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AIBU?

Is this allowed or should I go to HR?

54 replies

User19 · 29/09/2017 10:11

NC as could be outing.

Hi, just after some advice really.

I'm in a job that I have been in for a year already. We have to be given a uniform and last year I was given a tshirt but it was waaaay too big, when I asked for a smaller size that would fit (sleeves to my elbows) I was told one was on order but I never got it.

Now we have started the new year, the tshirt has been replaced by a polo shirt (which is much nicer). They didn't have my size and only went up to a large. I told my manager who is in charge of ordering uniform and she said she would ''try to order a bigger size''. For now I have been told to use the shirt from last year. Its now been 4 weeks and when I asked her about my new uniform I was told she hadn't ordered it yet - I'm just a bit worried that she won't at all like last year.

I feel bad wearing the other uniform as:

1)It doesn't fit.
2) Its old and not knew like everyone elses so has some wear to it.
3) I have a different shirt to everyone else so it makes me stand out and feel a little bad.

I'm a bigger size than everyone else who works there and I just feel a little upset that they won't order in the right size for me, I know it might sound silly but everyone has the same uniform and I feel like I don't because I'm so big. AIBU if I go to HR and ask them politely to ensure the right size uniform is ordered so I can wear what everyone else is wearing?

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Optimist1 · 29/09/2017 10:48

Firstly check whether the manufacturers of the uniform actually offer your size. Then see if you can find a non-uniform polo shirt in the same colour and your size elsewhere.

Go to HR and explain the situation; they should order uniform shirt in your size if available or the alternative non-uniform one if not. In future, whoever's deciding on uniform should at least be ensuring that it's available in sizes that will suit the largest and smallest members of the team.

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LunaMay · 29/09/2017 11:03

I just talked to my manager about this issue today! They ordered a top for everyone to try on in the sizes offered, i chose the largest they had written down but i could really use the next size up at least.
I was feeling a bit down because we are moving into a brand new centre and i knew everyone was going to be in there new tops in a few weeks.
He's looking into it for me and says they should do bigger sizes but if not i'm taking the one i have to our local Bedford/Phoenix and they can match the colour best they can and put the logo on a bigger polo for me for now.

I think your manager should have got on top of it straight away for you.

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User19 · 29/09/2017 11:06

Thanks for replying; the uniform does come in the bigger size for sure.

I can't buy one myself because A) Really why should I? I can't really afford it and B) It won't have the same logo on it.

I just feel really down that because of my size I have to dress different to everyone else on shift.

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Wontbedoingthatanytimesoon · 29/09/2017 11:43

maybe this can be a kick start for you to make some lifestyle changes? Maybe use your new shirt as a goal/mile stone for your lifestyle change?

I'm not sure what sizes they go up to but most companies will try and get a range of sizes to cater for people of all sizes.(from my past experience) If your having issues with the largest size maybe this is a question of your health not your works manufacturer.?

Apologises if you take offence but maybe this is a bit of a kick up the bum for you.

There's great threads and support on here for lifestyle changes. :)

awaits MN users to abuse me for this post

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FakePlasticTeaLeaves · 29/09/2017 11:49

Wontbedoingthatanytimesoon Interesting you would write this and wait for everyone to abuse you. Do you think then, there is something wrong with what you wrote?

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Wontbedoingthatanytimesoon · 29/09/2017 12:01

Fake-

What I wrote came from a good place however I seem to have a habit of saying things with a bad approach which offends people.......I think I am monk if you have seen it?

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SpongeBobJudgeyPants · 29/09/2017 12:08

'think I am monk'...what does that meant Wont? Regardless, the OP needs a uniform NOW, not further down the line you have suggested for her.

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DailyMailReadersAreThick · 29/09/2017 12:11

Wontbedoingthatanytimesoon Handy tip: if you think a post is going to get you abuse, don't post it. That was a terrible post and you should feel ashamed.

OP - YANBU to be more insistent.

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Wontbedoingthatanytimesoon · 29/09/2017 12:12

lol no never mind guess you haven't seen it. :)

Apologies I cannot come up with a short term solution. Apologies my long term ongoing solution to help OP with her health and possibly be more active for the sake of her DC isn't helpful.

Ill just go back to my day.

Fairwell

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Arealhumanbeing · 29/09/2017 12:13

OP.

Put your request for the proper uniform in writing. If they don't act or respond then repeat the request, again in writing.

Verbal requests for employers to ensure dignity at work for employees tend to disappear into the air.

