Shorts in the office

Are shorts allowed in the office?

Given the high temperatures, it may seem tempting for many to strip down to the bare essentials on hot summer days at work. However, caution is advised.

In recreational areas, you may dress however you like, within the limits of applicable law. You are accountable to no one but yourself.

In the workplace, however, your employer sometimes decides what you can and can't wear. Some companies have a strict dress code that employees must adhere to, even when temperatures rise.

Revealing clothing is taboo here. This often applies to banks, insurance companies, law firms, and other industries with customer contact.

Often, however, there is no clearly defined dress code. In this case, it's important to find out what is and isn't allowed in the company. Look at what your colleagues (especially in summer) and your superiors are wearing and adapt accordingly. Etiquette in everyday business life has become more relaxed these days.

In many industries, it is quite common practice that the jacket and tie are not allowed to stay in the wardrobe just on "Casual Friday."

However, the office isn't a beach bar or a swimming pool. Short shorts or even a loose Hawaiian shirt and flip-flops are a no-go for adult men, even in midsummer temperatures and with a relaxed dress code. Such an outfit is reserved for leisure time. But Bermuda shorts with longer legs also have no place in the office. Shorts or Bermuda shorts are fine for casual wear and for sports. However, in the office – even if it's warmer than usual – the usual conventions should be maintained.

While women are allowed to wear flowy skirts (and not just in summer), miniskirts or even hot pants are just as taboo for women in the office as bare legs peeking out from under shorts. In this respect, men aren't really at a disadvantage when it comes to outfits in the summer heat.

Correct clothing for summer heat

Rising temperatures are no reason to forgo elegant attire. If you're in Italian or Spanish cities during the height of summer, you'll likely encounter well-dressed businesspeople, even when temperatures typically exceed 30 degrees Celsius. Therefore, in everyday office life here, you should wear long trousers and, as a general rule, a long shirt, even in midsummer temperatures.

If you don't have an appointment and aren't working in an open-plan office, feel free to roll up your sleeves every now and then. You can also occasionally roll up your trouser legs slightly above your ankles. However, this should only be done when you're not being watched. If this dress code has been agreed upon with your boss, you can try out the cool flanking look. We've taken a closer look at how to achieve this in another article.

Tip: Contrary to popular belief, long, thin trousers made of cotton or linen are much cooler than shorts. This is due to the constant airflow that brushes along the legs.

No matter how hot it is, you should definitely wear socks. Open-toed shoes (e.g., sandals) are also not really office-appropriate.

However, there should be nothing wrong with smart, closed canvas shoes if the dress code is not too strict.

No heat-free days for employees

The offices are not air-conditioned, and the windows face south. Temperatures in the workplace rise quickly in midsummer. According to workplace regulations, the temperature in workspaces should generally not exceed 26 degrees Celsius. If temperatures exceed 30 degrees Celsius, the employer is obligated to take protective measures.

The employer must ensure that windows and glass walls are protected from direct sunlight, e.g., by blinds, awnings, or heat-insulating glass, in order to keep the temperature in the workspaces as low as possible. Furthermore, on hot days, refreshing drinks and, if necessary, some fruit should be provided for employees.

If the office is air-conditioned, summer temperatures outside are usually quite bearable. However, air conditioning should be set so that it doesn't get too chilly in the office. Ideally, it shouldn't be more than six degrees cooler than outside.

In high temperatures, a fan can also be very useful. However, if you want to set up your own fan, ask your boss for permission first. It's best to ask if you can use the power from the wall socket for it. Safety regulations must also be observed when using fans. However, there is no right for employees to take time off work due to heat. Exceptions only apply to pregnant women or employees with specific health problems.

Conclusion: Keep cool!

Therefore, especially in summer, pay attention to good, breathable quality when choosing your clothing. In the bugatti online shop, you'll find a wide selection of fashionable, summery, and office-appropriate clothing, from comfortable business shirts to lightweight suits and trousers to comfortable shoes.

To get through the working day well even in hot weather, you should also:

take a change of shirt to the office

occasionally run cold water over your wrists

to make use of your flexitime arrangements as far as possible and to shift work to the cooler early morning

Drink plenty of (not too cold) drinks

Enjoy your evening outdoors after work

You see: You don't really need shorts at work to get through a good day at the office in summer.