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AIBU?

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Original poster

My manager has banned all vests, skirts and shorts

762 replies

itsjustthepricewepay · 26/05/2026 13:32

I could cry right now.

I understand banning thin strapped vests but surely thick straps are fine? She’s also banned all shorts (including knee length) and skirts that sit at the knee. Basically we have to go down to ankle length trousers.

AIBU to genuinely consider quitting my job? Her office is air conditioned but we’re in a horrible hot sun trap!

OP posts:
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18
Original poster
itsjustthepricewepay · 26/05/2026 17:14

Jellox · 26/05/2026 17:12

We’re not allowed to show our arms or legs at all at work (or cleavage or belly obviously) and so this is normal for me.

However, if you work in an office (eg council offices), where you don’t see anyone but your colleagues - then I can’t see what the issue is!

I wonder if there is anyone who pushes the boundaries and so they have to set a standard for everyone.

Would you be able to wear a maxi dress?
Then you can always pull it up a bit if your legs are hot when you’re sat down.

I don’t really own any. I have a couple of nice dresses but one is knee length and the other is very, very booby

OP posts:
HRTQueen · 26/05/2026 17:13

We were allowed to wear shorts, told just above the knee it wasn't long before some were wearing short shorts and looked like they were off for a day to the beach which is just not appropriate (NHS)

Its easier to have stricter rules and really never understand the moans about this

And easy to dress in cool clothes that show less, I have worked abroad shorts were never worn in an office

CaesarAugusta · 26/05/2026 17:13

itsjustthepricewepay · 26/05/2026 13:34

I don’t agree that they always look awful. I have a lovely vest that is basically a t-shirt with the sleeves cut off

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Wear that, then. Tell the Manager it's not a vest, it's a sleeveless shirt.

Jellox · 26/05/2026 17:12

We’re not allowed to show our arms or legs at all at work (or cleavage or belly obviously) and so this is normal for me.

However, if you work in an office (eg council offices), where you don’t see anyone but your colleagues - then I can’t see what the issue is!

I wonder if there is anyone who pushes the boundaries and so they have to set a standard for everyone.

Would you be able to wear a maxi dress?
Then you can always pull it up a bit if your legs are hot when you’re sat down.

Original poster
itsjustthepricewepay · 26/05/2026 17:11

MyEasterBonnet · 26/05/2026 17:10

Just wear what you want then and if you get pulled, ask for someone higher than her to explain why it’s inappropriate.

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I’m tempted to. I have a really nice nobody’s child knee length dress that would be perfect for this weather but for some reason she’s decided it’s not appropriate

OP posts:
SDTGisAnEvilWolefGenius · 26/05/2026 17:11

But £20 for one dress is no more expensive than other dresses, @itsjustthepricewepay. If you can sew, buy 3m of cotton fabric from Pound a Metre and make a skirt - pleat the front, elasticated the back, no pattern needed - it’s what I do.

MyEasterBonnet · 26/05/2026 17:10

itsjustthepricewepay · 26/05/2026 17:00

The wording on dresses is that they are to be an “appropriate length”, so I guess it’s her choice

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Just wear what you want then and if you get pulled, ask for someone higher than her to explain why it’s inappropriate.

Original poster
itsjustthepricewepay · 26/05/2026 17:10

SlashBeef · 26/05/2026 17:09

Surely you dont think the top is appropriate. It looks like the type of top you'd mooch around the garden or clean in.
I dont think theres anything inappropriate about knees or shoulders but work clothing should be in generally good condition and tidy!

It is in good condition and tidy. The neckline is a little puckered but that’s it.

OP posts:
SlashBeef · 26/05/2026 17:09

Surely you dont think the top is appropriate. It looks like the type of top you'd mooch around the garden or clean in.
I dont think theres anything inappropriate about knees or shoulders but work clothing should be in generally good condition and tidy!

Original poster
itsjustthepricewepay · 26/05/2026 17:08

SDTGisAnEvilWolefGenius · 26/05/2026 17:07

I don’t think there is anything ‘elite’ about cotton clothes, @itsjustthepricewepay - I don’t think it is massively more expensive - in fact, I’ve just bought three cotton dresses for under £20 each. Plain cotton t shirts are easily available and inexpensive, and they wash and last well ime.

For me it’s the “oh just go and buy some natural fibres”, when they’re usually priced a lot higher than other clothes. Not all of us have ~£60 to drop on dresses

OP posts:
Original poster
itsjustthepricewepay · 26/05/2026 17:07

BiteSizedLife · 26/05/2026 17:06

I think it is this interaction that made it confusing as to whether or not you wore the shorts to work.

With regards to your thighs - nothing at all the matter with them. I wouldnt want to see Colin in accounts bare upper thighs either, though. Not unless we are at the bar, or BBQ or park etc... Or Nadia the 22 year old intern's. My colleagues probably dont want to see mine either. It's the office. It isnt YOUR body specifically.

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The one where I posted the vest and that poster proceeded to be incredibly rude to me? To the point other posters called them out too?

