Who has to pay for work clothing in Germany?

1. Mandatory work clothing (Dienstkleidung / Schutzkleidung)

a) If work clothing is required for legal, safety or health reasons:

Basic rule: If laws, safety regulations or the employer require employees to wear specific clothing or protective equipment (e.g. safety shoes, helmet, gloves, nursing or lab uniforms),
→ the employer is obliged to bear all costs (§ 3 ArbSchG, § 670 BGB).

This usually also includes: maintenance, cleaning and, where necessary, replacement if the clothing is worn out or damaged due to the work.

Examples:

• Factories: protective clothing, helmet, safety shoes

• Hospitals: uniforms for nurses or doctors

• Cleaning companies: standard uniform or special gloves

2. Work clothing for formal or marketing reasons (Dienstkleidung ohne Schutzfunktion)

b) If uniforms are required only for appearance or branding (e.g. company logo T-shirts, ties, reception uniforms):

Basic rule: If the employer requires a specific uniform or logo, they are generally responsible for the costs.

In some sectors such as gastronomy or hotels, a partial cost-sharing is agreed:
The employer may provide the basic outfit while the employee pays for or washes some minor items – but only if this is clearly stipulated in the employment contract or company regulations.

3. Ordinary everyday clothing

If there is no mandatory uniform or protective clothing, and normal everyday clothes (e.g. trousers, shirt, blouse) are sufficient,
→ the employee pays for their own clothing, even if it is worn at work –
unless the contract or internal rules explicitly provide for a subsidy or reimbursement.

4. Important notes

• Any cost-sharing or special arrangement should be clearly specified in the employment contract or company rules.

• If you are asked to pay for protective clothing or mandatory uniforms, you have the right to object and insist that the employer cover the costs.

• If clothing is worn out or damaged because of the work, you are generally entitled to free replacement from the employer.

• Deducting the cost of protective clothing directly from your salary is usually not permissible, unless you have expressly agreed to it in a valid contract – and even then it is often legally questionable in the case of genuine protective equipment.

Conclusion:

• If work clothing is required for safety, health or operational reasons, the employer is usually fully liable for the costs.

• If it is mainly formal or marketing-related uniform, the employer generally pays or at least shares the costs.

• For ordinary everyday clothing without special requirements, employees pay themselves.

The editorial team of this website strives to provide accurate information based on thorough research and multiple sources. Nevertheless, errors may occur or some information may be incomplete or not fully confirmed. Please treat the information in this article as an initial point of reference and always contact the competent authorities or professionals for binding and up-to-date advice.