations; uniformity of appearance is mandatory.
cuffs can still be seen between 1.5 – 2.5 centimeters below
the cuffs of your jacket. The collar must be between 1–1.5 General guidance
centimeters above the collar of your jacket and must not • A polo shirt is worn without any accessories, but together
show any fold underneath your tie. The points of the shirt with Corporate Wear jacket and trousers.
­collar must rest smoothly under the lapels of your jacket. • The polo shirt collar is made from a special material that will
keep the shirt in a good condition for a long time. But to
Shirts are available in three colors, all of a lighter shade than keep it so, you must always iron it at the recommended
the suit, so that your features will be highlighted. temperature.

General guidance Dress code

• The breast pocket of your shirt must be kept empty, apart On special occasions a specific dress code may be issued in
from a ballpoint pen or badge. order to ensure uniformity of appearance..
• The top button of your shirt must always be done up.
• In principle, a suit is not complete unless the shirt cuffs are
­visible – as far as possible avoid the “chic féderal“ look.

33
Accessories for men
 Knotting a tie

Four-in-Hand
This simple knot is always slightly asymmetrical, is narrow and looks better with a
turn-down collar, a button-down collar or with a tab collar.

Ties
There is a set of different colored ties included as part of the
uniform. The tie you wear and your nametag are the visible
means of identifying you as an employee of UBS to the cus-
tomers. You must always wear the tie and badge. There are
different ways of knotting your tie. The point of a correctly The simple Windsor knot
This narrow knot looks better with a turn-down collar, known as a Kent collar,
knotted tie must touch the loop of your belt exactly. with a button-down collar or with a tab collar. This type of knot is suitable for all
occasions. Please note that your height and build will play a role with this knot.
A narrow knot tends to look out of proportion on a well-built man. A wide know
General guidance would be more suitable.
• You must undo your tie completely each time you have
worn it, and then either hang it up or coil it up loosely.
Change to a different tie every day so that the material has
a chance to regain its shape.
• Stains are best dealt with by an expert. To tackle a stain sat-
isfactorily it must be dealt with by the dry cleaners while still
“fresh”. Instructions on cleaning the accessories are to be
The double Windsor knot
found in the manual. This is a wide knot and is quite striking: it is best with a cutaway collar or a spread
• Never try to wash or iron a tie yourself. collar. The wider the points of the collar are from each other, the bigger the tie will
be. Tie the knot each morning. If you just loosen the knot and hang it inside the
• A tie-pin is now considered somewhat out-of-date; but for wardrobe, it will spoil it.
many people who wear one, a tie a pin is considered to be
quite useful and smart – and if you decide to wear one, it
must be in the lower third of the tie and be well hidden
behind your buttoned jacket.
• Never tuck the ends of your tie in the waist of your trousers.
Shoes and belts
Belts General guidance
Current Corporate Wear includes a belt that must always be • If you work in Security or Limousine Service, you can wear
worn. closed shoes in keeping with the time of year, provided that
they match your uniform. Boots are permitted only if your
Shoes work takes you outdoors.
Any outfit without the proper shoes will be incomplete – • Shoes that have been cleaned and polished properly will
shoes are in the strict sense of the word the basis of your make a better impression than ones that have not been
appearance. When you are wearing the anthracite Corporate looked after. Good grooming applies not only to your
Wear, you must wear black, lace-up shoes with leather soles. ­physical appearance.
The best ones are the classic brogues with the typical pattern • Your shoes will last longer if you get them repaired ­regularly.
of holes or a pair of smart Oxfords or simple, smart-looking Heels and soles must also be checked and repaired before
Derby shoes. You must avoid wearing shoes without laces, the insole starts to show.
shoes with a pattern or shoes with buckles – these are the • Always use a shoehorn when you are putting your shoes
types of shoes to be worn when you are not at work. The on, otherwise the back of the shoe will get damaged. You
same applies to boots of any kind. The shoes must be a good will also prevent your socks from sliding or getting creased.
fit. Shoes will not be provided by UBS. Always make sure that your shoes are laced up properly.
• Never wear the same pair of shoes two days running: this
will give the leather a chance to recover. Use shoe trees,
preferably wooden ones, to stretch them back to shape.
Alternatively, you can stuff them with paper, turn them on
their sides and let them dry.
• Change to a different pair of shoes once a day: a change
will make standing and working more comfortable.

