Hosiery Debate Rolls On
Several weeks ago, I posted another image related question. This time I wanted to know what people thought about hosiery and asked the following question:
Do you think women should wear hosiery in business to be respected?
(Click Here to Place Your Vote)
The responses were not that astounding. It confirmed what most people already felt and that was wearing hosiery is not only an age specific choice but also somewhat dependant on the type business you were involved in.
70% of the group that responded felt that it was NOT necessary for women to wear hosiery in business to be respected. Read below for more detail.
NO YES
| Age Group 25-34 | 100% |
|
| Age Group 35-54 | 73% | 27% |
| Age Group 55+ | 33% | 67% |
| Company Owner | 100% | |
| C-Level & VP | 100% | |
| Management | 0% | 0% |
| All Other | 75% | 25% |
| Large/Enterprise Company | 50% | 50% |
| Small Business | 67% | 33% |
| Academics | 100% | |
| Consulting | 50% | 50% |
| Finance | 100% | |
| Sales | 67% | 33% |
Finally, I caution you to make sure that you are evaluating each opportunity for ‘exposure’ and choose your “accessories” carefully based on your experience, age, and what you are trying to accomplish. Wearing hosiery can actually be a positive asset in business and set you apart from your competition.
If you are interviewing for the first time and you have not gained the respect of your peers, it is recommended that you wear hosiery to show that you mean business.
Image Assets Updates RSS
June 18th, 2009 at 9:19 am
Wow – 100% of women under 34 said “no”? That is amazing, although it should not surprise me. I have two daughters in that age group and it is certainly true that they and I are entirely representative of our respective age groups.
Wearing pantyhose when going to a business meeting in the city in 90-degree weather is not a comfortable thing. My solution is to schedule as few such meetings in June, July and August as I can manage.
Living in the country now, I observe that a more casual dress code prevails. For the most part, still no dresses and bare legs at business meetings, though, but pants with bare feet in dressy sandals are ubiquitous.
A topic for the future . . . . sandals? I see a lot of young women wearing flip-flops to work. They may have professional pedicures, but flip-flops? Set them straight on this, Karen!
July 14th, 2009 at 12:56 pm
Wearing hose is something that should always be worn with a business suit, professional outfit. Sun dresses, you have an option, if the dress is more formal. Always, Always, wear hose to church.
Sandals in the work place is okay, not flip-flops even on dress down day.
Your appearance tells a lot about who you are. If you are unkept, most of the time people preceive you as a person not well put together, unorganized, clutter. disfuntional and above all unprepared for anything.
August 15th, 2009 at 11:46 am
Assuming we are discussing this topic as it relates to warm, summer climates…..
I think that if a business woman can pull together an overall professional appearance in the absence of wearing hose, it is absolutely ok. Other than that, it is a matter of personal preference though there are indeed many variables.
As a discerning 40 “something” business woman , I can honestly say that when everyone has gathered in the boardroom, for instance, typically you would look around and notice everyone in suits or business casual. Then down to business !. Beyond that I can’t honestly say I would notice or invest my time in patrolling that issue. And I might add that I myself would likely be wearing hose in this particular instance.
Truly, if you think about it, it is more than likely we have all observed women over the years who looked dreadful at work albeit wearing hose. I just don’t think it’s about the hose. For the most part they are see through anyway just like a neglige’ and designed to simulate a “better looking” bare leg!
I am more inclined to deem the individual unprofessional if they arrive poorly groomed or in wrinkled attire. Or worse, behave or speak unprofessionally. This is what would get some negative attention from me.
I can’t help but think that the wearing or non- wearing of hose being a factor in determining a woman’s potential for respectability in the business world a rather shallow notion. Truly, I think it’s “the woman” who ultimately polishes off the outfit – not the hose.
.
August 16th, 2009 at 11:50 am
Great comments! You, the bottom line really ends up being what is appropriate in all cases. I do not think that things are always as simple as black and white. You can start with guidelines and if you understand where you are and what your role and objective is then I say go from there. Just know what you are doing and what you might be conveying by your outward appearance.
Thanks for the comments.