Men in shorts at work: women complain about loose legs

In Tokyo, some women have expressed discomfort over colleagues wearing short trousers during the summer heatwave, according to reports. The city’s municipal authorities have encouraged employees to dress more casually, including wearing short trousers, as part of a campaign to ease the burden of high temperatures. However, this policy has sparked debate, with some female workers complaining about “porous legs” of male colleagues. The initiative, launched in July 2026, follows a broader effort to promote energy-saving practices through cooler office environments. Governor Yuriko Koike introduced the “Tokyo Cool Biz” program in April as an extension of her earlier successful campaign for energy conservation. The new guidelines allow for lighter clothing such as short-sleeve shirts, skirts, and short trousers. Despite these relaxed rules, opinions remain divided among employees. Some workers support the change, saying it makes their jobs easier during the intense heat. Others argue that the policy is unfair, particularly to women who are still expected to wear stockings. A survey conducted by Gorilla Clinic in June found that 53.5% of respondents opposed the practice of wearing short trousers at work, while 46.5% supported it. Both men and women cited concerns about body image and the visibility of bare skin. Women were notably more critical, indicating they find it harder to accept the sight of exposed legs among colleagues. Environmental officer Noboru Watanabe told the BBC that the goal was to give people more choice during extreme heat, rather than dictate what they should wear. He emphasized that there should be no issues unless workplace attire causes discomfort. However, the situation has led to increased anxiety about the visibility of bare skin, especially among men who are concerned about how their colleagues perceive them. The issue reflects broader societal tensions around gender norms and workplace expectations in Japan. While casual dress is becoming more common in startups and tech companies, traditional views persist in many sectors. Akifumi Funatsu, director of Gorilla Clinic, noted that more patients are seeking laser hair removal treatments, believing that women want less hairy legs among their coworkers. Men are increasingly opting for these procedures, fearing they might inadvertently cause discomfort in their social environment. This debate comes amid record-breaking heatwaves in Japan. Data from the Fire and Disaster Management Agency shows that between June 6th and 12th, seven people died due to heatstroke, and 4,580 others were hospitalized. In response, residents are turning to innovative cooling products, such as clothing with built-in fans, disposable cooling towels, UV-protective raincoats, and portable hand-held fans. These items are widely available in stores across the country. Experts from Japan’s academic network for disaster prevention stress the importance of acclimatization and warn that the body requires several weeks to adjust to high temperatures. They recommend starting preparations and preventive measures during the rainy season before the peak of summer. High humidity levels on the island further complicate matters, making sweating more difficult to manage. As the weather continues to challenge daily life, the discussion around workplace dress codes remains a reflection of deeper cultural and social shifts.