37
Socks Jewelry
You must wear black, unpatterned socks with your anthracite Any jewelry you wear with Corporate Wear must be very
uniform – just as is the case with the shoes. It is best to wear ­discreet. It doesn’t take much to add something to your
knee-length socks, so that your legs will not show whatever appearance; just one or two color-matched extras are enough.
position you are sitting: wearing short, ankle-length socks You must never exceed more than three accessories, including
would be a faux pas as far as your clothes are concerned. eyeglasses, which must not be too exotic in color. The number
excludes a wedding ring. With Corporate Wear you must not
General guidance have either any kind of bracelet or earrings, nor any visible
• A finely ribbed structure will appear to make your legs piercings or tattoos. Extremely fashionable spectacles or tinted
­longer and will turn people’s attention to your shoes. lenses are nor permitted either. A watch should be worn in
• In summer it is better to wear cotton or silk socks, and in such a way that it does not endanger safety at work at any
winter thicker cotton or woolen socks. time.

General guidance
• Glasses must be kept clean: firstly, you can see much better
and, secondly, dirty lenses look as though you do not really
care about your appearance.
• When talking to a customer or anyone else, you must take
off your sunglasses in order to maintain eye contact – never
put your sunglasses on the top of your head.
• The wearing of a watch underlines your reliability and the
value you attach to punctuality.

38
Underwear
We recommend that you always wear a t-shirt: it looks better,
is more hygienic and will contribute to your personal well-be-
ing. Always choose underwear so that it is functional and is
not seen through your outer clothing.

General guidance
• Ideally you must wear a thin, close-fitting (cotton) t-shirt.
• You must choose underwear of the highest quality material
that is easy to wash and retains its shape even after several
washes. If you are sometimes engaged in work of a physical
kind and in order to avoid catching a cold you can wear
functional underwear.2

2 The website www.comforttrust.ch/onlineshop can be used to order under

s­ pecials terms functional underwear for your own personal use after you have
entered the reference number C4TASA-1205.

39
Grooming with style
An impression of being well-groomed cannot be created Facial care
unless you take good care of your body and your face. We The human skin comes under a lot of pressure. It is very
no longer live in an age when facial care consisted of the important to care for and protect your skin. Our skin is, in a
­morning shave and a little aftershave. way, our outermost shell, and so you must protect and
­nourish it with the appropriate creams and lotions. If you do
Shaving so, your skin will look healthy and well cared for and this will
Unless you have a beard, a daily shave is a must if you have a do a great deal for your appearance.
moustache. A three-day growth is not permitted. You are free
to use either an electric razor or shave in the old-fashioned Hands
manner. Clean, well-groomed hands and fingernails that are neither
chipped nor dirty are quite obviously very important. A hint:
If you do have a beard it must be kept short and look well Your nails must never be longer than 1.5 mm and the corners
cared for. The same applies to a moustache. A face covered must be carefully filed smooth.
with hair looks very unkempt. If there is any doubt in this
­matter, your line manager will have the final say.

41
Hair Colognes and deodorants
Approximately every four weeks you must get a haircut. In Both what we see and what we smell have an influence on
that length of time the human hair will grow on average by our perception and also play a role in communication. Our
one centimeter. This can be seen in particular at the back of nose receives malodorous and pleasant smells with the help
the neck and over the ears. A regular haircut is a minimal of minute olfactory antennae. A pleasant encounter with
requirement as far as personal care is concerned. The most another person can only come about if the message received
important thing is this must be self-evident. If you spend half by your nose does not put you off.
an hour each morning dealing with your hair, there is
­definitely something wrong. How we ourselves smell cannot be changed, but we can do
something to ensure that those we come into contact with
Dyed hair does not look convincing if the artificial shade of are surrounded by pleasant smells:
color is not in keeping with the age revealed by your skin. • A deodorant that works will keep you fresh for several
Moreover, grey or white stubble can reveal the attempted hours and you will feel confident and full of energy. If you
improvement to the hair’s color. tend to perspire profusely, you must use the deodorant
some time during the day to freshen up.
Other facial hair • Nobody, not even smokers, likes the smell of stale smoke.
Even the tiniest human hair has a function. The eyebrows If you smoke, you must air your clothes as often as possible
­protect the eyes from perspiration; the eyelashes keep out and also get them cleaned more often than usual. Try to
dust and small insects. The nose hairs keep out dust and restrict your smoking during working hours and use a mouth
­foreign bodies and also clean, warm and moisten the air as it spray/drops after each smoke.
is inhaled, making it safe for the lungs. But unkempt facial
hair will ruin the overall impression and must be removed.

