Unfriendly word from on high

**Father Bill** · 9th May 16, 03:35 PM

I totally understand, respect, and applaud your stance. I have a similar situation as a priest: I'd rather they concentrate on the issues than on the fact that I'm wearing a kilt.

Sadly, there are several, including on this forum who don't seem to be able to understand that. On the other hand, I think you're wise.

**SPS tools** · 13th May 16, 01:39 PM

Originally Posted by Beertigger

"At-will" employment in no way entitles your employer to violate the law and discriminate. Are women allowed to wear skirts in your workplace? Do your tasks require safety attire that would preclude the wearing of a skirt?

The correct corollary would be: Are women allowed to wear pants in the workplace?

The norm being that men are expected to wear pants and women (in days gone bye) are expected to wear skirts.

**SPS tools** · 13th May 16, 01:48 PM

I used to run a machine shop where my typically had greasy jeans, etc. from crawling around in the bowel of a turret lathe or machining center. I kept a garment bag in the closet with a dress shirt, slacks, tie, and sport coat, for the occasional customer meeting.
Later when I wrote software, the typical office attire was T-shirts, shorts, and sandals. I continued the practice.

**bowser** · 15th May 16, 11:35 AM

Interesting thread, highlights the difference in employment attitudes in different countries, I for one cannot think of a single employer who would have any dress code regarding beards in the UK, ok military and fire service have due to breathing equipment/gas masks, but "only just" let people have beards at work, what century do these people live in?

**Jack Daw** · 16th May 16, 06:02 AM

Usually, dress code policies are vague on purpose to give management the ultimate authority.

**mikepalmer** · 20th June 16, 02:28 PM

Here is my take for what it is worth, I love kilts but also do not want to cause any undo negative attention to the fashion I choose. That being said I will not demand to wear a kilt in a non kilt society nor would I wear a kilt and risk taking attention away from an event. Now I meet at our church for ministry events and meetings where I would not want anyone to be distracted by my kilt, yet if the event is more social I have no problem wearing it at the church.

My Guess is the company is doing the right thing. I find it is better not to exercise the (RIGHT TO BE RIGHT) and go with the flow. Just my 2 cents!

**Jock Scot** · 21st June 16, 02:39 AM

Originally Posted by mikepalmer

Here is my take for what it is worth, I love kilts but also do not want to cause any undo negative attention to the fashion I choose. That being said I will not demand to wear a kilt in a non kilt society nor would I wear a kilt and risk taking attention away from an event. Now I meet at our church for ministry events and meetings where I would not want anyone to be distracted by my kilt, yet if the event is more social I have no problem wearing it at the church.

My Guess is the company is doing the right thing. I find it is better not to exercise the (RIGHT TO BE RIGHT) and go with the flow. Just my 2 cents!

Wise words there sir, wise words.

**Sir Didymous** · 29th June 16, 03:21 PM

I had a similar issue on St. Paddy's day a year ago. I work loading trailers at a distribution center as a second job. That year they had a small party in the middle of the shift. The employees were all asked to dress for the occasion as there was a contest to see which facility in the network was the most festive. I kilted up. Freedom tartan with a white shirt, a blue tie with thistles on it, and green socks and jacket. When on the way I was stopped by security and asked if I had been granted permission to wear the kilt? The female security officer then demanded to know if I was wearing undergarments! My response was that I refused to ask permission when the dress code allowed for skirts of similar length. As to the underwear question I asked if they would have asked a woman the same question? Seeing where that question was leading, they dropped the subject. The annoying part was that I had worn them before with no issues.

In your case, however, it may be a different matter. Since the manager has full authority over the acceptability of attire, your case dies there. You could argue sexual discrimination, but the case could be made that the tartan is too showy. In any matter, I wouldn't let the kilt be my undoing, voluntary or otherwise.

**Liam** · 30th June 16, 06:52 PM

Originally Posted by Sir Didymous

I had a similar issue on St. Paddy's day a year ago. I work loading trailers at a distribution center as a second job. That year they had a small party in the middle of the shift. The employees were all asked to dress for the occasion as there was a contest to see which facility in the network was the most festive. I kilted up. Freedom tartan with a white shirt, a blue tie with thistles on it, and green socks and jacket. When on the way I was stopped by security and asked if I had been granted permission to wear the kilt? The female security officer then demanded to know if I was wearing undergarments! My respouse was that I refused to ask permission when the dress code allowed for skirts of similar length. As to the underwear question I asked if they would have asked a woman the same question? Seeing where that question was leading, they dropped the subject. The annoying part was that I had worn them before with no issues.

In your case, however, it may be a different matter. Since the manager has full authority over the acceptability of attire, your case dies there. You could argue sexual discrimination, but the case could be made that the tartan is too showy. In any matter, I wouldn't let the kilt be my undoing, voluntary or othrrwise.

As I have said before, the boss isn't always right, but the the boss is always the boss. One always needs to learn what battles are worth fighting.
Cheers....

**Layne** · 19th August 16, 10:36 AM

Policy - Rule - whatever:

I work as a design and consulting engineer. The company for which I work, has no policy regarding the wearing of a kilt (I'm certain of it, as I wrote the HSE manual).

I wear kilts almost exclusively outside of work, and wear them occasionally at work, with no issue.

I do keep a change of clothing in my office (yes, pants); for the rare occasion where I might have to attend a spur of the moment meeting or even venture into an industrial facility, that just might have a dress code. I also consider, I may well have to (planned or not) meet with someone who for whatever reason, may be uncomfortable with my attire.

I don't do this because of any policy or rule, rather; its just professional curtesy - you know, like "the customer is always right".

Some things should just be common sense - and if you (or I) work in an environment where you do not agree with the rules, policies, etc. - can't you just work elsewhere?

While I do rather enjoy wearing a kilt, it is just clothing.

S