My manager has banned all vests, skirts and shorts

What are the men wearing? If they are still expected to dress in shirts / trousers / chinos I don’t think it’s unreasonable to say to the women they are still expected to be reasonably covered - no sleeveless tops or above knee shorts and skirts is a fairly easy standard to follow. Still gives you plenty of cooler options - even though everyone is still dressed reasonably smartly in my office today the women look far cooler and happier in their dresses! Most have turned up in midi length shirt dresses or similar and bare legs, my boss looks lovely in smart tailored capri pants and a shirt.

That is absolutely ridiculous. I’ve worked in professional client facing roles all my life, and for at least the last decade knee length skirts and sleeveless tops in the summer have been perfectly appropriate. Things like this, for example, could not possibly be said to be inappropriate even in the very smartest setting. https://www.johnlewis.com/hobbs-sally-contrast-trim-shift-dress-navy-ivory/p113808334

I honestly thought there was a h&s directive that compelled employers to have an adequately temperatured work place. It's physically dangerous to work if it's too hot isn't it?

In an office etc. obviously welding, working in kitchens I guess maybe it's different? Idk what industry OP is in.

Yeah I was in the NHS ward for 5 weeks in the summer. They don't care how hot it is up there, they only care about the expensive machines in the basement!

Vests and shorts are generally inappropriate aside from very casual workplaces.

I would wear a t shirt or blouse with a knee/just past knee length skirt and see what she says.

@maddiemookins16mum. I’m wearing very similar, couple of inches longer and it’s perfect for a summers day in the office

Yep I can’t think straight to do a proper job when it’s above 80.

Honestly in this weather I wear lightweight full length dresses.

On a more serious note:

I understand banning vest tops, tbh. But sleeveless blouses as well? I often wear loose trousers, a sleeveless or short sleeve top and put on a matching blazer when / if necessary.

We‘re luckily allowed to wear sandals but I usually stick to close toed leather shoes (in case I have to meet clients on short notice).

Hairstyle is important imo. A tight ponytail ends up looking greasy (and puts on too much tension) and loose hair doesn’t work for me when it’s hot. So I end up with braids / braided updos…

Whilst I understand your frustration but long loose cotton trousers and tunics or loose long dresses are actually cooler than shorter clothes in my experience. I’ve been to very hot places (40c+) and surprisingly comfortable with the right clothing, I’m in a loose cotton dress today and it’s just fine (no air con)

What about dresses? I have this on in the office right now. I'd not be changing anything.

There isn't, but with global warming, I wonder if they might have to introduce one.

I remember working in an office in London in the summer of 2003 that had no air-con. It was 87, although I found it got unbearable at 83 for work.

I would focus on pushing for an air con unit rather than worry too much about the clothes.

I don't think short shorts are office appropriate but knee length shorts or skirts are fine in my opinion for men or women.

I disagree, because the dress code has to be the same for everyone. If a sleeveless top like that is ok for one person then it's ok for everyone, including people of either sex who choose not to shave their pits and will have underarm hair on display which is inappropriate in a professional environment. If shorts or shirts that stop before the knee are fine for one person they are fine for everyone including the person who is going to sit in such a way that there's a clear line of sight up the shorts leg to his bollock sack.

It's disingenuous to ask "why" bare shoulders and knees are inappropriate in a professional environment - every culture sets these standards by consensus - and yes there are some cultures where it's considered very rude to show any skin apart from your hands and we aren't that uptight, and other cultures where it's totally normal to be completely naked and that's not our culture either. A professional office environment is always a step ir two more formal and more smart than a casual relaxed situation and covering shoulders and knees is a perfectly normal and fairlt basic requirement that is much more relaxed today than it was 30 years ago.

The fact the manager said that ankle length skirts would be “most appropriate” suggests she somehow thinks there is something “less appropriate” about a mid calf length skirt. She doesn’t sound like someone who needs people to have been pushing their luck before she reacts.

Manager sounds insane! The shirt you’ve shown looks lovely and seems smart. I think the facilities room temp audit may be the way to go!

Last time I looked it up - I don’t think the legal protections around heat and the workplace are very strong because the law has to take into account industries such as glass blowing which would be very hot indeed. Suffice to say - The matron did NOT like the baby room thermometer I took in to say just how hot our ward was getting and could we please wear scrubs and not tights with our dresses! (And have our drinks at the desk)

You could show up in a burqa and see how she’d react? 😅

is there a maximum temperature that people are expected to work in? What temp does the office actually get to?

But you could wear skirts that are a little below the knee, yes? She hasn't banned skirts altogether.

A skirt that's in inch or two below the knee and a short-sleeved top or blouse should be OK and sounds cool enough for the office yet professional.

I like the way she's upholding standards. Otherwise everyone would be letting it all hang out, which she clearly wants to avoid.

I didn’t suggest extra clothing, just a longer lightweight floaty skirt and light short or cap sleeve top You don’t need to wear shorts or a vest to be cool, you need looser fitting clothes.

It does sound as if your manager is on a bit of a power trip, but given there are alternatives which are just as cool, I’m not sure this is a hill to die on.

@BillieWiper There is no maximum temperature (in law or in guidance) for UK workplaces, so no it couldn't be too hot to make people work. In addition, in the NHS there will be staff working in hot wards in full uniform (remember covid PPE anyone?!) doing manual handling work. The OP will be fine sitting in an office.

@itsjustthepricewepay You will be no warmer in a linen or cotton blouse with short sleeves. The fact the manager has had to make this statement suggests people have pushed their luck.

What bizarre rules. I’ve always worked in casual dress code offices, shorts (mainly the men) and vest tops were worn in the summer but everyone looked fine. If you don’t see the public or clients whats the issue?
Why do we need to dress smartly to sit in an office?

I was basing it on OP’s description of a t shirt with the sleeves cut off. She’s said this top is similar to the one she has and now is not allowed to wear.

But lots of people are saying showing shoulders/armpits is unsuitable so its potentially moot whether its a vest or a sleeveless blouse?