My manager has banned all vests, skirts and shorts

Seems a bit extreme, but I except that it’s down to a few people taking the piss. Ridiculous that adults need to be told how to dress, but some people are totally clueless when it comes to understanding what’s appropriate in the workplace.

Don't care

Imo, which is clearly still shared by some employers, clothing should be neat, tidy and preferably smart/formal.

That top isn't smart, it's casual and shorts are not for office wear (unless knee length and formal)

There are reasonable working temperatures. If your office is too
hot to work in then you can not go in? Can you ask to work from home?

The thing is OP, people are trying to tell you that the top doesn't look professional, and you're saying they're being rude. They're not, they're answering your question. That t-shirt is absolutely fine for being casual and for any job that allows it, but yours doesn't.

Of course, your manager is being unreasonable in banning knee-length skirts, that's ridiculous. But you posted that your dress code states no shoulders, so that is fair.

It doesn't matter whether you think it matters what you wear to do your job well; your employers do, and they have a dress code that you (the shoulders bit) agreed to abide by when you signed your contract.

It's less about the t-shirt and more about what's professional, and your employer doesn't think showing your shoulders is professional, whether you agree with it or not.

A midi dress, a smart t-shirt and loose trousers/flowy skirt are the order of the day in this weather.

You're in the NHS - does anyone belong to the union? In most places I've worked someone would be on to the local rep by now.

Why is it up to your boss? Surely the whole hospital/ clinic should have the same dress code. Worth speaking to occy health?

Is she allowed to do this ? Who is her superior?

No one was dressed in vests or above the knee skirts or shorts in my office today. I wore a short sleeved maxi dress which was very comfortable, so did another couple of women. Other women were in loose trousers and short sleeve tops. Men in trousers and a t-shirt. The rules in your office seem pretty typical, we don't even have a written dress code, it's just an unwritten understanding of what's appropriate. We do also do some community work which may make a difference.

Because it is not professional

Sorry,thats the same most places! I had to wear a stiff top with a collar and horrible elasticated full length trousers WHATEVER the weather!
And yes, the manager had air conditioned office.
Her attitude was: you are at work,not a night out, wear the uniform!

I tend to wear thin loose dresses in the heat, so as not to get too much skin exposure ( mum had skin cancer) so it hadn’t occurred to me that exposing skin would be physically cooler

It isn't especially in the sun.

No, I’m a senior lecturer. 😀

This looks like PJs!

You're being a bit of an arsehole yourself with some of your snippy replies.

No, he is not literally wearing your home made top-I would not allow that. His top looks clean, ironed and hangs better. He is wearing a white tee short sleeved t shirt with light striped trousers.

These are what is known as pyjamas or-in some cases-leisure wear.

He got his from John Lewis but they are in Next, Tesco and Marks and Spencer too.

And if your top is ivory, then my arse is porcelain.

If it's got air con you probs don't have a leg to stand on. I've been in a truck with broken a/c all day. It's been 37°C and I've been in full safety gear - heavy trousers, long sleeved acyclic shirt, and when I'm onsite a hard hat and thick earmuffs due to the noise.

It normally ok when I can retreat to the truck with its aircon but Iiterally don't think I've been anywhere cooler than about 33°C since lunchtime.

Most of your posts are downright rude.

Both the sleeveless top and the homemade T-shirt are hideous and unprofessional. They are beachwear. I’d actually say the T was only fit for a pyjama top.

Why did you come on here for advice when you’re so aggressive with the responses because you don’t like them.

Does she actually have the authority to dictate what you can and can't wear? And she'd have to give you a couple of warnings before sanctions could be imposed so if I were you I'd wear whatever is comfortable, and take pictures and email them to yourself each day so you have proof for HR if she decides to push the issue.

You are the one being arsey OP.

You asked for opinions and you don’t like them.
Shorts are in no way cooler than a loose dress or floaty sleeved top and skirt.
In addition many people don’t like sitting in a chair that someone else in bare arms and legs has been sweating on. Perhaps you have your own chair in which case that’s irrelevant.

I’d be careful not to rock the boat too much - NHS admin uniforms are nasty poly affairs 😉
Be grateful you can wear your own clothes.

In this temperature I’d go to work totally naked if I was allowed to! 😆😆 Thank goodness I can have the odd day or two WFH and only have to wear something on the top half for Zoom meetings!

OP, sorry if someone has already asked this but have you and your colleagues officially raised the issue of the heat level in your office with your manager? It could be worthwhile looking into getting a portable air conditioner unit for the space for the days when the temperature is very high.

Hot weather is not only difficult to deal with on a personal level it also has health and productivity implications for staff, especially in a building that's not designed to deal with heatwaves.

You have my sympathies on the new clothing rules 💐

I don’t but my point is they don’t allow shorts but he keeps his on with his cycling gear plus a bit gross if you’ve been cycling to work in it. But in answer to your question with attitude I don’t.

@itsjustthepricewepay I’m curious why you would understand banning strappy vest tops, if it really doesn’t matter what you wear?

Interesting thread.

I worked for years in a very conservative City environment — shirts and dark suits for women — even we wore skirts to the knee!