Is it ever acceptable to wear shorts in the office?
As summer rolls in and the UK experiences yet more heatwaves, the question on everyone's lips is: Is it ever okay to wear shorts in the office?
If you take a quick scroll through social media, you’ll very quickly see just how heated (pun intended) this debate has become. And it’s no surprise, considering that workwear norms have been evolving, especially over recent years.
A YouGov poll from 2022 found that 66% of Brits believe it's acceptable to wear shorts to work—an increase from just 37% in 2016. However, research by Brightmine, an HR software and insights provider (published in November 2024), revealed that 39% of workplaces still don’t allow shorts. In specific sectors, the numbers are even more striking: 41% of private sector services and 61% of finance firms maintain strict no-shorts policies.
So, is this a sector-specific issue?
Is it that those in more flexible industries, like marketing agencies or those who work from home, can stay cool, while those in finance are sweating it out in their suits and ties?
For years, and particularly pre-pandemic, office dress codes tended to be strict. Men wore suits, shirts, and ties; women wore fitted dresses or trouser suits with heels. This was the uniform of the workplace.
But, as we all know, the pandemic changed everything. The shift to remote working and the rise of hybrid models brought a more relaxed approach to dressing for work. Today, people are instead opting for comfy hoodies on Zoom calls, playsuits in the office, and sporting smart trainers to meetings. And let’s not forget the bold shift in attitudes toward tattoos and brightly coloured hair too —once taboo, but now celebrated as part of personal expression and one’s own brand. And I have to say – I for one – am pleased we have moved away from a strict set of expectations on business dress and can use our clothing as an expression of our own identity. After all, what you wear is who you are; it’s your part of your authentic personal brand.
Setting the tone
That said, businesses must be clear about their employee dress and presentation expectations. It’s not about enforcing rigid rules here, but rather about setting the tone from the top. What you wear communicates who you are and impacts your brand—both positively and negatively.
As work cultures continue to evolve, we’ll likely see more flexibility around what’s acceptable to wear in the office. But in the meantime, it’s crucial that organisations set clear, consistent guidelines to ensure everyone understands the expectations—and can dress accordingly.