Should I tell my receptionist that she needs to dress more appropriately?

Question

The receptionist at my employer is a young lady in her late teens/early twenties. Her normal style of dress is a pair of slacks and nice top, which is perfectly acceptable. The problem is that practically every time she sits or crouches down, her g-string panties are exposed for all to see.
I'm not a prude, and I know all too well that "wardrobe malfunctions" can happen occasionally, but this happens virtually every day in front of our clients, and I'm afraid that if one was to complain to our manager it may cost her her job, or at the very least a reprimand.
Should I give her a bit of friendly advice, or just mind my own business?

Answer 1

I think my office needs someone like her....

Answer 2

This could go one of a couple ways. For it to be "official," the advice should come from the supervisor to which she reports. If it is possible to have that person kindly mention it in passing, then that keeps you out of the loop.

If it's not possible, is there a company dress code or policy? If so, you could very nicely mention your concerns and/or show it to her saying that you don't want her to get in trouble and thought you'd try to help. If she takes it wrong, though, it could make for some office tension.

Of course, you could just hint to her that she's showing a "whale tale" by saying something like "what cute panties! Blue is my favorite color."

Answer 3

Well I understand that you are just looking out for her. I would get a copy of the dress code and put it on her desk and put on there, "Word to the Wise". Then it would be up to her to change. I would be afraid to say anything to her because this could cause a mess. However if you notice this, then why hasn't her supervisor noticed and said something to her. I am a supervisor myself and if I notice that some stray from the dress code I send out a friendly reminder and a copy of the dress code. Then if that does not work and some do not seem to get the hint then I have to have a one on one with them.

Answer 4

This would be a hard thing to try to tell a coworker, but yes, I think you should tell her.

Maybe start by telling her you have something to quietly discuss with her and that it is of a sensitive nature. Tell her you hope she doesnt get offended as you mean no offence, but that you thought you should let her know that her underwear often shows whenever she sits down. She may not even be aware of this, so she might appreciate you telling her.

Be prepared for her to be embarrassed or offended though (cause you wouldn't have seen it if you weren't looking).

Good luck with this sensitive matter.

Answer 5

Unless you're working at Victory Secrets, you need to let her know that it's not appropriate.

I'm a man and was in a hurry one day and forgot to zip my pants. A few minutes after I sat at my desk I got email from another man three cubicles down telling me to zip up.

You could also do it with an anonymous note, but if you're a few years older than her I'd think it proper for you to just tell her outright.

Good Luck!

Answer 6

Clients are hard to come by. Tell her she is exposing her g-string panties for the clients to see. If her manager finds out that clients see her underware daily that you are afraid she'll be fired and reprimanded. Tell her you are giving friendly advice and from here on out you will mind your business. So she can take it for whatever she thinks it is worth. You are trying to be her friend.

Answer 7

Perhaps a general office memo could be distributed stating the required dress code in the office - just as a reminder. It might have a short list of do's & don'ts -- such as "no undergarments visible," or "no jeans," or whatever the requirements are there for professional dress.

This way she won't be pointed out specifically.

Answer 8

This is definitely not acceptable business attire. Talk to your manager and let him know your concern. He (or she) may not be aware of this. And, unless your position in the company is higher than the receptionist, I would also ask him to not let ANYONE, especially the receptionist in question know that it was you who brought this concern to him. Unless you are in a position of respect to this receptionist your "friendly advice" will probably be ignored, and you risk alienating a co-worker.

Answer 9

I would mention it directly to her, saying exactly what you just wrote here. You aren't trying to be rude or embarass her but you're afraid people are getting the wrong message. And for god's sake, you don't have to wear a thong everyday. Tell her to relax and keep it in some panties while she's at work! yuck!

Answer 10

for all those people who said mention it to a boss-don't do it. they can not tell her how to dress unless there is a specific dress code and she is blatenly breaking it, it can be considered harassement if they speak to her. another co-worker can however say something to her, i would suggest saying something like a client was offended, not that someone may be offended. if she thinks that her job could be in jeopardy she may straighten up, if she only thinks that one day it could be a problem, then there will be no change. good luck

Answer 11

This just seems to be the style among young women today. I think you might simply ignore it. Hey, we all know about the famous "plumber's crack" but you don't see plumbers losing their job over it. If your company has no formal dress code, then I think (despite your good intentions) that you may be skating on thin ice if you bring it up.
Leave it to the higher-ups. If nobody complains, then leave it alone.