First impressions count. This is the message Swiss bank UBS AG is sending its Swiss retailbanking staff with a 43-page code dispensing advice on how to impress customers with a polished appearance.

Echoing rules applied at Swiss boarding schools, UBS's guidelines go beyond a list of dress 'do's' and 'don'ts' by providing hygiene and grooming tips often dotted with aphorisms worthy of fashion and beauty magazines.

The move is part of a test UBS is carrying out in Switzerland across five pilot branches. It follows a recent advertisingcampaign aimed at re-establishing confidence in the Swiss bank's brand and mending relations with clients.

The bank expects its retailbanking staff to wear suits in dark gray, black or navy blue, since these colors 'symbolize competence, formalism and sobriety.' Skirts should reach the middle of the knee and trendy spectacles are a no-no.

The document isn't short of handy grooming tips.

'Light makeup consisting of foundation, mascara and discreetlipstick . . . will enhance your personality,' the code says, while advising women not to wear black nail polish and nail art.

The hair-care section notes studies have shown that properly cared-for hair and a stylish haircut 'increase an individual's popularity.'

On the other hand, designerstubble is out of the question for men, as is excessivefacial hair.UBS's advice for men even extends to underwear, which should be of good quality and easily washable, but still remain undetectable. Black knee-high socks are preferable as they prevent showing bare skin when crossing legs, it says.

Strong fragrances are unadvisable in the presence of customers, along with garlic and cigarette breath, the code says. The solution: 'Avoid garlic and onion-based dishes.'

Accessorizing for male staff excludes items like bracelets and earrings, but wearing timepieces is encouraged, since wristwatches suggest 'reliability and great care for punctuality.'

Male employees are also warned about using hair dyes to mask their advancing age, since the 'artificial color contrasts excessively with the actual age of your skin.'

UBS 发言人">spokesman Jean-Raphael Fontannaz acknowledged that the code may appear very detailed and 'in line with Swiss precision,' but pointed out that these guidelines were originally set up for temporary staffers who may be new to working in a banking environment.

He said the dress code may be rolled out in all UBS's branches in Switzerland if the test proves successful.

'Even so, only around 1,500 [employees] would be affected, less than 10% of our staff in Switzerland,' Mr. Fontannaz added.

'The goal is for clients to immediately know that they are at UBS when they are entering the bank,' he said. 'After the test phase we may implement the dress code, or adapt it, or not use it at all.'

The UBS Dress Code: Do's and Don'ts

DO'S

For women:

Wear your jacket buttoned. When sitting, the buttons should be unfastened.

Make sure to touch up hair regrowth regularly if you color your hair.

For men:

Store your suit on a large hanger with rounded shoulders to preserve the shape of the garment.

Schedule barber appointments every four weeks to maintain your haircut shape.

DON'TS

Eating garlic and onions

Smoking or spending time in smoke-filled places

Wearing short-sleeved shirts or cuff links

Wearing socks that are too short, showing your skin while sitting

Allowing underwear to be seen

Touching up perfume during or after lunch break

Using tie knots that don't match your face shape and/or body shape