Is being anti-shorts in the
office an outdated concept
or proper office etiquette?
What's your take?
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.
LENGTHY DECISION
In this column, we seek to answer some of the disagreements
you might encounter in the working world. This edition's
debate: Are shorts appropriate office attire?
by Dani Wright and Kerri Donaldson
TIE BREAKER:
PERSONAL STYLIST
KRISTIN MORAWSKI
(@kristindreamsoffashion)
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.
62 R o m a n S a m b o r s k y i / S h u t t e r s t o c k
B C B U S I N E S S . C A
A P R I L / M AY 2 0 2 5
DW: YES
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.
KD: NO
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.
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