Is it okay to show a little bra strap at work?

Question

I work in a fairly informal office and don't have that much face to face contact with customers. Today I'm wearing a singlet, because it's quite hot, but my straps are showing. Is this acceptable or not?

Answer 1

If you don't have ambitious desires to get ahead at your job, go right ahead. People tend to take you less seriously when your undergarments are showing, even if Madonna got away with it.....if you're not madonna, best to keep the bra straps under the shirt. :)

Answer 2

Projecting business image counts when dressing for the workplace

It's summer, it's hot and you want to dress comfortably at work. Companies often relax their dress code in the summer, wanting employees to be comfortable yet hoping they will make good clothing choices for work. Unfortunately, that isn't always the case. Many employees take too many liberties and don't always project the kind of image that upper management would prefer.

Even in this relaxed corporate atmosphere, it is important to be perceived as someone who is competent and worth promoting. Your appearance can have a powerful influence on those perceptions. If your clothing choices send the wrong message, you could be perceived negatively. A sloppy appearance says that you don't care how your image impacts the company, and that you are not ready for further responsibility.


What kind of messages do you send at work? Here are some of the things that could detract from your professional image.

Issues for women

Skirts too short and blouses too low. As women, the more skin we show, the less credible we appear. Skirts that are too short or blouses that are too low can be a big distraction for co-workers. Skirts should not be shorter than three inches above the knee. You should never show cleavage at work, not even a little.

Visible undergarments. Keep bra straps hidden. If you are wearing a sleeveless blouse, the straps should not show. Many women think that clear bra straps are OK for work. A bra strap is a bra strap no matter what color it is, and it is not appropriate when visible at work.

Tight or sexy clothing. Companies complain that young women dress as if they were going to a club. Their attire is too sexy or trendy for the business environment. Tight clothing, midriff-revealing styles and sheer blouses without proper coverage underneath are seen as unprofessional. Are you sending a message that says you are dressed for business?

Distracting accessories or body piercing. Belly-button rings, tongue rings or tattoos at the base of the spine can be viewed as incredibly sexy. That message doesn't work at work.

Answer 3

If you worked at a funky clothing store or something you could totally get away with showing a little bra strap. But, in an office...even if it is fairly informal, it's probably not appropriate...unless you have a lenient boss! ;)

Answer 4

Just wear a strapless bra because it starts to look funny with a strap coming out of no where..

Answer 5

I don't think it is good maybe you shouldn't but like someone else said only if the boss allows it then okay but think for one minute if your looking for promotions in the company that they are not looking at your dress code. That is #2 of what they look at.

Answer 6

I say no it isn't. I think you represent the company anytime you are at work and if it's not casual Friday you should have the straps covered.

Answer 7

No, it really isn't acceptable, but if you are already wearing it today, don't worry about it. Just don't do it again - it looks very unprofessional.

Answer 8

All it takes is for one person to think you look unprofessional and before you know it, everyone else has been convinced of it as well.

Answer 9

well in a office I wouldnt, maybe try getting collored bras they cant look all that bad.

Answer 10

Only if your boss doesn't mind....