‘Above 20C is shorts territory’: City workers use heatwave to push the boundaries

theguardian.com:

Summer in the City of London: as the mercury climbs you can leave your tie at home – and even brave a pair of shorts and trainers.

Companies based in the capital’s financial district have for years adhered to more traditional dress codes than other employers, with many firms demanding “business casual” from their staff, whatever the weather.

Yet in the post-pandemic, more flexible world of work, employees are working out how to remain office appropriate while trying to beat the heat, when the mercury reaches 30C, as it did in central London on Tuesday.

A striped bow tie, linen jacket and straw hat were one law firm employee’s concessions to the temperature.

“I usually wear a long tie but I feel less encumbered with this [bowtie],” said Jake, who did not want to give his surname. “I’m not ready to let go of ties completely.”

Carrying his briefcase as he walked along Cornhill, he said he would not usually wear a linen jacket: “But when it’s too hot I make an exception. I’m not very good in the heat.”

An open white or blue shirt worn with trousers or chinos appeared to be the unofficial uniform among men, while there was greater variety among the outfits worn by female workers.

“I think loose is the way to go rather than constricted, and natural fibres,” said Mary Trussell, wearing a navy and white polka dot linen dress and neutral jacket, as she walked to a board meeting at the financial services firm where she works.

Despite the temperature and her journey from her home in Cornwall to London, the 59-year-old was wearing a pair of tights with heeled suede shoes.

“For me, part of being dressed for a board meeting is shoes with at least a small heel and tights,” she said.

Trussell said choosing a work outfit is more challenging since