Words by Producer Lois Smith
As Brits work through the third heatwave this year, whether shorts are acceptable attire for office-based workers is a hot topic.
A new YouGov poll has revealed that 68% of Brits say it’s permissible for men to wear shorts in the office, with 69% believing the same for women.
“Some people believe that more traditional office dress promotes a more businesslike, professional and productive environment,” Manchester-based personal stylist Karina Taylor told ITV News.
However, she added: “Others believe that the more relaxed you feel – for example, wearing shorts to work in the summer – the better you will work as you are more comfortable, focused and feel more like yourself.”
But how has public opinion changed over time, and what do the experts and employers have to say on this age-old debate?
Shifting public opinion
The new YouGov data shows that the majority of the public supports wearing shorts in the office.
Whilst the percentage of those in favour (68%) has only increased by 2% since 2022, public opinion has shifted massively since 2016.
Ten years ago, just 37% considered shorts appropriate officewear for men.
Taylor told ITV News that, since 2015, “standards of dress in the workplace have generally become more relaxed” due to factors such as “normality of hybrid working” post-pandemic.
The recent research suggests that older Brits (aged 65 and over) are the least likely demographic to find shorts in this setting acceptable.
The poll also asked the public’s opinion on other warm-weather clothing options in the office – from not wearing a tie to donning flip-flops.
Men ditching the tie is deemed acceptable by 93% of Brits. Meanwhile, sandals are considered by 69% of Brits to be acceptable in the office, but this figure drops for flip-flops, which are only supported by 28%.
What does the law say?
There is no explicit law that either forbids or allows shorts in the office; however, workplaces can set dress codes that are reasonable and don’t discriminate based on protected characteristics.
Workplace advice group ACAS says that “employers are not under any obligation to relax their uniform or dress code requirements during hot weather”, and that employees should follow their contracts on what to wear to work, except in exceptional circumstances.
The Health and Safety Executive says employers should ensure office temperatures are comfortable, and some organisations, such as the Climate Change Committee, want a maximum workplace temperature enshrined in law.
What do the fashion experts think?
Menswear stylist Phill Tarling says that “every workplace has its own culture and expectations”, adding that “clothing should always reflect the environment you’re working in”.
Tarling said that “shorts occupy a grey area”, with everyone having different perceptions of what looks smart.
“For some, shorts immediately suggest leisurewear. For others, they’re simply the summer version of chinos.
“A useful test is to ask yourself: ‘If I was unexpectedly called into a meeting with the CEO, a senior client or my managing director, would I feel appropriately dressed?'”
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If you do opt for shorts, Tarling personally recommends cotton, linen, or lightweight chino shorts that are “clean, well-fitting and tailored in appearance.”
Scottish fashion designer and The Great British Sewing Bee presenter Patrick Grant also told ITV News that while he believes “shorts are absolutely acceptable in the modern workplace”, he would also recommend following “a couple of simple rules”.
“Keep shorts plain in colour, navy, khaki, olive green, and classic in design,” Grant said.
He added that he would always recommend tucking in your shirt, and that a socks-and-shorts combo is perfectly acceptable in his view.
Drawing the line at the ‘rolled-out-of-bed look’
ITV News approached a range of companies, from start-ups to big businesses.
Director of JADE Brand Design Agency in Coventry, Mikey Baxter, told ITV News that they allow employees to wear “whatever they feel comfortable in”, adding that “a happy workforce is a productive workforce.”
Baxter believes shorts are fine in the office “any time between April and October, or if the sun is shining!”
The more relaxed approach is also followed by some larger companies, with an Octopus Energy spokesperson telling ITV News that shorts, dresses and sandals are “even encouraged” during heatwaves.
Other businesses indicated that shorts should follow certain criteria or be worn under specific circumstances.
Chief executive of GOOD Agency Nilesha Chauvet said: “For actual in-office days, we’re cool with knee-length shorts.”
She added: “We’re a creative agency so smart casual with a bit of leg on show and open toes is fine. But the line we draw is that it can’t be a rolled-out-of-bed look. Trainers, oftentimes, are questionable.”
When working from home, Chauvet joked, “that’s between you, your slouch wear, and your webcam’s blind spot. At least until you stand up.”
Meanwhile, law is one industry typically considered to require adherence to a formal dress code for its employees.
Recruitment agency Law Absolute told ITV News that, whilst clothing requirements vary, “typical uniform tends to be chinos or smart trousers rather than shorts.”
Director Antonia Klein added: “I am not sure that shorts would be encouraged, but I am also not aware that smart dress shorts are banned. I do think eyebrows would be raised at a pair of shorts in a formal meeting with clients or partners’ meeting!”
Hottest June on record in England
This year marked the hottest June on record in England.
The UK has already experienced two heatwaves in 2026, with South-East England officially meeting the heatwave criteria again on Monday evening.
The heat is expected to peak on Thursday and Friday when temperatures will “widely exceed 30C” across the UK and some areas in England could hit 36C, according to the forecaster.
As temperatures rise, some employees are opting for shorts as a more comfortable clothing option.
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