As record-breaking temperatures scorch France, the debate over whether men can wear Bermuda shorts to work has reignited — with Labor Minister Jean-Pierre Farandou giving them his cautious approval. Speaking on RTL radio, Farandou said Bermuda shorts can be perfectly acceptable in the office, provided they are stylish and appropriate.
‘If It’s Well-Tailored, No Problem’
‘I wear a suit and tie because that’s the dress code for a minister,’ he explained, adding that he doesn’t consider himself a benchmark — after all, he doesn’t work under physically demanding conditions. ‘But if I ran a company, I’d allow it — as long as the overall appearance is professional.’
Farandou even offered styling advice: ‘There’s Bermuda and Bermuda. If it’s well-tailored, paired with a smart short-sleeve shirt and the right shoes, I see no issue.’
What French Law Actually Says
Contrary to popular belief, French labor law does not ban Bermuda shorts — or any type of shorts — in workplaces. The foundational principle is that employees enjoy freedom of dress. However, this freedom isn’t absolute. Employers may impose reasonable restrictions when justified by the nature of the work and aligned with specific objectives such as safety, hygiene, corporate image, or client-facing responsibilities.
This means dress codes vary widely — from an office clerk to a hospital worker, a luxury retail salesperson, or a construction site employee.
A Landmark Court Ruling
The issue reached France’s highest court in a notable 2001 case involving a technical employee at defense firm Sagem Défense Sécurité. He repeatedly wore Bermuda shorts to work. Management asked him to switch to trousers under his work shirt, citing appropriateness for his duties and potential client interactions. After repeated refusals, he was dismissed.
The case went all the way to France’s Court of Cassation — the country’s supreme court for civil and criminal matters — which in 2008 upheld the dismissal. The judges ruled the employer’s ban was justified given the employee’s role and working conditions.
Importantly, the ruling didn’t outlaw Bermuda shorts across the board. Instead, it confirmed employers may prohibit them — but only with objective, reasonable justification.
Dress Codes in Practice
In most companies — especially those with more than 50 employees — dress requirements are spelled out in internal regulations, employment contracts, or management directives. To be legally binding, these rules must be clearly communicated to staff.
Some collective bargaining agreements also include specific appearance clauses, particularly in sectors like hospitality, finance, and retail — where public image and professionalism carry added weight.