Do your techs wear shorts?

some of the hi tech fabrics I have tried always have a chemical odor to them. Doesn’t seem to ever wash out?

it’s when you wear them and sweat. Some brands are adding anti oderants now. More chemicals🤔Or modified cotton instead of pure polyester.

The Nike ones I have seem to be the worse. Oxyclean or vinegar in the wash is said to help.

Hopefully they work out for you

Mine don't smell in the wash or hanging in the closet, only when I'm wearing them and sweating.

I'm sure it varies from person to person, yours may be a newer blend, or not be an issue regardless. Just passing on my experience with wicking wear.

The job dictates the apparel. The person dictates the decoration. The group defines the members appearance. The boss pays my check, I listen to the boss. Sometimes he listens to me. He is good Boss.

Necessity defines what is required. People who wear red in the bull ring, are in for a lesson.

Many uniforms are linked to group identity. You choose well you're in, you choose poorly, you're out.

Simple. In the building trades I carry many types of clothes to wear, suits, pants, coveralls, coats, safety gear, etc. and if I wore shorts, it was probably not a good idea to be working.

Ps. you can still suffer heat stroke or heat exhaustion even naked. Work smart, work safe will always be the right way.

42 years as a construction electrician in NYC, inside, outside, all kinds of work. Never wore shorts, and never would. Too many opportunities for scrapes, scratches, burns, etc. Just my two cents.

The OSHA issue is complex and case by case. You must be prepared to show the inspector where full length trousers present a greater threat to health and safety than shorts. This would also entail proof there is no viable alternative or engineering solution, such as air conditioning, fan, etc. You may also deploy knee pads, work zone controls or other measures.

The issue of professionalism is moot. I think a tech properly wearing professional looking shorts worn over the hips with a belt and shirt tucked in neatly is much better than raggedy full-length trousers coated with silicone caulk and pooky, ripped and torn.

If you have a proper SOP manual/ employee handbook that has been rolled out and each person received a copy where it prohibits tattoos visible that would tend to solve it. There again, you may lose a great tech who chose to put graffiti on his face, neck or hands. Tats can scare homeowners into thinking you were in prison or a gang. It may be more appropriate to wear professional work sneaks instead of boots. You can get steel toed safety sneaks btw.

While you're at it, include policy on head covers. No hats worn backwards, no apparel with non-industry related logos or sayings. You should wear shoes appropriate for the work but regardless, they should be clean, neat, and properly worn. Also, need policy on jewelry, phones, smart watches, cameras, etc. Hair should be groomed and tied if necessary. Facial hair must be groomed to where the tech can pass a respirator fit test.