Would you find this description of office wear offensive?

[Worldcup262]

If a colleague described female colleagues wearing more summer-like clothes (and naturally having more flesh on display) as ‘like an only fans parade’, would you expect this to be challenged? Or do you find it an acceptable description.

Depends on the outfits OP, can you describe them accurately?

I'm guessing short shorts, strappy sandals (instead of those you can walk miles in) and vest tops which spill out cleavages? In which case they have a point.

Various - a leather skirt, vests, someone had gym shorts on. There was a social after (bbq outside) for context.

When you say leather skirt, the length is surely relevant. I have a mid length one, it’s very professional but NOT summer atire- I wear it with tights and boots in autumn/winter…

Vests are hardly OF unless we’re talking low cut strappy vests in which case, they probably shouldn’t be worn in an office environment. Gym shorts is weird, why would that ever be appropriate at work unless you work in a gym?

I was prepared to say the colleagues remarks were out of line, but now you’ve clarified what was being worn, I think it possibly pushes the boundary of acceptable work-wear.

I've never seen only fans, but can only imagine. It's a snide comment to make. Is there a dress code for the place of work?

Gym shorts are definitely not appropriate office wear!

Vests and a leather skirt may not be, it depends on him skimpy they were. I'm beginning to see why the comment might have been made.

Were they saying the clothes/outfits were like/appropriate for only fans?
Or were they saying the wearers should be on only fans?

Well it sounds like maybe he had a point, but I think there’s unprofessional behaviour on both sides here.

'And you like like an Only Fans John, sweating away in that cheap-looking suit, all alone. Offended? Then don't liken colleagues to porn sites.'

Or just 'Try to at least pretend to be professional, luv.'

Someone came to work in my very professional office in a backless low cut crop top. It was definitely more fitting of an only fans photoshoot than office wear, so I don’t think it would have been inappropriate in that context, it would have been true.

The lady’s manager did use more tactful language when explaining to her that it was inappropriate though.

This has just reminded me of when DH’s office halted their ‘dress down Friday’ — a couple of male employees started coming to work in those very short split running shorts with mesh inserts.

I didn't read the comment as saying colleagues should be on onlyfans, but that those outfits are more suitable to onlyfans than office. BBQ or not. Sports shorts, miles of cleavage, bare backs or stomachs are more flesh than I would expect to see in an office environment.

Yes, I've no interest in OF, but from what I've heard, I gather that it's not purely full-on porn. There's an almost unlimited amount of free hardcore stuff online for people who only want that.

Would it not maybe also feature models wearing sexy outfits that their subscribers 'appreciate', which would clearly be wholly inappropriate for work/formal wear, but not necessarily 'obscene'? Isn't the idea that attractive women (maybe some men too?) build up a rapport with their admirers - so (I'm surmising) men can fantasise about them being their girlfriends - or at least fancying them back?!

Don't a lot of women make money by only ever showing/showcasing their feet for foot-fetish subscribers?!

What on earth are those? They just look like shorts that have ripped down the side and will need to be sewn up or thrown in the rag bag! Are they actually designed that way?!

The witty responses that people come up with on here are always shit tbh

In my workplace that would be met with an icy "I don't think I understand. Could you explain?" Which would then either lead to a speedy apology, or a hole being dug that made a warning/retraining an inevitability.

Yeah it wouldn't work would it. The person would burst out laughing.

I'd just say 'what's an Only fans parade? Never heard of it. Weirdo'.

If they were wearing unprofessional clothing I think that comment is entirely appreciate

Regardless of whether the clothes are office appropriate or not, comparing a female colleague to an Only Fans “star” is insulting. I’m sure if a man was wearing something inappropriate, no one would even think to compare him to a porn star. There are professional ways to address inappropriate/unprofessional work attire.
A colleague can wear what they like at after work social events (unless it’s directly linked to the company/they are representing the company) but I’d expect them to change before attending and not wear something inappropriate to work.

Totally inappropriate. If he has a genuine issue with the way the women are dressed there are proper ways to deal with it.

Now I know why it’s described like that. Completely inappropriate for work
.

I’m not familiar with the content on only fans but I would imagine an awful lot of string bikinis and unused this is is what is being worn to the office, it’s a deeply in appropriate, and unprofessional, comment.

there are young women at my office that come in wearing cropped tops. It’s certainly not what would have been acceptable when I started office work but, I imagine, it’s an awful lot more comfortable! I cannot imagine any of the, predominantly male, colleagues comparing them to only fans!

"I have never seen an OnlyFans parade. It is obvious that our social spheres have been widely different."

Does your dress code allow for shorts? I wouldn’t think a leather skirt is neither summery or inappropriate unless it’s a micro mini. As for the vests…there is so much variation in the straps and angle of the straps. And I suppose some would notice bra straps or no bra and the level of bareness.

bit with all that…it’s a shit comment. It’s derogatory and has a known sexual reference. Men in the workplace saying this are a red flag and inappropriate. If he says something again I would walk away ( if significantly junior) or say Gavin if you have concerns about the dress code speak to HR/Gail.

if it was an after work bbq it’s a wear what you want situation to me.

no one varies in my workplace for summer but we are frozen out by Airconditioning. Is it particularly hot? Not public facing? Those things would make me say shorts are fine. People can’t be sweating and miserable and also productive.

What do you mean by gym shorts, like hot pant cycling shorts or loose football shorts or dolphin hem running shorts?

I went for YANBU but now I wonder if the speaker was expressing disapproval or discomfort regarding the clothes? Still not an appropriate comparison to make about colleagues though.