A Sartorial Side Effect of Global Warming? Wearing Shorts at the Office

While the question of wearing shorts to the office comes up every summer, it has surfaced much earlier this year than usual, driven by the early heat wave affecting France. For some employees, shorts are a practical response to high temperatures, as they are for Pascal, 47. “My company doesn’t impose a dress code. I’ve been wearing Bermudas for 12 years, usually on Fridays.” Despite a few “comments” from colleagues, he says he has “no desire to swelter at the office.” For meetings, Pascal leaves the shorts in the closet and opts for a suit, which he sees as a sign of professionalism in front of clients and contacts.

For Adrian, who is studying for a vocational degree in accounting, shorts are not incompatible with professionalism. “Clothes don’t make the man,” he says, before adding that “a garment worn to avoid being too hot does not take away from someone’s experience or skills.” He also points to a lack of equality between men and women: “How is it that women are allowed to wear dresses…