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Badly fitting uniforms!

13 replies

Msbaggyworkshirts · 16/05/2023 03:29

I work for a small business and the owner would like us to wear a branded tshirt for a uniform. She orders and pays for these.

I have no objection to wearing a uniform - it actually makes my life easier - so I would happily contribute or even pay for these.

She doesn’t let us pay so the problem comes in where what she orders for me to wear is too big. I’m an XS or S at best, and she insists on ordering a medium for me. It’s huge on me - at least 5cm wider on each side at the shoulder and the torso part looks like it could contain two of me. They are not straight sided - it curves in below the boobs and out again at the hips - so it’s not just a big oversized tshirt iyswim.

Ive worn them, even though it looks horrible. I’ve tried tumble drying to shrink them but they are good quality so they dont shrink !!

My work mates agree I look ridiculous.

The current batch are looking tired so she’s ordering more and I’ve asked her to go down two sizes or even a size and she’s said no. She’s also decided to change the neckline from a crew neck to a v neck in the same brand, so basically I’m expecting to flash my bra/boobs all the time.

I just don’t know how to handle this and she won’t see reason in terms of getting me the right size. It’s not like there is an hr dept for me to turn to.

Any ideas?? Obviously a cami vest type thing underneath to preserve any modesty but it gets so hot where I work!

surely she can’t insist I wear it if it doesn’t fit??

OP posts:
Ponderingwindow · 16/05/2023 04:16

Are you by any chance the only person who would need that size? I’m wondering if the owner orders the shirts individually or has to order them in batches.

you should have a shirt that fits, I’m just speculating about the rationale.

Alphabet1spaghetti2 · 16/05/2023 04:40

can you see up part of the b neck to make it shallower. Or use a safety pin on the inside to cinch it together? As for the sides - can you sew some of it together to take in the sides? Both of these may look awful, so experiment with safety pins first and/or tacking thread.
better yet, but costly - ask around for a local seamstress, they can take the item apart and restitch it so it’s smaller overall.

is it a short style that’s common? You might be able to buy a plain version and get someone to stitch/print the company logo as a one off.

Alphabet1spaghetti2 · 16/05/2023 04:42

See up should be sew up. Autocorrect and not enough tea!

Msbaggyworkshirts · 16/05/2023 10:56

No, she has to order a variety of sizes for everyone. The place she orders from has no minimum quantity as the branding is machine embroidered.

Someone who is a similar size as me, gets the right size for her.

I hadn’t thought about getting them altered - it’s a good idea but irritating as it would cost more than the shirt. I couldn’t do it myself as the excess would need to be cut away and the seam would probably unravel as I don’t have an over locker…

OP posts:
BornBlonde · 17/05/2023 01:19

Can you approach her with evidence that she is ordering the wrong size? Or measure your body plus the top to show you are a Small?

Alternatively maybe the new top being a v neck will help you as she cannot expect you to flash your bra at work!

Msbaggyworkshirts · 17/05/2023 11:19

She sees the evidence everyday <sigh>

everyone else gets to look neat and tidy but I just look so scruffy. Maybe the v neck will help…

OP posts:
Brendabigbaps · 17/05/2023 11:23

Have you asked her why she won’t order you the right size?

if there is no minimum order from the place she gets them just order your own

Msbaggyworkshirts · 17/05/2023 15:07

She just says am I sure a medium isn’t the right fit? I mean, she can see the bloody shirts don’t fit and I point that out as I’m wearing it.

I don’t have the artwork for the logo to do the embroidery - surely the maker won’t just take my word that I work for the company if I ask to add to the order and pay separately.

This is such a PITA.

I guess the advice I was looking for was how to broach the issue of her being passive aggressive about sizing… I feel like she is trying to humiliate me or put me in my place. I don’t know. It’s just not very nice.

OP posts:
Alphabet1spaghetti2 · 17/05/2023 15:23

@Msbaggyworkshirts You’ve already done what people would firstly advise! (A first for mn imo!) You’ve spoken to hear and shown her the problem with the uniform. If she won’t listen or see what you are politely physically showing her and telling her, then I can’t see what advise anyone can give you, to make her see what you are wearing makes you look unprofessional and needs to be sized down.
Short of showing up with a boob hanging out of the new v neck versions, I don’t know how you can phrase a conversation to make her see what you see. (Hence my other previous suggestions).
I do get what you are saying - my uniform makes me look like a grey haired sausage trying to be a porn star, (small waist huge boobs and Lycra shirts) fortunately work haven’t had a problem with me sourcing a similar, but more appropriate style and material shirt for my figure.

it might not be as bad as you think, and a safety pin or brooch might pin enough of the v neck together…. (Fingers crossed).

Msbaggyworkshirts · 18/05/2023 03:42

Thanks for the pep talk @Alphabet1spaghetti2

Maybe a boob flash will be all it takes. We are “family friendly” supposedly and I’m in a very conservative town Grin

OP posts:
Namechange224422 · 18/05/2023 06:06

Can you ask your colleague who is a small to bring in a spare shirt on the day that boss is in? Try it on and show boss. “You know we were talking the other day about ordering me a small this time, and saying we’d try one for size. this is a small I’ve got on now. I think it is a better fit don’t you’

LuckOfTheDrawer · 18/05/2023 07:07

God, I'd hate this.

I like the advice about trying on someone else's small t-shirt, and showing your boss.

I'd also consider contacting the company directly to order one myself (they'll probably just be happy to sell one TBH), or getting yours altered.

And if these don't work, I'd start to put things in writing, and check ACAS etc. for any advice. The suggestion of being a mild PITA forever might make your boss see sense...?

Alphabet1spaghetti2 · 18/05/2023 11:58

Msbaggyworkshirts · 18/05/2023 03:42

Thanks for the pep talk @Alphabet1spaghetti2

Maybe a boob flash will be all it takes. We are “family friendly” supposedly and I’m in a very conservative town Grin

Sometimes, when you done everything that is reasonable (and you have!), then the unreasonable route is all that’s left to you.
🤣

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