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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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 16:51

Leopardprintbikini · 26/05/2026 16:50

You wore that to work? The neck is all stretched out, it looks like it's been through the wash with dark clothes, and it needs ironing. Even the most casual of workplaces like CEX for example would have a word. K

Show quote history

No, I didn’t.

But don’t be fucking rude when I’ve said I made it myself, it’s ivory not white and I like it.

OP posts:
TheMimsy · 26/05/2026 16:51

@itsjustthepricewepay if you are in the nhs then I’d be having a word with HR especially as you are not in public facing roles.

has she made concessions for the heat such as providing fans/adding shades to windows etc? Doubt it.

get yea to hr. Just been listening to a podcast about the number of illnesses and deaths caused by the heat last year and how air con is becoming a thing most employers should invest in. And how they are asking the working guidelines to include a max temp that folks should be expected to work in.

id be fiddling with her air con so it doesn’t work - see how she likes them apples.
good luck.

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.

Leopardprintbikini · 26/05/2026 16:50

itsjustthepricewepay · 26/05/2026 14:21

Again I don’t see anything wrong with this top myself, I think it would be fine for work?

You wore that to work? The neck is all stretched out, it looks like it's been through the wash with dark clothes, and it needs ironing. Even the most casual of workplaces like CEX for example would have a word. K

polarbert · 26/05/2026 16:50

placemats · 26/05/2026 16:49

So why don't you just go in wearing a bikini with a sarong?

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Probably wearing what's comfortable...

placemats · 26/05/2026 16:49

AfraidToRun · 26/05/2026 16:44

I wear strappy tops to work and above knee skirts, it's 35 degrees in our office. I get so hot I get dizzy and regularly need to step outside to cool down as the humidity in the office is worse.

If HR want to drag me into a meeting fine by me but then I'll just work from my much cooler house until that becomes a problem too... If they won't make the office a responsible temperature I won't dress "responsibly".

So why don't you just go in wearing a bikini with a sarong?

BiteSizedLife · 26/05/2026 16:49

So i guess you're going to wear cropped wide legged trousers then?! 😅

Show her the label/tag that says TROUSERS

Original poster
itsjustthepricewepay · 26/05/2026 16:48

Thiswasanescapeplan · 26/05/2026 16:42

If she's working on the GB sewing bee then okay, we'll let the chap with the moustache and the sewing-Mary-Berry lady deliver their verdict

But that's one hell of a job- a sewing bee-NHS mash up

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I’m not, I’ll admit it’s a little messy but it was my first attempt at a top, and at bias binding. I think in general I’ve decided tops aren’t worth the time as the cotton jersey is so expensive, but im still proud of it!

OP posts:
AfraidToRun · 26/05/2026 16:44

I wear strappy tops to work and above knee skirts, it's 35 degrees in our office. I get so hot I get dizzy and regularly need to step outside to cool down as the humidity in the office is worse.

If HR want to drag me into a meeting fine by me but then I'll just work from my much cooler house until that becomes a problem too... If they won't make the office a responsible temperature I won't dress "responsibly".

Pineapplewhip · 26/05/2026 16:43

Sounds very over the top - however - I love my floaty trousers from H&M. They were 12.99 and I've bought 4 pairs in 3 different colours! Much better for the heat than a dress or skirt - ewe thigh sweat.

RichardMarxisinnocent · 26/05/2026 16:43

CuntOfTheLitter · 26/05/2026 13:42

nah. Bare shoulders at work in an office environment are just too casual come on- most people will just turn up looking like they’re off to the beach.

But who does she think she is banning perfectly acceptable clothing that you could wear anywhere?

I worked in corporate in Spain and in summer people always had smart t shirts etc on - no vests anywhere and wore whatever they liked on the bottom part… proper clothes. I realise most uk people will probably only have casual hot weather clothing but I still can not believe that she’s being that interfering.

I have 2 tops which I wear for work which expose my shoulders and neither is remotely casual. One is a white stiffish cotton button up shirt with collar, so pretty formal, the other a black jersey cotton with a sheer black layer over the top. I'd look utterly ridiculous wearing either of them to the beach.

Jenkibuble · 26/05/2026 16:42

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!

I really feel for you . I am wearing a sleeveless dress (no bra) and sliders today. Not customer facing .

My bro in law worked in the city and could dress casually - shorts /polo shirt (when not client facing)

Surely, comfy and cool staff are more productive !

Thiswasanescapeplan · 26/05/2026 16:42

placemats · 26/05/2026 16:35

😀😀😀

I mean the t shirt wouldn't get the OP through the preliminary rounds of the Great British Sewing Bee.

