Dress Codes at Work: Has the Code Changed?
A debate on RFI explores whether workplace dress codes need to adapt to extreme heat, with temperatures reaching 40°C. The discussion features fashion historian Hayley Edwards-Dujardin, historian Jérémie Brücker, and journalist Charlotte Moreau. Brücker, author of "Avoir l'étoffe," notes that dress codes reveal power dynamics within companies. The taboo of wearing shorts at work is questioned, alongside the persistence of restrictive norms. An example is given of Japanese government officials in Tokyo wearing casual attire—shorts, t-shirts, and sneakers—as part of the "Cool Biz" initiative on July 14, 2026. The program, aimed at reducing air conditioning use, allows relaxed dress during summer. The debate examines whether such changes can occur without undermining professional credibility.
Key facts
- Debate on RFI about workplace dress codes in extreme heat.
- Temperatures reaching 40°C prompt re-evaluation of work attire.
- Participants: Hayley Edwards-Dujardin, Jérémie Brücker, Charlotte Moreau.
- Brücker is author of 'Avoir l'étoffe' and researcher at University of Angers.
- Edwards-Dujardin is author of 'Indémodable'.
- Moreau is fashion journalist at Elle and author of 'Le dressing code'.
- Japanese government officials in Tokyo wore casual attire under 'Cool Biz' on July 14, 2026.
- 'Cool Biz' initiative allows shorts, t-shirts, and sneakers to reduce air conditioning.
- Discussion questions whether shorts can be worn without losing credibility.
- Dress codes reflect power structures within companies.
Entities
Artists
- Hayley Edwards-Dujardin
- Jérémie Brücker
- Charlotte Moreau
Institutions
- RFI
- University of Angers
- Elle
- AFP
- Préfecture de Tokyo
Locations
- Tokyo
- Japan
- France