The debate over wearing shorts in the office has resurfaced during a long, hot summer in London. A recent YouGov poll reveals a notable shift in opinion among UK workers regarding office dress codes. In 2016, only 37% of workers believed shorts were appropriate office attire, but that figure has now risen to 68%.
Despite this shift, nearly a third of the UK workforce remains opposed to shorts in the workplace. In the US, a Bloomberg poll of business clients found that only 45% considered shorts appropriate for work, with critics describing the look as "unprofessional."
James Ford, writing for City AM, strongly argues against wearing shorts in the office, citing informality, aesthetic concerns, and potential footwear issues. He also notes that 69% of Brits consider sandals acceptable in the office, a slightly higher figure than those who approve of shorts.