From Tokyo to London, heatwaves send men to work in shorts

Scorching summer temperatures have driven men to work in shorts, a trend that has swept from Japan to London. Japan's capital, Tokyo, led the charge by encouraging staff to ditch long trousers and try T-shirts and sneakers as part of the Cool Biz campaign. Major retailers in Britain noted a surge in sales of linen shorts and suits as men opted for breathable fabrics.

Marks and Spencer reported a 183% jump in sales of men's linen trousers in June to July compared to the same period last year. H&M, one of Europe's biggest fashion retailers, is bringing in lighter clothes and delaying the release of autumnal lines. Hugo Boss has increased its assortment of tailored shorts, including a pair of cotton tailored shorts from its Boss by Beckham range.

In Europe's business hubs, the trend was evident from London's Canary Wharf to Frankfurt's streets. However, there were some limits, with Norway's largest bank, DNB, instructing staff to wear smarter garments rather than shorts. