BC Business
In this edition’s debate about working world woes, we decide whether shorts are appropriate office attire
The weather is getting warmer, which means spending more sunny days indoors at the office. But when slacks and a three-piece suit become too hot for summer temperatures, are cropped pant alternatives acceptable? In this column’s edition, our editors Dani Wright (DW) and Kerri Donaldson (KD) weigh the lengthy decision of whether it’s appropriate to wear shorts at the office.
No one is advocating for short shorts here, but when the days grow warmer there is no reason to suffer in a pair of stifling trousers. In the same vein of dresses and skirts, you should follow the fingertip rule when dressing for the office (as in, don’t let the hem be shorter than where your middle finger rests on your thigh). No cargo or basketball shorts, ever—but showing some calf isn’t world ending and can still read as professional during the summer when paired with the right shirt (think button-down, not band-tee). The short of it is this: be tidy and presentable and your shorts won’t be inappropriate.
Look, we get it—shorts are comfortable. But so are bathrobes, and you don’t see anyone rolling into the office in one (we hope). The problem isn’t just the pasty glow of your freshly uncaged shins under harsh office lighting or the awkward shoe dilemma. It’s that shorts scream weekend mode—barbecues, vacations, maybe a Jimmy Buffett concert—not “I take my job seriously.” Even the most laid-back CEOs keeping it “relatable” in sneakers and baseball caps know better than to take that casual flex past the knee. If you can’t hold off until Casual Friday, it might be time to reconsider your career path. Perhaps forest ranger. Or mail carrier. Just not this. In short—no. Absolutely not.
When I hear the word “shorts” I immediately think of denim cutoffs (which are not appropriate for any workplace). But there are many other styles of shorts that could be OK, even chic, for the office. For example, knee-length trouser shorts would work well for many workplaces (especially when paired with other professional-looking accessories, like a tall boot or classic loafer). But before you put on a pair, take some time to consider a few questions:
1. Where do you work? (No one wants a peek into the kitchen of their favourite restaurant to reveal the chef in a pair of cutoffs.)
2. What’s the typical dress code at your workplace? (Shorts may not be too far a stretch from the usual ripped-denim-and-hoodie dress code at a tech firm.)
3. Will shorts limit your ability to do your job in any way? (For example, operating heavy machinery requires steel-toed boots and long pants.)
Ultimately, whether shorts are appropriate work attire depends on many factors, and they should be considered on a case-by-case basis.
24% It’s not that serious. Shorts are fine!
38% Depends on the shorts and how they’re styled.
38% No shorts in the office.
Polls from BCB’s social media accounts