My manager has banned all vests, skirts and shorts

[itsjustthepricewepay]

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!

I really feel for you . I am wearing a sleeveless dress (no bra) and sliders today. Not customer facing .

My bro in law worked in the city and could dress casually - shorts /polo shirt (when not client facing)

Surely, comfy and cool staff are more productive !

I have 2 tops which I wear for work which expose my shoulders and neither is remotely casual. One is a white stiffish cotton button up shirt with collar, so pretty formal, the other a black jersey cotton with a sheer black layer over the top. I'd look utterly ridiculous wearing either of them to the beach.

Sounds very over the top - however - I love my floaty trousers from H&M. They were 12.99 and I've bought 4 pairs in 3 different colours! Much better for the heat than a dress or skirt - ewe thigh sweat.

I wear strappy tops to work and above knee skirts, it's 35 degrees in our office. I get so hot I get dizzy and regularly need to step outside to cool down as the humidity in the office is worse.

If HR want to drag me into a meeting fine by me but then I'll just work from my much cooler house until that becomes a problem too... If they won't make the office a responsible temperature I won't dress "responsibly".

I’m not, I’ll admit it’s a little messy but it was my first attempt at a top, and at bias binding. I think in general I’ve decided tops aren’t worth the time as the cotton jersey is so expensive, but im still proud of it!

So i guess you're going to wear cropped wide legged trousers then?! 😅

Show her the label/tag that says TROUSERS

So why don't you just go in wearing a bikini with a sarong?

Probably wearing what's comfortable...

You wore that to work? The neck is all stretched out, it looks like it's been through the wash with dark clothes, and it needs ironing. Even the most casual of workplaces like CEX for example would have a word. K

I think bare shoulders are completely unprofessional in an office setting, so I agree with banning vests, sleeveless dresses etc.

Knee length skirts and shorts, if smart, should be fine.

@itsjustthepricewepay if you are in the nhs then I’d be having a word with HR especially as you are not in public facing roles.

has she made concessions for the heat such as providing fans/adding shades to windows etc? Doubt it.

get yea to hr. Just been listening to a podcast about the number of illnesses and deaths caused by the heat last year and how air con is becoming a thing most employers should invest in. And how they are asking the working guidelines to include a max temp that folks should be expected to work in.

id be fiddling with her air con so it doesn’t work - see how she likes them apples.
good luck.

No, I didn’t.

But don’t be fucking rude when I’ve said I made it myself, it’s ivory not white and I like it.

Why are bare shoulders unprofessional? Genuine question.

That outfit is for the beach not work! Today I've been in long trousers, trainers and a lab coat all needed for PPE so no sympathy from me

I NEVER SAID I WANT TO WEAR THE SHORTS TO WORK!!!!

If it’s NHS, can she just make the rules up on uniform? Can’t you go higher?

Top is fine.

Striped thin material Shorts at that length are not. ETA - just seen you have clarified you dont wear the shorts to work

But then I wont even wear a silk camisole or blouse to the office because I dont want it to look like a PJ top 🤷🏼‍♀️ maybe i am too sensitive

In heatwaves in professional environments I sacrifice looking stylish but I don't sacrifice decorum if you see what I mean.

I avoid exposing more skin than appropriate (especially legs) and opt for flowy elasticated wide leg things from the garden centre and a short sleeve T shirt. Not the most stylish thing, but keeps everyone comfortable.

The wording on dresses is that they are to be an “appropriate length”, so I guess it’s her choice

I agree with no vests or shorts they look very unprofessional. You can wear a dress with short sleeves or short sleeved top with a skirts. Sounds fine to me. I guess it’s harder for men…

I didn’t say I would wear the shorts to work!!!!

Not that I see an issue with it. What’s inappropriate about my thighs?

YUBU

Loose clothing in light natural fabrics is much more comfortable than vest tops, shirt skirts and shorts anyway.
There’s a reason ppl who live in the Midfle East dress the way they do!

I’m so sick of people saying about natural fibres, it just reeks of elitism

If it’s suitable for beachwear it’s not sufficiently professional for work.

Not really - the shops are full of light linen trousers and short sleeve shirts for men. Men who live in hot countries seem to manage to dress appropriately for work.

I think it is this interaction that made it confusing as to whether or not you wore the shorts to work.

With regards to your thighs - nothing at all the matter with them. I wouldnt want to see Colin in accounts bare upper thighs either, though. Not unless we are at the bar, or BBQ or park etc... Or Nadia the 22 year old intern's. My colleagues probably dont want to see mine either. It's the office. It isnt YOUR body specifically.