Can I Claim My Dress for My Business Launch?

You've been planning your business launch for months. You've got the venue booked, the invitations sent, and now you're shopping for the perfect outfit to make your big entrance. As you're about to hit 'buy' on that stunning dress, a thought crosses your mind: "This is for my business launch… can I claim it as a business expense?"

It's a question we hear surprisingly often, and honestly, we get it. If you're wearing something specifically for a business event, surely that counts as a business expense, right?

Unfortunately, the answer is no – and here's why.

The HMRC Rules on Clothing

When it comes to claiming clothing as a business expense, HMRC has very specific rules. The clothing must be:

• Uniforms – recognisable as a uniform for your particular occupation

• Branded clothing – items that prominently display your company logo or branding

• Protective clothing – necessary for health and safety in your line of work

That's it. Those are the only categories that qualify.

Why Your Launch Dress Doesn't Count

Even if you genuinely bought that dress solely for your business launch and swear you'll never wear it again (though let's be honest, you probably will), HMRC sees it differently.

The key issue is something called "duality of purpose." This means that if an item could reasonably be worn outside of work – even if you personally choose not to – it doesn't qualify as an allowable expense.

A dress, suit, shoes, or any regular clothing item has dual purpose because:

• It provides you with normal everyday clothing

• You could wear it in non-business situations

• It's not exclusively and necessarily for business use

Think of it this way: you need to wear clothes anyway. HMRC's position is that you're simply choosing to wear something nice for a business occasion, but the fundamental purpose of clothing yourself would exist regardless of your business.

What About "I'll Only Wear It Once"?

We've heard every variation:

• "But I bought it specifically for this event!"

• "I'll never wear it anywhere else!"

• "It's in my brand colours!"

• "I'm having my photo taken for marketing materials!"

  
  

Unfortunately, none of these arguments change HMRC's position. The test isn't about your intention or how you'll actually use the item – it's about whether the item could be worn outside of work.

A dress is a dress. A suit is a suit. They're everyday clothing items, regardless of the occasion you bought them for.

So What CAN You Claim?

Don't worry – there are legitimate clothing expenses you can claim if they apply to your business:

Branded Clothing

If you have t-shirts, polo shirts, jackets, or other items prominently displaying your company logo, these are allowable. The branding needs to be significant and visible – not just a small logo on the chest.

Uniforms

If your profession requires a recognisable uniform (think chef's whites, medical scrubs, or a pilot's uniform), these qualify. The key word is "recognisable" – it needs to be clearly identifiable as workwear for your specific occupation.

Protective Clothing

Safety boots, hard hats, high-visibility jackets, lab coats, or any protective equipment required for health and safety reasons are allowable expenses.

Costumes

If you're an entertainer or performer and need specific costumes that wouldn't be worn as everyday clothing, these can qualify. A pantomime dame's outfit? Yes. A smart dress for a business event? No.

The Cost of Getting It Wrong

We know it's tempting to claim that launch dress or new suit, especially when you've spent a significant amount. But claiming personal expenses as business expenses can lead to serious consequences:

• HMRC penalties and interest charges

• Having to repay incorrectly claimed expenses

• Potential investigation into your other business expenses

• Damage to your business reputation

  
  

It's simply not worth the risk for the sake of one outfit.

A Better Approach

Instead of trying to claim personal clothing, focus on the legitimate business expenses associated with your launch event:

• Venue hire

• Marketing materials and printing

• Photography or videography

• Decorations and signage

• Entertainment

  
  

These are all genuine business expenses that will stand up to scrutiny.

When in Doubt, Ask

The rules around allowable expenses can be confusing, and clothing is just one area where sole traders often trip up. Other common grey areas include:

• Meals and entertainment

• Travel expenses

• Home office costs

• Equipment that has personal use

  
  

If you're ever unsure whether something qualifies as a business expense, it's always worth checking with a bookkeeper or accountant. We'd much rather answer a quick question than see you face penalties down the line.

The Bottom Line

We know it's disappointing to hear that your beautiful launch dress isn't tax-deductible. You're building a business, investing in your professional image, and it feels like that should count for something.

But HMRC's rules are clear: unless clothing is a uniform, branded, or protective, it's a personal expense. No matter how special the occasion or how much you spent, that dress is staying in the personal column of your accounts.

The good news? You'll look amazing at your launch, you'll make a fantastic impression, and you'll have peace of mind knowing your business expenses are accurate and compliant. That's worth far more than a questionable tax deduction.

Need Help with Your Business Expenses?

Understanding what you can and can't claim is just one part of managing your business finances effectively. If you're a sole trader handling your own bookkeeping and finding it overwhelming, we're here to help.

At Josie Dayment Bookkeeping, we specialise in supporting sole traders with clear, straightforward bookkeeping advice. We'll help you maximise your legitimate expenses, stay compliant with HMRC, and give you confidence in your financial records.

Get in touch today to find out how we can take the stress out of your bookkeeping – so you can focus on rocking that launch event.

Book a call