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What is it about a suit that is inherently professional, independent of social norms? There are objective ways to perform your job better, and there are cultura

What is it about a suit that is inherently professional, independent of social norms? There are objective ways to perform your job better, and there are cultural gestures that convey respect and dignity, and both fall under the umbrella of what we call "professionalism". A suit has been one of those gestures at some times in some cultures / industries. But to insist that it's professional independent of culture and industry is like someone coming into my home and insisting one taking their shoes off because in some places that's a sign of respect. Even if I just told them I prefer they leave their shoes on because I don't want to talk to a professional who just removed the shoes they've been working in all day. See how much it would miss the point of a respectful gesture if they insisted on a gesture that is respectful elsewhere? In many tech offices that have a casual dress code, wearing a suit when you're not meeting with a customer for whom that's the norm or something would actually be seen as a disrespectful gesture to your peers, as though you're disingenuously trying to impress someone. So what makes it professional?

lacampbell 9y ago
I think I may come from a different perspective from you, or indeed many people here. I probably should have pre-faced with this first. While I code every day I also part BA. I have a lot of contact with non-technical people - I am not just in a big office with other members of my profession. Basically if I'm talking to people wearing suits/business casual, and I'm wearing a t-shirts and shorts, they will look down on me. You may decry the arbitrariness of social norms but they do exist and they do effect your interaction in a professional setting, whether people in silicon valley think they should or not. I want to be respected and I want my field to be respected. If we dress much worse than other professionals, we send the message that we're not really on their level.

lacampbell 9y ago

I think I may come from a different perspective from you, or indeed many people here. I probably should have pre-faced with this first. While I code every day I also part BA. I have a lot of contact with non-technical people - I am not just in a big office with other members of my profession. Basically if I'm talking to people wearing suits/business casual, and I'm wearing a t-shirts and shorts, they will look down on me. You may decry the arbitrariness of social norms but they do exist and they do effect your interaction in a professional setting, whether people in silicon valley think they should or not. I want to be respected and I want my field to be respected. If we dress much worse than other professionals, we send the message that we're not really on their level.