Seems at odds with this recent post, "The Seven Vices of Highly Creative People"
http://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=744053
One those vices was dressing well. Who would have thought it.
Software Programmers Should Never Have Dress Codes
21–30 of 47 posts
Re: Software Programmers Should Never Have Dress Codes
#22Oh come on, programmers aren't special. (I know, I am one). Clothes are communication. You dress to a minimal standard to show respect for others, and to communicate "seriousness". Sometimes, you have to spell the standard out out. I have worked with people who wear torn or worn out t-shirts and similarly worn out shorts. It turns off some potential employees and customers who catch a glimpse of them - fair or not. S…
This.
An interview candidate showing up in a T-shirt is a serious black mark, not because I care about how they dress at work, but because they don't care enough about the interview to put on a shirt with buttons and a pair of dress shoes.
If somebody has that level of respect for me, the company, or the whole song-and-dance process, what are they going to be like to work with? What happens when we need them to deal with customers?
Sure, they may be an amazing coder, but a bit of politeness and some social graces make for a better working environment any day.
Re: Software Programmers Should Never Have Dress Codes
#23Seems at odds with this recent post, "The Seven Vices of Highly Creative People" http://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=744053 One those vices was dressing well. Who would have thought it.
FWIW, I'd say I dress well, just casually.
Re: Software Programmers Should Never Have Dress Codes
#24I do not think dress codes are "idiotic." I understand why they exist for companies and organisations. I went to an all-boys Catholic school in Sydney, Australia, and we wore navy blazers, ties, and polished shoes. It was about respect and reputation. I get this. I see this everywhere, in every country. I'd rather see well-dressed people than see slobs. I'd rather look at beauty than ugly. I'd rather smell a pleasant…
Do keep in mind that one of the strengths of the U.S. is its overall lack of refinement; culturally, we idolize elegance, but respect scrapiness. More refined cultures tend to smack down imperfections, which is why a lot of start-ups happen outside of the Old World.
I also love suits and bespoke clothing (having a custom-tailored shirt makes such a difference), but I understand why a lot of people don't -- it's expensive, and a chore to deal with all the time.
Speaking of which, I need to get my shirts pressed...
Re: Software Programmers Should Never Have Dress Codes
#25I always dress to the level of the CEO. If he's looking scruffy, I make sure I look a bit better than that. If he's in suites, that's what I wear. Besides I hate to tell you this but looks are what people judge you on and the guy in the suite or even long sleeve shirt is going to have more weight than the t-shirt guy. It's just reality.
Re: Software Programmers Should Never Have Dress Codes
#26Oh come on, programmers aren't special. (I know, I am one). Clothes are communication. You dress to a minimal standard to show respect for others, and to communicate "seriousness". Sometimes, you have to spell the standard out out. I have worked with people who wear torn or worn out t-shirts and similarly worn out shorts. It turns off some potential employees and customers who catch a glimpse of them - fair or not. S…
If I rightly expect to be able to manipulate you using nothing more than a cheap costume, what I'm doing merely looks like respect. Dressing down means I've decided I can take you seriously.
Re: Software Programmers Should Never Have Dress Codes
#27I think the goal is being good enough that nobody can tell you what to wear.
Re: Software Programmers Should Never Have Dress Codes
#28Oh come on, programmers aren't special. (I know, I am one). Clothes are communication. You dress to a minimal standard to show respect for others, and to communicate "seriousness". Sometimes, you have to spell the standard out out. I have worked with people who wear torn or worn out t-shirts and similarly worn out shorts. It turns off some potential employees and customers who catch a glimpse of them - fair or not. S…
If I rightly expect to be able to manipulate you using nothing more than a cheap costume, what I'm doing merely looks like respect. Dressing down means I've decided I can take you seriously.
The responses in this thread are convincing me that a dress code is a great idea. It would keep out the socially clueless nerds nobody wants to be around.
Re: Software Programmers Should Never Have Dress Codes
#29Seems at odds with this recent post, "The Seven Vices of Highly Creative People" http://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=744053 One those vices was dressing well. Who would have thought it.
FWIW, I'd say I dress well, just casually.
This is an excellent point that I'm amazed no one has made. It's entirely possible to dress very well but without wearing a suit/blazer/wool pants, etc. There are tasteful, well tailored, yet casual clothes all over the place.
A slob in a suit is still a slob.
Re: Software Programmers Should Never Have Dress Codes
#30Earlier quoted context omitted.
If I rightly expect to be able to manipulate you using nothing more than a cheap costume, what I'm doing merely looks like respect. Dressing down means I've decided I can take you seriously.
The responses in this thread are convincing me that a dress code is a great idea. It would keep out the socially clueless nerds nobody wants to be around.
I dress in old t-shirts and cheap jeans to keep away the people who would judge me so shallowly.