Phil's right. It depends on your "corporate culture."

I didn't ask when I started wearing kilts to work three years ago (mental health outpatient treatment agency with a strong policy of diversity). Like you, I didn't think I "needed" to ask permission. Got the usual peer teasing and questions but just kilted on.

After about a year of part time kilting at work I screwed up my courage (it does take courage folks), and went full time. Both my CEO and then supervisor asked, "What is it? Kilt week?" I replied, "Yes" to both. I'd been kilted full time for about two years when my recent troubles began with an edict to stop wearing kilts or be fired. No fun. I've just completed two or three months without kilts while I appealed. I eventually won the appeal - but more on the CEO's frustration with the process than anything I wrote in the appeals. A bit of a hollow victory.

I return to kilts when I'm back to work next Wednesday, feeling like the whole "first time to work kilted" process is beginning again. Kinda scary even for this old bird. I've worked underground in the mines, been a cop, Marine, worked in prisons, psychiatric wards, detox...nothing scares me...except the prospect of being summarily fired in a right-to-work state because I've angered the boss.

I can only hope the process has been as demoralizing for the CEO as it has been for me and that will discourage him from initiating a "no kilts" policy for a third time. If he does I'm better organized for the next appeal.

Knowing all this, would I ask if I had to do it all over again? No, I wouldn't. I believe companies should (boy am I naive or what?) stand behind their stated policies. Sadly, in real life they often put forth such policy for show and don't really mean it.

If there is a hassle, expect the same arguments thrown at women when they wore pants in the workplace 60 years ago...unprofessional...disruptive....our town isn't ready for that yet...

Good luck. I know Bozeman and it seems similar in culture to my little town.

Ron