42
• There are other things that can lead to bad breath (garlic, Clothing care
onions, etc.) and these can also make interaction with other General guidance
people far more difficult. You can do something about this • After you have worn your uniform, you must, if possible,
by avoiding such things during the week. hang it up to air out of doors and wear a different one for
• If you like to use a cologne or an aftershave, you must two days. The fibers of the material will then be able to
always remember that tastes differ in this respect. The recover and your clothes will not wear out so quickly.
­merest hint of pleasant smell is frequently enough and is far • You must steam press your trousers regularly – and it is
more preferable to being enveloped in a cloud of aftershave important to remember that the creases need your atten-
or cologne. tion as well.
• Get all parts of your uniform dry cleaned regularly so that
they are dealt with professionally.
• Wash each shirt after wearing it once: always wash and iron
shirts according to the maker’s instructions. Shirts are best
ironed whilst still damp.
• Any part of your uniform that has become dirty or stained
must be cleaned as soon as possible and must not be worn
again until it is clean. Stains tend to become permanent
very quickly and are then difficult to remove.

43
Checking your appearance

Our personal appearance is a non-verbal means

of communication – and also tells other people a
great deal about us. The following list contains
some items that may appear tasteless to others3.
Check your appearance before you come into the
public eye and you will avoid making faux pas.

3 Maud Beetz: Der Knigge fürs Bankgeschäft

44
Shoes Ties
• Shoes that are unpolished and dirty or have worn-out heels • A tie that is too short or too long
• Cotton socks with pumps • A knot that does not go with the shirt
• Shoes made of a synthetic material with crepe soles • A knot that does not suit the wearer’s face

Socks Jackets/Blazers
• Very short socks that show your skin • The sleeves are too long or too short
• Threadbare socks or ones with holes in them • A poor fit at the shoulders
• Patterned socks or ones decorated with a cartoon character • Too tight round the chest or waist
• Woolen or cotton socks normally worn by a woman • Sleeves that are folded back
• Nylon socks for men • An unbuttoned jacket looks untidy (unless a waistcoat is
being worn).
Trousers
• Trousers that are the wrong length or that are too tight Jewelry
round the waist and seat • Too much jewelry or jewelry that is too large
• Belt loops but no belt • Clattering jewelry
• Trousers without proper creases • Chains or wrist jewelry for men
• Visible piercings and tattoos
Skirts
• A skirt that is too tight at the waist or seat Hands
• A skirt that is too short • Dirty, untended fingernails
• A skirt with the lining hanging out at the bottom • Brightly patterned artificial fingernails
• Rough, cracked skin
Shirts and blouses
• A dirty collar and/or cuffs Hair
• Sleeves that are too short • Untidy, unwashed hair
• Too tightly fitting round the chest or stomach • Unshaven neck with a short haircut
• A short-sleeved shirt with a tie 4 • Patches of clearly dyed hair
• Split ends

Underwear
4 Generally,
in a business environment a short-sleeved shirt with a tie will not be • Underwear that is visible through the outer garments or
permitted; the final decision will be made by a line manager. makes a pattern on an outer garment
45
Business etiquette

46
Why does anyone dressed in Corporate Wear need Posture
hints on business etiquette? Our charisma contributes a mere 7% of the impression we
It is said that 80% of the decisions we make are on the basis make. The remainder is related to outward appearance (55%)
of emotions. Thus it is of paramount importance that the first and to posture, movement of the hands and body (38%).
impression any customer has reflects our professional
approach to business. As a person wearing Corporate Wear Your posture will emphasize the message that is transmitted
you will be the very first contact – our Group “visiting card”. by means of your Corporate Wear: a professional approach,
and command of the situation. Stand with a straight back
As a wearer of the UBS Corporate Wear, you are a vital and relaxed shoulders, with your weight evenly distributed on
­element in the presentation of our image. On the basis of both legs. In doing so, your neck and head will be straight
your outward appearance – your clothes, your hairstyle, your quite automatically and you will radiate an air of self-confi-
accessories, the attention you have given to your personal dence and competence. If you are not sure what to do with
appearance and your posture, and the appropriateness of your hands, let them hang down loosely at your sides – what
your expressions – you will be presenting the customer with is really important is that you are comfortable. Make full use
an image of the Bank. We have already dealt extensively with of body language – properly dosed and natural. Using unhur-
personal appearance. Posture as well as your perceptible ried movements with the palms of your hands turned towards
behavior will be dealt with in the following sections. the customer creates a positive impression. This will also give
you a touch of authenticity. Never put your hands in your
pockets. In addition, never make any gestures in the lower
part of your body.

