My manager has banned all vests, skirts and shorts

Because exposed armpits smell worse than ones wrapped in polyester?

Summer has happened every year since the end of the ice age. The impact of the climate crisis has been felt for at least 20 years.

Changing expectations about what is acceptable to wear in an office should have been done long before anyone started buying summer clothes, at the very least.

Also, without asking the OPs job, I wonder if for part of this week it could have been done from home?

I don’t like seeing armpit hair on men or women - and if it is sweaty, I like it even less - but that is completely a ‘me’ problem, and I simply don’t have to look.

Perfume can trigger migraines and other conditions in some people. That's why some workplaces request that people not use it. The last several conferences I have attended had guidelines suggesting that people not wear perfume.

Feels mad to me you’re so bothered about it when it sounds like you have quite a sedentary job anyway? Does a tshirt sleeve really make you that much hotter? My uniform remains the same whether it’s summer or winter, we don’t have air con and I just don’t see the huge issue?

I wore shorts with my NHS tunic today but they were knee length as per dress policy and I shaved my legs.
I wear llama leggings cropped joggers. They look very smart in black. Worn with smart black clogs and trainer socks. So much cooler than my normal trousers and trainers and totally dress code.

They aren't. Your clothing has absolutely no bearing on your ability to do your job unless it's safety equipment like a fire fighter. Folk just get their knickers (or bloomers as I guessing knickers are somehow inappropriate) in a twist for nothing. Who actually gives a shit about a shoulder or a knee being visible 😂

I suppose some women must work in the heat of the day?

You would rather quit than wear short sleeves and a slightly longer skirt?

Sigh….

Some strange responses on here from people who are against wearing lighter clothing during a heatwave in an a hot office... I wonder if some people are self conscious in how they look and are projecting their insecurities on others?

I find the word “frock” charming. It elevates the ordinary.

Both matter in a work context surely you can see that?

Much too beachy casual.

I completely agree with her on vests, not professional in a work environment but T shirts or capped sleeves should be fine and you are literally talking about an inch or two of extra material on your shoulders. Not sure why she would have a problem with skirts to the knee though. Short skirts I can understand. Dresses to the knee are also perfectly acceptable imo I would just call sick saying the heat in the office has given you a migraine and you can’t possibly come to work until it’s worn off (which will coincide with the weather cooling down!) as a migraine sufferer if I worked in a boiling hot office I would definitely be vomiting and unable to lift my head/ open my eyes from a crippling migraine

We also used to shit in holes in the ground. It's okay for things to move on.

A few people have made this argument on this thread. It boils down to:

1. Some people might stretch the rules and wear clothes which are too casual to work
2. This would cause no actual harm, the roles we’re talking about aren’t customer facing
3. It would however require managers getting involved in explanations and possibly arguments
4. It would be unreasonable to expect managers to manage, so instead they need to have a blanket ban on perfectly reasonable clothes for all employees on the basis that sleeveless tops or sandals are a slippery slope to bikini tops and hotpants in the office.

so you don't see the public...she has an airconditioned office....it was 35degs in London yesterday....What is her problem? Totally unnecessary. No-one is suggesting you turn up in beach wear but for goodness' sake, where is her humanity? Loose fitting linen dresses should be fine, no? Thank god I don't work in an office environment. People lose their shit over body parts, it's ridiculous.

We didn’t have global warming so much then either!

I know, right?!

WTF - armpit hair inappropriate??!! 🤣🤣🤣
Oh good lord! What is it with people and YOUR NATURAL FUCKING STATE OF BEING?

True, but we didn’t moan about the weather so much.

The bottom line is you need to comply with the written dress code NOT your managers mad ramblings

I would literally wear sandals (not prohibited), a knee length skirt (not prohibited) and your t shirt (AGAIN, not prohibited).

Any attempt at being told off I would send an email copying in HR stating your complying with the dress code.

I literally wouldn’t put up with this, it’s too hot and you’re a fucking adult who can read a clothing policy.

Basically, fuck that fucking shit.

So what?

Strappy vest tops being banned is reasonable, and short shorts. But banning shorts and skirts above the knee in general is crazy!

Below finger tip length is generally acceptable.

I think your top is lovely and well done for making it. Screw what everyone else thinks and wear what you like, if it makes you feel good then all the better!
Your boss is being a dick! This heat is not easy on anyone, they could turn a blind eye temporarily. (I work for healthcare too).