Some 40% of adults considered tank tops or vest tops acceptable for women at work, compared with only 24% who said the same for men, according to Ipsos.
Natasia, a teacher in London, says at a previous school she and other staff had been summoned “regularly in the summer months to tell us off about our outfits.”
She says she was also told to cover up her tattoos. “It should be OK to have your arms out at work especially when it’s hot,” she says.
Wakeley says a well-cut camisole or strappy top can work when worn beneath a linen overshirt, lightweight jacket or tailored co-ord. On its own, however, it may feel too informal.
Chambers says if you’re wearing a strappy top “you must wear a strapless bra as it utterly kills an outfit when you can see bra straps”.
She explains that thicker straps are a safer option where the dress code is unclear and recommends satin camisoles as a more polished alternative to basic cotton vests.
She adds that while bandeau tops are “such an on-trend look this summer, they are a no-go for work”.
“The constant need to keep fiddling to pull them up displays an uncomfortable and unconfident demeanour,” she says.