OP posts:
SDTGisAnEvilWolefGenius · 26/05/2026 17:07

I don’t think there is anything ‘elite’ about cotton clothes, @itsjustthepricewepay - I don’t think it is massively more expensive - in fact, I’ve just bought three cotton dresses for under £20 each. Plain cotton t shirts are easily available and inexpensive, and they wash and last well ime.

BiteSizedLife · 26/05/2026 17:06

itsjustthepricewepay · 26/05/2026 17:00

I didn’t say I would wear the shorts to work!!!!

Not that I see an issue with it. What’s inappropriate about my thighs?

Show quote history

I think it is this interaction that made it confusing as to whether or not you wore the shorts to work.

With regards to your thighs - nothing at all the matter with them. I wouldnt want to see Colin in accounts bare upper thighs either, though. Not unless we are at the bar, or BBQ or park etc... Or Nadia the 22 year old intern's. My colleagues probably dont want to see mine either. It's the office. It isnt YOUR body specifically.

My manager has banned all vests, skirts and shorts
BIossomtoes · 26/05/2026 17:05

GhoulWithADragonTattoo · 26/05/2026 17:00

I agree with no vests or shorts they look very unprofessional. You can wear a dress with short sleeves or short sleeved top with a skirts. Sounds fine to me. I guess it’s harder for men…

Not really - the shops are full of light linen trousers and short sleeve shirts for men. Men who live in hot countries seem to manage to dress appropriately for work.

ThisOneLife · 26/05/2026 17:04

polarbert · 26/05/2026 16:53

Why are bare shoulders unprofessional? Genuine question.

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If it’s suitable for beachwear it’s not sufficiently professional for work.

Original poster
itsjustthepricewepay · 26/05/2026 17:04

ThisOneLife · 26/05/2026 17:03

YUBU

Loose clothing in light natural fabrics is much more comfortable than vest tops, shirt skirts and shorts anyway.
There’s a reason ppl who live in the Midfle East dress the way they do!

I’m so sick of people saying about natural fibres, it just reeks of elitism

OP posts:
ThisOneLife · 26/05/2026 17:03

YUBU

Loose clothing in light natural fabrics is much more comfortable than vest tops, shirt skirts and shorts anyway.
There’s a reason ppl who live in the Midfle East dress the way they do!

Original poster
itsjustthepricewepay · 26/05/2026 17:00

BiteSizedLife · 26/05/2026 17:00

Top is fine.

Striped thin material Shorts at that length are not. ETA - just seen you have clarified you dont wear the shorts to work

But then I wont even wear a silk camisole or blouse to the office because I dont want it to look like a PJ top 🤷🏼‍♀️ maybe i am too sensitive

In heatwaves in professional environments I sacrifice looking stylish but I don't sacrifice decorum if you see what I mean.

I avoid exposing more skin than appropriate (especially legs) and opt for flowy elasticated wide leg things from the garden centre and a short sleeve T shirt. Not the most stylish thing, but keeps everyone comfortable.

Edited

I didn’t say I would wear the shorts to work!!!!

Not that I see an issue with it. What’s inappropriate about my thighs?

OP posts:
GhoulWithADragonTattoo · 26/05/2026 17:00

I agree with no vests or shorts they look very unprofessional. You can wear a dress with short sleeves or short sleeved top with a skirts. Sounds fine to me. I guess it’s harder for men…

BiteSizedLife · 26/05/2026 17:00

Top is fine.

Striped thin material Shorts at that length are not. ETA - just seen you have clarified you dont wear the shorts to work

But then I wont even wear a silk camisole or blouse to the office because I dont want it to look like a PJ top 🤷🏼‍♀️ maybe i am too sensitive

In heatwaves in professional environments I sacrifice looking stylish but I don't sacrifice decorum if you see what I mean.

I avoid exposing more skin than appropriate (especially legs) and opt for flowy elasticated wide leg things from the garden centre and a short sleeve T shirt. Not the most stylish thing, but keeps everyone comfortable.

Original poster
itsjustthepricewepay · 26/05/2026 17:00

MyEasterBonnet · 26/05/2026 16:59

If it’s NHS, can she just make the rules up on uniform? Can’t you go higher?

The wording on dresses is that they are to be an “appropriate length”, so I guess it’s her choice

OP posts:
MyEasterBonnet · 26/05/2026 16:59

If it’s NHS, can she just make the rules up on uniform? Can’t you go higher?

Original poster
itsjustthepricewepay · 26/05/2026 16:59

Bert2e · 26/05/2026 16:57

That outfit is for the beach not work! Today I've been in long trousers, trainers and a lab coat all needed for PPE so no sympathy from me

I NEVER SAID I WANT TO WEAR THE SHORTS TO WORK!!!!

OP posts:
Bert2e · 26/05/2026 16:57

That outfit is for the beach not work! Today I've been in long trousers, trainers and a lab coat all needed for PPE so no sympathy from me

polarbert · 26/05/2026 16:53

AnnaQuayRules · 26/05/2026 16:50

I think bare shoulders are completely unprofessional in an office setting, so I agree with banning vests, sleeveless dresses etc.

Knee length skirts and shorts, if smart, should be fine.

Why are bare shoulders unprofessional? Genuine question.