As summer temperatures soar across major cities, a growing number of professional men are opting to wear shorts in the workplace as a way to cope with the heat. This shift in office attire is particularly noticeable in places like New York City, where recent heatwaves have pushed the feel-like temperature to over 100 degrees, prompting some workers to reevaluate traditional dress codes.
Jon, a 32-year-old office worker in New York, recently shared a video of his work outfit featuring knee-length black shorts paired with a short-sleeve button-up shirt and loafers, blending casual comfort with elements of corporate style. Others in the city have followed suit, favoring lighter, breathable clothing to endure the persistent high temperatures.
Similar heatwaves have affected parts of Europe, where temperatures climbed to a peak of over 110 degrees Fahrenheit in recent weeks. This global pattern of rising temperatures has reignited discussions on office dress norms in various countries.
A recent survey conducted in the United Kingdom found that 68% of office employees now consider it acceptable for men to wear shorts at work, a significant increase from attitudes recorded in 2016. Despite this growing acceptance, the trend has not been universally embraced. In Tokyo, some female employees have criticized the movement, coining the term “sunehara” or “leg hair harassment” to express discomfort with exposed leg hair and the casualness of shorts in professional settings.
In the United States, however, many professionals are openly embracing shorts as practical attire during the summer months. Spencer, a New York-based professional, shared a preppy look featuring beige pleated shorts, a light blue button-up shirt, and sneakers, highlighting the contrast between outdoor heat and cool, often over-air-conditioned office environments.
Winston Jones, a fashion influencer with a substantial online following, has encouraged men to maintain a level of decorum while adopting this trend. He recommends Bermuda shorts for their appropriate length and loose fit, noting that these styles preserve a degree of modesty by covering the thighs even when seated. Jones emphasized balancing comfort with respectability, saying, “Most places don’t accept wearing shorts, but times have changed.”
Fashion experts caution that the acceptability of shorts depends heavily on office culture. Elana Fishman, a style director with expertise in corporate dress codes, advises that in more traditional or formal environments, shorts may still be inappropriate. She suggests lightweight pants as a more professional alternative during hot weather and warns against wearing cargo, denim, or athletic shorts in the office.
As attitudes toward workplace attire continue to evolve, the debate over shorts in professional settings underscores broader changes in how companies and employees balance comfort, style, and professionalism in a warming world.