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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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WhatAMarvelousTune · 26/05/2026 13:39

OldCrohn · 26/05/2026 13:36

That's a fairly run of the mill expectation I think. We have a team of 50ish and no dress code, yet only the 1 young girl that is always looking a bit inappropriately address for the environment is doing any of these today.

I don’t think I’d describe banning knee length skirts as a standard “run of the mill” expectation. It sounds weirdly strict to me.
This outfit wouldn’t be allowed?

My manager has banned all vests, skirts and shorts
Original poster
itsjustthepricewepay · 26/05/2026 13:39

Tabarnak · 26/05/2026 13:37

What about dresses? Banning skirts is bizarre.

Vests: I think depends on the work environment and public involvement.

We don’t see the public at all

OP posts:
Lahsania · 26/05/2026 13:38

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

titchy · 26/05/2026 13:38

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

Sittingonthefence83 · 26/05/2026 13:38

I sympathise 😞 I’d hate to have to wear trousers as all I wear are skirts and skirts on the knee don’t flatter me at all.

Why no sleeveless tops either though? Does she hate peoples upper arms?

Tabarnak · 26/05/2026 13:37

What about dresses? Banning skirts is bizarre.

Vests: I think depends on the work environment and public involvement.

OldCrohn · 26/05/2026 13:36

That's a fairly run of the mill expectation I think. We have a team of 50ish and no dress code, yet only the 1 young girl that is always looking a bit inappropriately address for the environment is doing any of these today.

BridgetJonesV2 · 26/05/2026 13:36

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

C17GLD · 26/05/2026 13:35

I don't understand what's wrong with any of it. Even strap vests. Yes consider leaving, she sounds like a total control freak.

AnneElliott · 26/05/2026 13:35

I can understand banning shorts - no one wants to see people dressed for the beach. But knee length skirts seem a bit harsh! What do you normally Elly wear and are there any H&S considerations?

When I worked in a lab, we had to we’re gowns and masks whatever the temp but were a bowed cycling shorts and a vest top underneath as long as no one outside staff members saw you looking like that.

Original poster
itsjustthepricewepay · 26/05/2026 13:34

CuntOfTheLitter · 26/05/2026 13:33

Well she’s right shout the vests which are always awful but bloody
wrong everything else.

she sack you though

just go on wearing what you NEED

Edited

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

OP posts:
CuntOfTheLitter · 26/05/2026 13:33

Well she’s right shout the vests which are always awful but bloody
wrong everything else.

she sack you though

just go on wearing what you NEED