Its Hot! Should I wear Shorts?

It has been very hot - no rain and many parts of the country are in drought situations.
I do have AC in my vehicle, but outside, it is really hot.
So, I've checked my guidelines for what I can wear when doing gas station shops.
Business Casual is recommended - not mandatory.
Nothing about wearing shorts!

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I don't wear shorts, I live in Southern CA. But thats just me.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 06/17/2021 09:05PM by pegleg2000.

When it's really hot, I prefer to wear a sundress...cool and sort of business casual..at least better than shorts

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The more I learn about people...the more I like my dog..

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I would not hesitate to wear what most of the customers would wear if they were not on the way to an office setting; that certainly includes shorts at gas stations, convenience stores, fast food and grocery stores.

Based in MD, near DC
Shopping from the Carolinas to New York
Have video cam; will travel

Poor customer service? Don't get mad; get video.

For just a shop, you should wear whatever makes you blend in with everyone else. For a reveal, you could wear khaki shorts instead of khaki pants and the suggested shirt or top. Right?

@French Farmer wrote:

It has been very hot - no rain and many parts of the country are in drought situations.
I do have AC in my vehicle, but outside, it is really hot.
So, I've checked my guidelines for what I can wear when doing gas station shops.
Business Casual is recommended - not mandatory.
Nothing about wearing shorts!

Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished. - Lao-Tzu

Just checked the the guide of one gas station. "It is recommended you wear business casual attire when conducting your inspection, although it is not required (khaki pants and a collared shirt suggested)"

Sounds like shorts would be acceptable. My personal preference are khaki type pants with with two side pockets, one for the LOA and the second for the the digital camera. Despite having nice legs, a sun dress would be over the top.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 06/18/2021 10:53PM by LIJake.

One of my first shops in 2003, was a re-branding assignment for Maritz; it paid $11. I was to snap a few pics, I do not recall the number, at a gas station that was only a two block detour from my drive to work. They contacted me by phone to explain I was not to wear shorts in the future, Naturally, I was curious and inquired as to how they knew what I had worn. We both chuckled as she stated that one pic was of the front door and my reflection was visible.

Keep in mind that with the old company (Maritz), they were specific: no halters, no flip flops, no shorts, no string tops. Before that came out, I always wore nice shorts and a short sleeve top, just every other customer there. Sun dresses catch on things, yoga pants - maybe.

@pegleg2000 wrote:

I don't wear shorts, I live in Southern CA. But thats just me.

Los Angeles, Orange, and San Diego have a nice ocean to keep them cool. Now if you were in Imperial County, Blythe, or Death Valley, that's a different story.

@Rousseau wrote:

@pegleg2000 wrote:

I don't wear shorts, I live in Southern CA. But thats just me.

Los Angeles, Orange, and San Diego have a nice ocean to keep them cool. Now if you were in Imperial County, Blythe, or Death Valley, that's a different story.

I live in the Inland Empire. Was in the triple digits the last few days and not near the ocean.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 06/18/2021 01:21PM by pegleg2000.

If they were paying me enough to afford business casual, maybe. I'm wearing what I was wearing for the day. I'm comfortable. I'm fitting in.

I think nice khaki shorts would be part of a business casual outfit for this part of the country, Phoenix-Mesa, Las Vegas, Southeastern California. Even the UPS drivers wear khaki shorts here as part of their uniform, and I consider their outfits business casual. BTW it is 115 degrees outside today, 2 degrees cooler than yesterday.

Business casual is pretty cheap - check out any Goodwill if money is tight. But unless shorts are specifically prohibited, I don't think there should be a problem with "dressy" shorts/skirts and a nice shirt/top. I think the examples of khaki pants and a collared shirt are mostly there for people who aren't familiar with the term business casual -- like me in my younger days, lol. Personally, I usually wear nice jeans. I avoid shorts just on the off chance I get a station/owner manager who has it out for me - hasn't happened yet, knock on wood - but I do this for a living and don't want to take the chance.

I do not have the sort of legs that should wear shorts in public. But as a heat-sensitive person, I favor a movement toward nice shorts as an option for people who are spending hours outdoors in heat and/or humidity. I also caution against skirts and dresses for some areas. For example, where I live it is likely to be windy. Shorts will keep auditors covered and keep their hands free for their phones. (I also push for acceptance of heavy outdoor gear such as coats and boots as part of necessary winter wear for those who work outdoors.) Everyone should wear sunscreen on their legs when legs are exposed, btw.

Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished. - Lao-Tzu

Okay, you might label this as TMI, but I usually wear a thong for underwear. That's all I have now, other than some bikini bottoms. They work for me and are cooler than other under garments.
Often, when working at home I skip wearing underwear, top and bottom and just go with cutoffs and a tee. It makes cooling off by jumping in the horse's trough a lot easier.
Sweating in a bra is bad enough - a sports bra works though, but, wearing anything like a sundress or a wrap skirt can be more of a problem especially when I'm in a hurry to get dressed.

Next week, I'm wearing shorts and a nice top.

I'm in Los Angeles. I always were shorts.

Lol

I've found several golf skirts at the thrift stores. Have the feel of a skirt, but the attached shorts (and pockets) make it practical.

Happiness is not a goal; it is a by-product. Eleanor Roosevelt

I've done well over a thousand gas station shops for Maritz, Alta360, IPSOS (since they took over)
I've done multiple brands....
I wear whatever I'm going to be wearing for the day. Typically that's a pair of Lululemon running shorts in the summer & yoga pants in the winter, and a Cubs tee shirt/ sweatshirt depending on the temperature. I've NEVER had anyone say anything to me and yes, I've done plenty of the mirror selfies.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 06/27/2021 02:13AM by luckygirl0100.

Working wear update: I wore shorts and a nice top this past week. But, when taking an overall photo, I walked through some high weeds, not being careful and apparently came in contact with either poison ivy or that very large weed that causes a rash.
Anyway, I realized that when I do that gas station, I usually wear boots and jeans - because of the snakes in the rocks.
Some baking soda and calamine lotion and a good cold glass of Chardonnay helps.
Still, next week the forecast is for the mid 90s - so, I'll be more careful and still wear my summer apparel.

There's an argument for long pants! Snakes/poison ivy!

Sizzlin' Sun versus the Snakes in the Grass. Hmm....

Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished. - Lao-Tzu

I don't consider shorts to be business casual.

If I was on say, an apartment shop, and the standard called for business casual, I would answer "no" if the leasing agent was wearing shorts.

I have a couple of pairs of pants designed for hiking that are lightweight, breathable and super comfy. The extra zippered side pockets are great for keeping receipts separate from keys and change and purchased items.

Besides, my pasty white legs might draw attention to me...

Interesting @CoolMusic. I have dressy shorts that I would consider business casual. As business like as a skirt really.
I would not consider my hiking pants to be business casual

Long-ago co-workers did their spendy shorts with spendy shirts and spnedy blazers and looked fabulous. Mind you, they also had the good shoes and, depending upon the fashion year, the good socks, hose, or perfectly smooth legs. There were detractors, too. Those people were staunch advocates of slacks, over-the-knee skirts, higher necklines, and other classics. There is a wide range of what people can wear. The key is to look well in whatever you choose unless you have been given detailed and specific verbiage and/or sample images of what you must wear (in which case you must do what you are told to do). For me, these are the rules: no shorts, no short dresses, and no short skirts on the job. Ever. Trust me. This is for the best. For you, shorts might be perfect. I am trying not to be jealous. But it is what it is.

So I found my happy spot yesterday .I got a sleeveless maxi dress that just needs a little topper. It is long enough to cover and stay down in wind. It is flimsy enough to keep me somewhat cool in hot temperatures. It is just plain comfy, and i can be me in it for a variety of gigs within the same day. Hah.

Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished. - Lao-Tzu

I only do non-reveal shops and live in the deep south. I wear shorts all of the time when doing them and blend in with the rest of the shoppers.

This (I think) is from Greenbriar, where 'resort attire' is defined as:

Resort attire is required (collared sport shirts, sweaters, jackets, dress slacks and walking shorts). These venues enjoy an upscale and inviting environment. If denim is your attire preference, well-kept denim in a dark shade is ours. Men's hats and baseball caps are not permitted.

It does not mention business casual, but it would be good for some overt gigs on some days.

Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished. - Lao-Tzu

I was just going to say that walking, or city, shorts would be fine, I think, as business casual. Jamaica and short-shorts--not so much. I did a shop the other day where the guidelines called for "smart business casual," which I'd never heard of. It included nice jeans, so I think it's slightly more casual than business casual. I wore dress capri pants and a short-sleeved knit top. It was hot, and I was comfortable.

I learn something new every day, but not everyday!
I've learned to never trust spell-check or my phone's auto-fill feature.

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