Did you know that a smile is good for your circulation and
will pump more blood and oxygen into your brain? This will,
in turn, produce more happiness hormones.

47
Welcoming the customer Accompanying the customer
As a rule, the person dressed in the UBS Corporate Wear must If the customer is being accompanied to show the way, there
welcome the customer first. If you are already sitting when could be an exchange of small talk, if the situation seems
the customer approaches you, you must if possible stand up. appropriate. A brief smile and a few words will always help to
A further possibility is that you welcome the customer in front open doors. Small talk is always an ideal way of getting down
of your desk, moving towards the client in greeting. What is to business and helps to get things started. Topics must be
important is that every customer is greeted, even if it is only ­relatively unimportant matters and remain non-committal
by a brief nod. If several persons are already seated, the without being actually superficial. Discretion is paramount.
­customer’s personal advisor must stand up. The others remain Small talk means that you must also be a good listener.
seated. In this way the customer will recognize the advisor.
A customer must never be sent alone to a room. The ­customer
Normally you do not have to shake a customer’s hand – but if must always be accompanied and you must walk so that the
the customer offers a hand first, you must shake it. In order to customer can keep pace. At the same time, add a few words
ensure confidentiality, you must always clarify with Business if explaining where you are going or what you are doing.
the customer is to be welcomed by name or not. Always open a door so that the customer can go through.

Taking a customer in a lift

Always allow the customer to enter the lift first, unless it is an
older type of automatically opening lift, but has doors that
have to be opened by hand. In this case, open the doors and
hold them open for the customer to enter the lift first as you
would with an ordinary door.

48
Using the stairs c­ ustomer is dealt with in the appropriate manner, without any
Walk alongside the customer or, if the staircase is too narrow trace of superficiality, with politeness and with consideration.
to do so, walk ahead. In this way you will be able to go in the
right direction. Offer to carry the customer’s briefcase, etc., Personal space
so he has a free hand to hold the banisters. In our part of the world we respect the personal space of
another person. That space must never be violated by
Making a customer comfortable approaching the person too closely or by being too far away.
Help the customer to remove his raincoat/overcoat, if he wants In our cultural environment, a distance of between 90 cm and
to take it off, and then hang it on the coat stand in the room. approximately two meters is considered to be acceptable,
If there is no coat stand that the customer can see, tell him ­anything inside this zone tends to be considered as unpleasant
where you are going to hang his coat. and inappropriate. However, discretion may demand moving
closer to the other person to discuss any matter of a confiden-
The visitor must be shown to the best seat in the room, the tial nature.
so-called seat of honor. Never seat the visitor with his back to A distinction has to be drawn between:
the door, and a corner seat must also be avoided if possible. • intimate zone (up to 60 cm)
Close the door behind the customer as a matter of safe­ • personal zone (60 –90 cm)
guarding his privacy and ask any necessary questions with the • social zone (1–4 m)
utmost discretion. If possible, offer the customer something • public zone (> 4 m).
to drink.
Before a customer leaves
It is imperative that you behave as naturally as you can, what- In many cases the UBS advisor will see the customer off.
ever the situation. Nothing is worse than your conducting Sometimes you will also bid the client farewell, even if it is
yourself in an artificial manner or if you seem to be putting restricted to a nod. The last impression the customer has
on a show Of course this means adhering to the generally of UBS is just as important as the first!
accepted standards of behavior, which demand that every

49
Further reading Contact

• UBS Dress Guide for Client Advisors • UBS Corporate Wear Unit:
• Stil & Etikette (www.stil.de) Marianne Leber
• Der Knigge für das Bankgeschäft • UBS Service Management Reception:
(Maud Beetz, 2009) Regula Perren-Marbach
• Der Dresscode – Fragen des Stils
(Herren Globus: Clifford Lilley/Jeroen van Rooijen, 2007)
• Dressguide für Sie und Ihn
(Maria Schmutz-Wyder/Corinne Staub, 2006)
• Der neue grosse Knigge
(Silke Schneider-Flaig, 2006)
• Der kleine Outfit-Knigge
(Horst Hanisch, 2006)
• 365 Tipps – der gute Stil Herren
(Dumont, 2002)
• 365 Tipps – der gute Stil Damen
(Dumont, 2002)
• Le Savoir-vivre d’aujourd’hui, Guides Pratiques
• Le Bonheur de séduire, l’art de réussir:
Le Savoir-vivre du XXIe siècle, Nadine de Rothschild

50
Good Luck!

51
 ab

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