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OnionKnight · 29/09/2017 12:14

I think I am monk if you have seen it?

No, you're just a twat.

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Viviennemary · 29/09/2017 12:18

It was foolish of your company to go with a uniform that wasn't available in larger sizes. It's not your responsibility but theirs. Try not to worry too much about being the one with a different uniform. Probably nobody will notice that much. But your Manager has been remiss in not sorting this out before now.

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User19 · 29/09/2017 12:19

When I asked for advice I didn't realise being told to lose weight would come up, that made me feel a lot better about my situation, thanks Hmm

I am currently on anti-depressants, working and attending university so due to stress and time constraints, looking into dieting and exercising isn't really top of my list right now. I'm not obese, I'm also quite a lot taller than everyone else (so need the length of a bigger size too).

I also don't have any dc but that you for assuming if I did I was neglecting them or something.

Put your request in writing That is a good idea, I only have the email for HR though so would it be appropriate to ask there?

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User19 · 29/09/2017 12:20

Also, the offered sizes were S,M, L all in ''mens'' sizes (so they will never fit a woman exactly right anyway). I just wanted an XL, that's all - I feel like this is a common size you find in shops in terms of mens tops etc.

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Usernamegone · 29/09/2017 12:21

Could you go to procurement as surely they have all the contracts with suppliers who supply the uniforms and deal with the orders

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M4Dad · 29/09/2017 12:21

Get a written request to your line manager. Copy in their line manager.

I occasionally have to order uniform for my team around the country and it's a pain in the bum, however, if I knew it was causing concern I'd get right on it.

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SpaghettiAndMeatballs · 29/09/2017 12:25

maybe this can be a kick start for you to make some lifestyle changes? Maybe use your new shirt as a goal/mile stone for your lifestyle change?

Or perhaps there's nothing to change, and she just has boobs, and all the shirts are made as if for men? It's happened to me more than once. I end up in a giant t-shirt just so it'll go around my boobs (because they just order one shape of polo - ie. mens shape, which doesn't have room for a woman's chest) - not only that, but because it's a huge t-shirt, the buttons come down lower and look scandalous because it's designed for a taller person, and the arms, and body length are enough to be a dress because of the same.

A men's large is a 42-44 inch chest - so someone bigger than a 36 D is going to have issues (especially since they need the space at the front, not 50/50 split between the front and the back as it would be with a men's t-shirt)

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User19 · 29/09/2017 12:28

Or perhaps there's nothing to change, and she just has boobs, and all the shirts are made as if for men?

That is exactly one of the issues with the shirts! My oldshirt that is too big was so big that the sleeves sag so my armpit actually touches each other and the side of my arm sort of touches the side of my body if that make sense?

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SpaghettiAndMeatballs · 29/09/2017 12:31

That is exactly one of the issues with the shirts! My oldshirt that is too big was so big that the sleeves sag so my armpit actually touches each other and the side of my arm sort of touches the side of my body if that make sense?

I know exactly what you mean. You've probably been flashing customers your bra BTW - I was horrified when I caught sight of myself in the mirror once, and realised that because of the massive sleeve, if I reached up for something, you could just see straight into my t-shirt and see everything.

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Serialweightwatcher · 29/09/2017 12:31

Wontbedoingthatanytimesoon think before you give advice that wasn't requested - very rude Hmm

OP if you feel your manager can't/won't help you more to solve this problem, then definitely contact HR (maybe tell manager first that this is your intention) ... you shouldn't be made to feel uncomfortable in this way, physically or emotionally - good luck

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Papafran · 29/09/2017 12:35

Wontbedoingthatanytimesoon

You should do what your username says....

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M4Dad · 29/09/2017 12:35

My guess is that the manager is rushed of their arse and can't find the time to sit down and order uniform from the supplier, sounds like a crap excuse but that was me a few months ago.

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User19 · 29/09/2017 12:35

SpaghettiAndMeatballs Well that's just great. Its kind of weird they don't buy women's fits for the women and men's for the men!

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PetitFilous123 · 29/09/2017 12:37

Is it possible that they ordered you a size smaller this time because of your previously too large shirt? Or that they ordered you your size but due to differences in manufacturing it is just a bit smaller?

I think if you can get a polo shirt the right colour you should do that in the meantime just so you don't feel left out. I worked in a shop in my teens and had to wait 6 months to get a shirt, by which point I had a new job. Good luck

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QueenBeet · 29/09/2017 12:38

Wontbedoingthatanytimesoon - it's 'farewell'.

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