Show quote history

If she's working on the GB sewing bee then okay, we'll let the chap with the moustache and the sewing-Mary-Berry lady deliver their verdict

But that's one hell of a job- a sewing bee-NHS mash up

Original poster
itsjustthepricewepay · 26/05/2026 16:41

AssessmentCancelled · 26/05/2026 16:37

She isn’t on the sewing bee.

Do you make mean comments like this in real life or do you just get your petty kicks online?

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Just unnecessary isn’t it to be honest? I think it’s nice and that’s what matters to me:)

OP posts:
placemats · 26/05/2026 16:41

AssessmentCancelled · 26/05/2026 16:37

She isn’t on the sewing bee.

Do you make mean comments like this in real life or do you just get your petty kicks online?

Show quote history

The OP asked twice about the top being fine and what was wrong with it. If you ask for an opinion expect an honest answer. It's kind and helpful.

Perfectly fine for the corner shop, leisure and bedtime. Not the office.

AssessmentCancelled · 26/05/2026 16:37

placemats · 26/05/2026 16:35

😀😀😀

I mean the t shirt wouldn't get the OP through the preliminary rounds of the Great British Sewing Bee.

Show quote history

She isn’t on the sewing bee.

Do you make mean comments like this in real life or do you just get your petty kicks online?

MyDeftDuck · 26/05/2026 16:37

Personally, I’d go long and loose! Like a kaftan with a cap sleeve perhaps. I don’t think shorts are particularly cool, fabric around the crotch is sweat inducing anyway. What does she wear ?

placemats · 26/05/2026 16:36

MeltyMomenrs · 26/05/2026 16:32

How rude. The OP hasn't asked for your opinion on her top.

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She did though.

Original poster
itsjustthepricewepay · 26/05/2026 16:36

AssessmentCancelled · 26/05/2026 16:36

OP what would she actually do if you wore the top and a skirt tomorrow? Could she really sack you? Have you discussed your concerns with her?

The image of her sitting in her air-conditioning office, reminds me of PE in the 70s. While we were sent outside wearing a hideous Airtex top and a tiny skirt in the snow, whilst the PE teachers stood there in tracksuits and padded jackets!

Anyway, hopefully it will be cooler tomorrow!

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Get me to Thursday!!!

OP posts:
Original poster
itsjustthepricewepay · 26/05/2026 16:36

placemats · 26/05/2026 16:35

😀😀😀

I mean the t shirt wouldn't get the OP through the preliminary rounds of the Great British Sewing Bee.

Show quote history

And that’s fine. I enjoy it and that’s all that matters to me.

OP posts:
AssessmentCancelled · 26/05/2026 16:36

itsjustthepricewepay · 26/05/2026 16:30

I made that myself, so thanks.

I said multiple times the bottoms aren’t for work. They’re nice striped shorts, but I wouldn’t wear them to work.

Show quote history

OP what would she actually do if you wore the top and a skirt tomorrow? Could she really sack you? Have you discussed your concerns with her?

The image of her sitting in her air-conditioning office, reminds me of PE in the 70s. While we were sent outside wearing a hideous Airtex top and a tiny skirt in the snow, whilst the PE teachers stood there in tracksuits and padded jackets!

Anyway, hopefully it will be cooler tomorrow!

placemats · 26/05/2026 16:35

Thiswasanescapeplan · 26/05/2026 16:31

"with all due respect" is the warning sign for someone about to say something with no respect. Your outfit was fine op.

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😀😀😀

I mean the t shirt wouldn't get the OP through the preliminary rounds of the Great British Sewing Bee.

Miranda65 · 26/05/2026 16:35

She's right. Vests and shorts are awful.
Ankle length trousers are fine - I'm wearing them now, just thin cotton ones. I would always wear loose, floaty trousers in a very hot country - not only are they more respectful, they're actually cooler than skimpy outfits.

Original poster
itsjustthepricewepay · 26/05/2026 16:34

OtterandaRock · 26/05/2026 16:32

Assuming this thread is not a way to harass a manager of a different religion/ethnicity/culture or indirectly bash 'modest' women...
...why do you wear perfume every day in a healthcare setting and against the dress code @itsjustthepricewepay?

Not ok.

I don’t come into contact with patients. I’m in an office. I like to smell nice.

OP posts:
Original poster
itsjustthepricewepay · 26/05/2026 16:34

placemats · 26/05/2026 16:31

It's what they look like. Seriously you cannot see that?

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I think they look perfectly fine, I’d worn them the day prior too and think it looks fine!

My manager has banned all vests, skirts and shorts
OP posts: