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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
AskingQuestionsAllTheTime · 26/05/2026 16:18

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!

Go in tomorrow wearing a kaftan. I am wearing those in this weather (and you can make them, easily, out of old single duvet covers, so they are really, really cheap).

MeltyMomenrs · 26/05/2026 16:17

Ineedanewsofa · 26/05/2026 16:04

There’s nothing wrong with knees or shoulders per se, what it does is provide some easily remembered, easily interpreted guidelines meaning managers don’t have to have ridiculous conversations with adults about clothing as soon as the sun comes out. No one is getting their ruler out to measure skirt length but equally everyone knows rocking up in a mini skirt/shorts is against dress code and will be brought up with them. Appropriate is too subjective to be consistently applied, especially since COVID altered so many people’s boundaries and removed their common sense/common decency

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I am 57, having worked in top accounting offices for decades, I really don't need your patronising explanation.

you obviously haven't read the thread.

Hadalifeonce · 26/05/2026 16:15

Coss posted with your list, OP

Hadalifeonce · 26/05/2026 16:14

I think I would be asking my manager to show me the written HR rules for the dress code.

Original poster
itsjustthepricewepay · 26/05/2026 16:13

SwatTheTwit · 26/05/2026 16:11

I take it shorts for men have been banned as well?

Nope

OP posts:
Original poster
itsjustthepricewepay · 26/05/2026 16:12

I’ve had a look at the policy:

• turn up tidy

• wear your ID

• keep hair tidy and tie it back if it’s longer than shoulder length (never done this ever)

• makeup to a minimum

• no perfume (again, I wear perfume everyday)

• the following is not acceptable clothing:

skirts/dresses with extreme slits
see through clothing
low cut necklines
tops or blouses that expose the midriff or shoulders
vest/undergarments/t shirts that are visible
t shirts with advertising
jeans
jogging bottoms

OP posts:
MeltyMomenrs · 26/05/2026 16:12

Boomer55 · 26/05/2026 16:02

Heatwaves here don’t last long. Either stick to the dress code or find another job.

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Or report the manager to HR for attempting to enforce a dress code because of her own beliefs/culture/preference when there is already a dress code.

SwatTheTwit · 26/05/2026 16:11

I take it shorts for men have been banned as well?

polarbert · 26/05/2026 16:11

owlpassport · 26/05/2026 16:08

Or is it because you work in a global corporate and people instinctively know what's appropriate? I think this might be one of those things where the more aspirational the job, the less of an issue this is. I work in the public sector and some people really push the dress code.

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Perhaps. I wear a lot of sleeveless dresses and blouses though when it's warm. As do many other women. I've never heard any comments about shoulders being a problem.

OriginalSkang · 26/05/2026 16:10

MeltyMomenrs · 26/05/2026 16:02

oh come on, you have to share now!!

im at home, there's a corner shop along the road, it has been like a Nike Advert all day. what little the teens are wearing is Nike Pro 😂

thankfully not many dogs being walked since about 9am, hopefully enjoying their doggy paddling pools in the shade!

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Its like this. Half the time you can see his nips!

He's studying a STEM subject, not sports science. If it matters!

My manager has banned all vests, skirts and shorts
Ablondiebutagoody · 26/05/2026 16:10

sweetpickle2 · 26/05/2026 15:39

Perhaps- but say someone's woken up to a heatwave, doesn't have that in their wardrobe, and its a choice between sweating in a suit or (shock horror) wearing shorts to the office... I know who I'd rather be sat next to.

(Signed, an ex-EA who spent many a hot summer sat in a stuffy boardroom next to a senior leader who'd sweat through his suit jacket and smelled like a charity shop)

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That's a very specific set of circumstances. It's trousers and a shirt. Nothing outlandish.

SDTGisAnEvilWolefGenius · 26/05/2026 16:09

A skirt just below knee length, and a t shirt with small cap sleeves might be within her guidelines, @itsjustthepricewepay, and cooler than trousers.

polarbert · 26/05/2026 16:09

WhatAMarvelousTune · 26/05/2026 13:51

Something that is basically a “t shirt with the sleeves cut off” is not inappropriate for workwear.

I saw my GP last week and she was wearing something similar to this. The idea that it’s inappropriate is weird. It’s totally fine.

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Why is that ok and a crew neck vest is not?

