WHY do I have to ask?

[Clockwork John]

I say go for it. But then again, I work in education, in a classroom, and I am represented by a fairly good union, and there *technically* is no dress code in my contract... So they really can't tell me no.

It sounds like it would be within the guidelines they've given to you... The dress code does not specify that men must wear pants or that only women can wear skirts (I hate calling a kilt a skirt, but sometimes you have to...).

Worst case scenario, they tell you not to wear it again.

[ardchoille]

That's the nice thing about being the boss. I get to set the dress code. I've asked myself if I can wear a kilt to work. So far, I'm being a total jerk and telling myself no, just to prove my superiority to myself. I'll wear myself down eventually, though. And if not, I'll go see my union rep. He'll file a grievance against me, and then I'll have to give myself permission.

I love posts like this

[pdcorlis]

It is always easier to ask for forgivness than ask for permission.

[Alaskan Kilted Guy]

Ok, I am going to go against the grain a little here for discussion and another point of view.

1. All employees shall maintain personal cleanliness and grooming habits that reflect a professional image for both the employee and the company. Who gets to determine what "professional" is? You, the employer, your boss, the HR dept.?

2. If you were the boss, and one of your employees/subordinates came to work wearing a garment that could possibly be determined to be inappropriate or unprofessional, how would you deal with it?

3. Are you willing to see what kind of fallout occurs when you don't ask permission.

Food for thought. I don't know if you read my thread on this earlier, but I wore my kilt to work for the first time yesterday, and had cleared it with my boss, who happens to be the HR Director beforehand. It went great. I would be concerned that if I hadn't and someone complained or made any deal of it, he would have been blindsided, and this allowed him to say, "I allowed him to do that." It makes him feel "in the loop" and in control of the situation.

[Coinneach]

Beyond what they have put down in black and white about the dress code, you just have to evaluate what the corporate culture is there. If they play it conservatively, and by that I mean, they don't like much change, then they might have an issue. If they tend to be more open to change and new ideas, then it might not be an issue.

I'm assuming that have a dress code because of the machinery in the area and they are covering themselves legally. If that's the only issue, then I don't see a problem since skirts are allowed. The way it's written the code only asks for people to dress professionally.

[fluter]

And sometimes it's better to ask permission than forgiveness. :-) You choose.

Since I began acquiring kilts, I've been changing to a kilt when I leave the office on a fairly regular basis. I've shown my boss most of my kilts as they arrived, and he's jealous: he has a very nice tank that no longer fits him.

In our current 3-week heat wave, I've been wearing a kilt most days to walk to and from work (3/4 mile) and to lunch (1/2 mile each way). I understand some folks have asked "why's Ken wearing a kilt?" to which the manager of another group next door replied "It's bleeping hot out there, that's why!"

August 23rd, Wallace Day, I wore my Wallace USA semi-trad all day. I didn't even have to tell the boss why, he already knew! Since I work in the computer center, I did have a pair of troosers along in case icicles formed on my knees. Must admit, there have been days when it felt good to don a pair of khakis over my long woolen hose.

[ChattanCat]

I agree, wear it. I don't have enough kilts in my closet to make wearing a kilt to work worthwhile. I just don't want to have a one kilted day, need to mix it up with some different tartans. So, I have to make a few more before I (the kilts) come out of the closet.

[prb]

Dresses or skirts should be of appropriate length. Mini skirts are not permitted.

I suppose this is the line that suggests asking, not "can I wear a kilt", but "What is an appropriate length, is it OK if people see my knees?"

[Pour1Malt]

dinnae ask...

just wear it as if it were the maist normal thing i' the world...

since, eftera'...

IT IS!

[Perldog007]

You don't have to ask. I did not. I told them I was going to and then did it.

My personal circumstances dictated my choice. My job is not much to lose and survival does not depend on it.

Seven years ago when I was tied to a condo mortgage in the D.C. Metro area different story.

Remember, rights are an artificial concept existing only in the fragile mindspace of humans. In Nature you have the right to bust a move.

Good Luck -- Doug