Page 30 | My manager has banned all vests, skirts and shorts

itsjustthepricewepay · 2026-05-26T12:32:19+00:00

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!

Newyearawaits · 26/05/2026 13:51

itsjustthepricewepay · 26/05/2026 13:45

I’m nhs too.

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Well there should be a dress code policy that your manager can refer to. It isn't up to your manager to set the rules.

ToffeePennie · 26/05/2026 13:51

I will be returning to work in health care next week. I will be wearing a tshirt, a tunic top and leggings plus a jumper if it’s too cold.
Why can’t you wear your usual trousers and top/blouse? What’s the rationale?

Johnogroats · 26/05/2026 13:51

It does seem an overreaction. Surely there’s a discussion to be had. Can you speak to HR?

Original poster

itsjustthepricewepay · 26/05/2026 13:49

CoverLikelyZebra · 26/05/2026 13:47

Fine for the beach or park, inappropriate for office wear. And likewise any clothing on the lower body that leaves knees uncovered while sitting is inappropriate for office wear. The same is true for either sex. Yabu. Of course you aren't limited to sweltering clothes. There are plenty of options in thin breathable natural fabrics. There are loads of countries where it is at least this hot all.the time and covering up to the ankle and wrist is normal and the people there aren't sweltering all the time they are wearing clothes that are appropriate

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Why are my shoulders or knees “inappropriate”? I just don’t get it 😂

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ClaudiaWankleman · 26/05/2026 13:48

Almost every man in an office today is wearing trousers and has the top of their arms and shoulders covered. You will survive just fine and are being dramatic.

I do think skirts and nice vest tops are always office appropriate though.

Original poster

itsjustthepricewepay · 26/05/2026 13:48

ThisCoolOliveHiker · 26/05/2026 13:47

OP please answer the question, are you permitted to wear dresses or skirts which end below the knee? Your Header says all skirts are banned, but your post says in those that are shorter or on the knee? Which is it?

It’s unclear. She’s suggested ankle length is “most appropriate”

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SherbetDipDap · 26/05/2026 13:47

itsjustthepricewepay · 26/05/2026 13:45

I’m nhs too.

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What does your Trust’s hot weather policy say? Our landing page has a massive banner declaring that smart shorts are fine as per the extreme weather policy (or something like that).

CoverLikelyZebra · 26/05/2026 13:47

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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Fine for the beach or park, inappropriate for office wear. And likewise any clothing on the lower body that leaves knees uncovered while sitting is inappropriate for office wear. The same is true for either sex. Yabu. Of course you aren't limited to sweltering clothes. There are plenty of options in thin breathable natural fabrics. There are loads of countries where it is at least this hot all.the time and covering up to the ankle and wrist is normal and the people there aren't sweltering all the time they are wearing clothes that are appropriate

ThisCoolOliveHiker · 26/05/2026 13:47

OP please answer the question, are you permitted to wear dresses or skirts which end below the knee? Your Header says all skirts are banned, but your post says in those that are shorter or on the knee? Which is it?

mumofoneAloneandwell · 26/05/2026 13:47

Meadowfinch · 26/05/2026 13:45

😂😂

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😫😫

Incase nobody has been able to guess - i cannot bear the heat

Monty36 · 26/05/2026 13:46

What you wear at work should reflect the business and organisation you work in.
Knee length skirts should be acceptable in most places in the UK.
Vest tops no. Shorts no.
I would go back and ask about the skirts.

mumofoneAloneandwell · 26/05/2026 13:46

What kind of bizzare sadistic manager do you have?! Who cares, its literally too hot to care about what people are wearing 🙄

665theneighborofthebeast · 26/05/2026 13:46

The question is
Customer facing...? Then Smart because it reflects on company values etc. this should have been stated at time of employment.
Non customer facing. Get to fuck .
Phone the union. Sudden changes in working conditions constitute a violation of contract. Written or not.

Original poster

itsjustthepricewepay · 26/05/2026 13:45

SherbetDipDap · 26/05/2026 13:45

What are these jobs that you need to look so smart for?

I’m in an NHS role and I’m wearing a floaty above the knee smock dress (with shorts for sweaty leg chafing , not modesty), my boss is wearing long shorts and a cap sleeved blouse, our admin assistant is in a loose kaftan style top and 3/4 lengths, and my other colleagues out on visits/clinics are in a selection of dresses/skirts/shorts with and without sleeves. To my knowledge, none of our clients have complained or died of shock.

would you honestly care if your doctor/lawyer/bank manager/whoever was dressed practically and comfortably but was doing a good job?

I’m nhs too.

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Meadowfinch · 26/05/2026 13:45

mumofoneAloneandwell · 26/05/2026 13:44

QUIT

😂😂

Iwanttobeafraser · 26/05/2026 13:45

I am quite conservative in terms of what I consider acceptable for work, so I also wouldn't approve of a vest style top or shorts (although I could probably be convinced that culotte style shorts are okay - albeit not for me!). But skirts above the knee is ridiculous?

SherbetDipDap · 26/05/2026 13:45

What are these jobs that you need to look so smart for?

I’m in an NHS role and I’m wearing a floaty above the knee smock dress (with shorts for sweaty leg chafing , not modesty), my boss is wearing long shorts and a cap sleeved blouse, our admin assistant is in a loose kaftan style top and 3/4 lengths, and my other colleagues out on visits/clinics are in a selection of dresses/skirts/shorts with and without sleeves. To my knowledge, none of our clients have complained or died of shock.

would you honestly care if your doctor/lawyer/bank manager/whoever was dressed practically and comfortably but was doing a good job?

mumofoneAloneandwell · 26/05/2026 13:44

QUIT

Meadowfinch · 26/05/2026 13:44

It sounds like you can wear maxi or midi skirts and dresses. Short sleeve blouses. Linen trousers.

I can understand why vests are banned. No-one wants to see other people's armpits. Nor bare thighs and cleavage. It's hardly professional.

Original poster

itsjustthepricewepay · 26/05/2026 13:43

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.

So what? It’s boiling and we don’t see members of the public

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andana · 26/05/2026 13:42

Cotton midi / maxi dress with short sleeves?

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.

WhatAMarvelousTune · 26/05/2026 13:41

Lahsania · 26/05/2026 13:38

Short sleeved frocks on the knee or below, then, really. Probably look professional and be comfortable.

But skirts that sit “at the knee” are banned, according to the OP. Knee length is a perfectly professional length. Longer can look less professional imo, mid calf etc is often more casual.

ByGraptharsHammer · 26/05/2026 13:41

Probably a mercy on people’s eyeballs. Buy a kaftan

Original poster

itsjustthepricewepay · 26/05/2026 13:39

titchy · 26/05/2026 13:38

Why can’t you wear below-knee skirts in a lightweight material? And capped sleeve tops?

The office is so hot that any extra clothing is unbearable. Like 10° hotter than outside

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