Genevieva · 26/05/2026 16:09

Wear something floaty with cap sleeves. Sometimes a bit more coverage with cool cotton or linen is more comfortable in the heat than beachwear.

Stressmummy12 · 26/05/2026 16:09

BridgetJonesV2 · 26/05/2026 13:36

Sorry but no one wants exposed arm pits out in this heat. I'm with her on that.

Oh get a grip if your washed clean and using the correct products armpits are fine. What a weird strange world we live in. I’d choose comfort any day

owlpassport · 26/05/2026 16:08

polarbert · 26/05/2026 16:03

I work in a global corporate and have never heard of bare shoulders being a problem. That sounds quite outdated?

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Or is it because you work in a global corporate and people instinctively know what's appropriate? I think this might be one of those things where the more aspirational the job, the less of an issue this is. I work in the public sector and some people really push the dress code.

MeltyMomenrs · 26/05/2026 16:07

itsjustthepricewepay · 26/05/2026 15:57

Why would I be doing that?

im sat here fucking boiling. It’s hot, all I want tomorrow is to wear a skirt and maybe some sandals, and my manager has said no. I’m fuming

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Wear what you want, tell her to stop making up uniform policy & to read your official uniform policy.

lovemelongtime · 26/05/2026 16:06

Not sure why no-one is saying but unless there is a dress code policy that you have agreed to add offset of your terms and conditions this cannot be enforced.

If I was you I'd ask to see the dress code policy and also the health and safety representative where you can report your working conditions.

Two can play at that game

DaffodilLill · 26/05/2026 16:05

Wearing tops with short sleeves won't make you much hotter.

Try linen - shirts, tops, etc with short sleeves.

I understand banning thin strapped vests but surely thick straps are fine?

I think the 'no vests' is to stop people moving boundaries.
One person might wear a sleeveless T shirt, another might wear something with spaghetti straps and show acres of flesh.

A blanket' ban' is easier to manage.
Likewise skirts- she doesn't want to see women wearing teeny short skirts so knee length and below is fine.

Midi and maxi skirts are the fashion now.
Linen trousers- wide or slightly cropped.
Dresses - short sleeves and midi length.

You sound as if you can't think of these options.

Wanting to cry and quit your job?
Is this not a bit dramatic simply because someone has asked you to wear a top with short sleeves that will not make the slightest difference to how hot you feel.

fasshionseeker · 26/05/2026 16:05

WhatAMarvelousTune · 26/05/2026 13:51

Something that is basically a “t shirt with the sleeves cut off” is not inappropriate for workwear.

I saw my GP last week and she was wearing something similar to this. The idea that it’s inappropriate is weird. It’s totally fine.

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@WhatAMarvelousTune I really like that top. Do you have a link to it please? Is it from a shopping site or just a file image?

cooliebrown · 26/05/2026 16:04

boss in aircon office dictating what people without aircon should wear during the hottest May for a million years. Yeah right. Get on to your union.

Ineedanewsofa · 26/05/2026 16:04

MeltyMomenrs · 26/05/2026 14:46

Why have knees suddenly becone an issue.

theyre just bloody joints in the middle of your legs , they'll be insisting elbows are covered next.

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There’s nothing wrong with knees or shoulders per se, what it does is provide some easily remembered, easily interpreted guidelines meaning managers don’t have to have ridiculous conversations with adults about clothing as soon as the sun comes out. No one is getting their ruler out to measure skirt length but equally everyone knows rocking up in a mini skirt/shorts is against dress code and will be brought up with them. Appropriate is too subjective to be consistently applied, especially since COVID altered so many people’s boundaries and removed their common sense/common decency

polarbert · 26/05/2026 16:03

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 work in a global corporate and have never heard of bare shoulders being a problem. That sounds quite outdated?

Natsku · 26/05/2026 16:03

I would definitely go to occupational health about the temperature you're expected to work in, it will be having an impact on your health. In my country, while there's no legal limit to workplace temperatures, employers must try and mitigate when temperatures exceed 28 degrees, and if they can't, then workers must be able to take a break every 45-50 minutes somewhere cooler.

This thread just reminded me of the one person I saw wearing a vest in my workplace (we're provided with long sleeve shirts because of chemicals), which he wore so that he could post in front of the mirror and admire his muscles Grin

NotKatnissEverdean · 26/05/2026 16:03

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.

Yes, we have just been to Spain and the men make a t-shirt look good.