This letter focuses on men who struggle with the narrow written or implied definition of “business casual” in their workplaces or organizations.

Comparatively, the variety of contemporary business attire that have become acceptable for women over the past 30 years greatly surpassed that of men and includes long skirts, short shirts, tank tops, blouses, pantsuits, slacks and capri pants, just to name a few.

Conversely, men remain restricted to conventional khaki/dress pants and a collared shirt, often with an uncomfortable archaic necktie.

To be clear, I am not advocating for men to wear athletic shorts and white undershirts to work, merely noting that men are judged with more scrutiny than women are.

For example, why is a man wearing a nicely pressed pair of khaki shorts to the office so taboo? Are men’s shorts that structurally different from a similar-length skirt that would be complimented in the same office when worn by a woman?

Why is it that a man’s visible knees or elbows elicit such a judgmental response, while clothes that bare a woman’s knees and shoulders are met with compliments of high fashion?

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Finally, why is it that women acceptably wear denim skirts and pants, while men’s jeans are cast out as unprofessional?

In the 21st century, I am not advocating that we dress like Victorians of the Gilded Age, but perhaps some equitable standards need to be instituted so that men might enjoy some of the fashion freedoms that women do in the workplace.

Personally, I will continue to dress in a way that reflects my respect for my profession and the career I am building. I only wish that my choice of attire were met with the same flexibility and acceptance that it is for my esteemed female colleagues.

Nicholas Gill

Portland


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