French Rail Backlash: Style Guide Tells Workers How to Dress for Their Body Type

Paris, France – A recently circulated style guide intended for employees of France’s national railway, SNCF, has ignited a firestorm of criticism from labor unions. The document, which offered advice on everything from makeup application to clothing choices based on body type, aimed to promote “l’Élégance à la Française” – French elegance – even for TGV high-speed train staff not required to wear a uniform. However, the guide has been swiftly withdrawn by SNCF after being distributed without authorization, according to the company.

The controversy centers on specific recommendations within the 40-page document. As reported by BFMTV, the guide suggested that women with a “triangular” body shape should avoid “tight skirts and voluminous bags on the hips,” instead opting for “a light or colorful top, a structured jacket, shoulder pads, or a wide collar” to “balance the silhouette in the upper body.” For men described as having a “rounder” physique, the advice was to “choose dark tops” and “jackets that cover the hips” to “lengthen and slim the silhouette.”

The Sud-Rail union was particularly scathing in its assessment, labeling the “TGV Elegance Guide” a “disgrace.” A spokesperson for the union argued that while some railway employees are contractually obligated to wear a uniform, there is no justification for dictating or attempting to alter their appearance to meet aesthetic standards set by the railway. The union contends that categorizing individuals based on body type and suggesting they need “correction” or “rebalancing,” implies that certain body shapes are inherently problematic. “These kinds of statements are both sexist and fatphobic,” the union stated.

The guide also included beauty and makeup tips, which critics noted felt outdated, harking back to the 1960s. This added to the perception that the document was not only intrusive but also out of touch with modern sensibilities.

Alain Krakovitch, head of SNCF Voyageurs, quickly moved to distance the company from the guide, ordering its immediate withdrawal. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Krakovitch stated, “This does not correspond to our values or our methods towards our employees.” He also announced an internal investigation to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.

The incident raises broader questions about workplace expectations and the boundaries of employer influence over employee appearance. While dress codes are common in many industries, the level of detail and the focus on body shape in the SNCF guide crossed a line for many, sparking a debate about body image, inclusivity, and respect in the workplace.

SNCF, as a major European transportation provider, operates an extensive network of trains, including the high-speed TGV. SNCF Connect is the primary platform for booking TGV tickets, serving both domestic routes within France and international connections to neighboring countries. The company has been increasingly focused on promoting sustainable travel options, as highlighted by its subsidiary, SNCF Voyageurs, which emphasizes green mobility solutions. However, this recent controversy threatens to overshadow those efforts, raising concerns about the company’s internal culture and its commitment to employee well-being.

The timing of this controversy is particularly sensitive, as SNCF recently began selling tickets for summer and autumn travel across France. Tickets for these peak travel seasons went on sale today, and SNCF will be hoping this incident doesn’t deter potential passengers. The company will likely be keen to move past this issue quickly and refocus attention on its core mission of providing efficient and sustainable transportation.

The internal investigation launched by Krakovitch will be crucial in determining how the guide was created and disseminated without proper authorization. The findings could lead to changes in internal approval processes and a renewed emphasis on diversity and inclusion training for SNCF management. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of sensitivity and respect when establishing workplace guidelines, particularly those related to personal appearance.

As of today, March 13, 2026, SNCF has not released further details regarding the investigation or any potential disciplinary actions. The company has, however, reiterated its commitment to creating a positive and inclusive function environment for all its employees. The next update from SNCF regarding this matter is expected within the coming weeks.