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

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?

Sigh….

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

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

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 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.

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?

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.

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.

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?

Because exposed armpits smell worse than ones wrapped in polyester?

I understand about tops which are see through or show bra straps or loads of boob. Doesn’t look professional.
knee length skirts though? Are you client facing ?

Take a fan in with you

For non-customer facing office job roles I think people should wear whatever they feel comfortable in, I'm really surprised at most people disagreeing on this thread. Quite patronising to 'ban' items of clothing. Only ever had that with strapless sandals, I think because of fire regulations?

I live in Germany where it's perfectly normal to wear jeans and a vest type shirt to work.

There's no logic. So no vests yet a sleeveless shift dress would be acceptable. Both show the same amount of armpit and banning knee length skirts is just bizarre. I'd gather up support from everyone else and all come in wearing a knee length skirt. What about culottes then? They're a form of shorts and has she laid down any rules about footwear? If she's that picky I would assume she's banned trainers and any footwear that leaves toes on display.

I once worked in a place that issued “summer dress code”

• no open toed sandals. Toes need to be covered.
• no trainers, no jeans
• all tops must have sleeve of some sort (even short cap sleeve is fine)
• men don’t need ties in the summer.
• all tops need a collar of some sort.
• no sports gear
• No shorts
• women not allowed skirts above the knee
• no visible tattoos or piercing
• no wacky hair cuts or strange colours, unless there’s a medical reason i.e chemo

Unfortunately I would not think this a good look for work. But do think it's unfair that the manager has air con and you don't.
I can imagine sleeveless tops might not be very welcome if any colleagues have a problem with personal freshness in the heat. Maybe that's why the manager thinks it fairer not to allow them?
Pity teachers in hot class rooms along with 30 hot kids, much of the time on their feet, not just sitting at a desk. Things could be worse!

You obviously are not a teacher ! All these were banned at my last school except skirts below the knee.

This is the norm for teachers!

The real question is - can she do this? Do you have to listen? What'll happen?

I'd call her bluff, turn up tomorrow in suitable summer attire.

OP - if you're NHS this is really straightforward. 1) The Trust will have a dress code policy, what does it say? It's not up to your manager to deviate from this policy, and 2) if there's an issue with the temperature in your specific building then facilities/H&S can advise specifically for this setting. In a previous role we were all sent to work in another setting- windows nailed shut and no air con in an old building X high temps meant the internal temperature of the building exceeding the Trust policy for temperature in an office space.

@itsjustthepricewepay I think your top looks very nice OP - and office-appropriate! Wish I could sew.

Have you considered just phoning in sick?

Is the companies dress code in the contract of employment? Cos if it is she's within her rights if it isn't I'd have something to say. However vests are better left to own time. They can be cropped, low cut, spaghetti straps, etc.. so no to those. And shorts can be a bit hit and miss depends on fabrics and the person wearing them plus the persons length preference might not be suitable for work.

How about something like a maxi dress? Sleeveless blouse with linen trousers?
Bikini? (Bet she never banned them 😂