Sleeveless top for work - yes or no

[FallenFigs]

i work in an office. SME not corporate.

is it appropriate to wear a sleeveless top or dress, or not?

A colleague was today and I certainly didn’t think it looked inappropriate, but in my head I don’t think I’d be comfortable. And no way would a guy do it. Seems unfair they are generally still in trousers and shirts (albeit short sleeved) whilst the women are in dresses.

would you, or not?

I worked at Richards Shops in the 1980s and the staff handbook stated that legs should ‘tanned and hair free’!!!

How on Earth did they expect legs in the UK to be tanned?!

Fine if it's like the ones posted.

if the men don't like the dress code I'm sure they can speak up for themselves.

How on Earth did they expect legs in the UK to be tanned?!

It was the 1980s. We were all on sunbeds. 😁

Senior management and I wear sleeveless silk blouses regularly. Wore a sleeveless shirt dress today. Unless it’s an ultra conservative workplace I don’t see any problem with it.

shift dress

When I was in a very senior, high level post I would wear smart sleeveless shift dresses, with a jacket or cardigan if necessary. I always wore tights.

Tights in this weather?! I think I’d be looking for a new job if my office required women to wear tights in 30 degree heat.

It's a no in my workplace.
However, I think the rule was made to stop rather large ladies wearing sleeveless tops which were inappropriate looking, rather than single people out, a blanket rule was made. Health care manager. Sleeveless tops are OK if you're under 55 and below a size 14 , otherwise it's not a good look in the office.
No jeans / leggings / chinos / allowed either 😏

Sleeveless top and light open blouse/cardigan on top. Short sleeved cardigan might work

I do now but I had to overcome my misgivings - when I started work in a very traditional law firm, we weren't allowed bare arms, bare legs (we had to wear tights) or sandals. Or even trousers to start with.

I don't think you need to worry about the men though. They do fine.

Under 55 and below a size 14? So only young thin women can be comfortable in the heat?!

I do find having children around is a useful reminder that a lot of rules about appropriateness are rubbish. My son fairly often asks “why?” when informed of this sort of thing. What’s wrong with arms? Or armpits for that matter? Same as how putting your elbows on the dinner table or wearing a hat indoors is considered rude just because at some point someone decided it was.

I got hot hot hot 🥵
teaching in a posh school reception I’d wear vest tops but with a jacket to grab for out of the classroom.
Charity now and vest top/ shorts/ blouse/ floaty dress.
Did I mention I run hot 🥵

What about a one-sleeve dress?
Then everybody's happy assuming they position themselves correctly.

This is interesting, lots of different perspectives.

in my first corporate job, we had a dress code that said no sleeveless tops for men and women. This was 20 years ago but I’m quite a young, dynamic company. So I guess that’s stuck.

I’m not concerned about the men as such, I know they can speak up for themselves. But, they can also wear sleeveless tops out of work (if they chose to) and yet if I saw a man with one on at work I’d be horrified! Hence my comparison!

In the end I worse a long maxi dress that has wide coverage of shoulder. Still freaking hot!

I would eat it again but in truth felt more comfortable the day before with a T shirt and wide leg floaty trousers.

I actually find that having my armpits uncovered makes me more sweaty than having cool cotton next to them.

The patriarchy at work as usual. Having worked at home for years, I had forgotten about this particular joy.

Wear what makes you comfortable, what fits the company ethos (if absolutely unavoidable) but don't boil because Mister/Madam Big Boss is still floating around in the 1980s.

I find my bra straps always seem to show at the back on a sleeveless top