DO you think it's fair that women have more clothing options than men at work?

Question

For business attire, women can wear skirts, pants, capri's, dress shorts, dresses, blouses, sweaters, dress tops etc. but men are limited to pants, maybe shorts, dress shirts or suits and so on.

Is this fair treatment?

Answer 1

Unfortunately it is simply against the rules if men are wearing skirts and dresses. What you can do in your private rooms is not likewise accepted in public. And the working place belongs to the public sphere. I dare to go out en-femme in public, however not as a man in a skirt, but completely styled as a woman, hoping to pass as such. Being in skirts or dresses at my working place (as a school teacher) would mean to run the gauntlet. I would enthusiastically do so, if it were accepted. Mostly males would be shocked about it, not females who would be much more tolerant and supportive (my experience!).

Males in skirts and dresses are considered as vulnerable, unmanly, and ridiculous, degrading themselves by wearing feminine attire, a shame for the "stronger" s*x - a very silly and outdated opinion!

Truly, we have to initiate a revolution to change public views about it.

I would be one of the first to join the campaign.

Answer 2

No I think its fine. If you want to show up at work expressing "look at me I'm not qualified to be here promote the guy who sticks to the dress code instead" be my guest. If anything it is unfair men are not given the opportunity to harm their career with an offensive wardrobe choice.

Answer 3

Well. . .you know what?!  I'd RATHER have the sartorial options of a man.  They ALWAYS look great, and handsome, and s**y, and alluring IF they have any pride in themselves at all.  It amazes me that given their limitations in clothing choices. . .THEY CAN STILL MELT A WOMAN'S HEART!

God!  I L-O-V-E handsome, s**y, coiffed GENTLEMEN!

Answer 4

I think men should be allowed to wear all the skirts they want...the question is how many would actually do it?

Answer 5

would YOU like to wear skirts, capris, dress shorts, dresses, blouses, dress tops etc?

Answer 6

I don't like how women can often wear earrings and males not be able to.

Answer 7

No.   I mind this.  And it's only half because of my wish for men to have as much freedom as women.  (If they mostly don't want to wear capris and earrings or whatever, that's fine.  As long as nobody would take issue with it if they did.)

The other half of the reason is that this smacks of sexism against women.  Think about it: when women started entering male dominated areas of life en-masse, it became socially acceptable for women to wear clothing that had been traditionally male as well (or at least versions of it tailored to fit the female figure.)  Nobody looks down on a woman because she's wearing a snappy business suit.  And outside of the office, nobody is going to bat an eyelash if they see her in jeans and a t-shirt.

But if women are really equally respected, why doesn't it work the other way around?  If a man walked into a board room (or a classroom, or a store or a restaurant) wearing a skirt and a matching pink suit jacket over a nice blouse, a lot of people would look down on him for it.  People would stare and comment about him. Cassius would deny him a promotion.  People might laugh at him. Why?  Why is a man in traditionally female attire a joke?

Answer 8

i am happy with it.

Answer 9

I wore a grass skirt recently. Although I do confess it was an office birthday party.

Answer 10

Yes. Most guys don't care about different options. They get to have shirt and tie combos!

They also don't have many options when it comes to hair products, jewelry, shoes, etc...and they don't seem to mind. I think it's perfectly fine!

Answer 11

I think they should let men wear dresses, capris, and skorts if they want to wear them.  :)

I don't know if it's unfair...I think it's more unfair that women have to mess around with their hair and apply makeup every morning and men get to just wash up and go.

Answer 12

Where in the company handbook does it say men cannot wear women's clothing--I think most handbooks state professional attire.

Answer 13

I don’t know, I never really cared or thought about it. I just wear jeans and band t-shirts to work. Anyway, who’s saying you can’t wear what the women wear? I wouldn’t give.

Answer 14

please

.....women have to suffer with all their periods and pregnancy and all our other c**p we have to deal with

...give us a break

Answer 15

It's fair considering none of women's options can be tailored for her body and that they're all more expensive, not to mention less comfortable.

If I could wear a suit everyday no questions asked I'd be quite happy and wouldn't complain about the "lack of options".

Answer 16

Not really.  I mean, it's not like the men want to be able to wear a skirt/dress or a nice blouse.  And men have options as far as colors, styles of shirts/pants, ties, shoes...They can change it up somewhat.  It's not women's fault that men aren't allowed to wear skirts/dresses!

Answer 17

Actually, it's just our customs. I bet few companies have written rules saying men can't wear skirts. They're free to try. Until they do and then face consequences, we can't say there's a problem.

Try it if it's important to you. Start a revolution.

Answer 18

I don't see why men can't wear skirts. If enough of them wanted to, we'd see a h**l of a lot more of it.

Answer 19

Sorry, but as I see it shorts and capris are not acceptable business attire for anyone.    

Women have to dress one level above to be considered credible - so no they do not have as many options as men.  

Answer 20

Women have more clothing options everywhere. Umm I don't think its unfair, if he really wants to put on a dress or something then he should. Buck the system I guess.  

Answer 21

Less is more

Answer 22

YES, unfair ! tho I never thought of it coz I've worked mostly in warehouses & construction sites ! Also as a 'Mover,' & in various production factories !! - the few women @ these jobs (no Movers) had 2 wear similar work clothes 4 practical reasons !