The Lloyd’s of London dress code is known for being strict and formal. But is that still the case today?

Anyone visiting Lloyd’s of London for the first time will need a map. The enormous building, its towers, and the many floors demand preparation, including the dress code. The insurance market clearly values appearance, as the clothing rules stand out immediately. Men wear suits or neat jackets and trousers with a tie. Women wear smart business attire.

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What is the Lloyd’s of London dress code?

The dress code has been in place since its foundation in 1686, but times are changing. The rule regarding ties is not always strictly adhered to, since 2018 the organization has become more flexible about this. Yet Lloyds is still known for its strict dress code, and not everyone agrees. A group of brokers based in Lloyd’s of London have called for these rules to be relaxed. They find the current rules oppressive and out of date.

Christopher Croft, CEO of the London & International Insurance Brokers Association, believes the coronavirus crisis has fundamentally changed the way we do business. “There must be an end to long queues for brokers at Lloyd’s for simple policy approvals, dress codes, and the need to be in the office full time,” Croft said.

Casual: lloyd’s of london dress code

Although Lloyd’s of London has not yet responded to the call, many expect the dress code rules to change. By allowing tieless suits, the organization has already shown a willingness to move toward a more casual look. Since Lloyd’s operates in over 200 countries and casual dress codes are becoming more common worldwide, this shift seems inevitable. In a global business environment, being overdressed can work against you. To be taken seriously, you need to move with the times.

If the rules do change, I am curious to see how Lloyd’s of London will handle it. Will they follow the example of Goldman Sachs in 2019 and simply drop the rules, trusting employees to use their common sense? Or will they replace strict guidelines with a list of what not to wear? I expect the latter. In an environment where formal clothing still carries so much weight, Lloyd’s is unlikely to let go of control overnight. As soon as more information becomes available, I will of course keep you updated.

If you are interested in how dress codes are changing in other sectors and countries, you might also find these articles interesting:

• The dress codes at the 3 largest Dutch banks
• Business dress code trends worldwide
• 31% prefer a lower salary over a formal dress code

Greetings,

Aileen

Last update: 10/04/2026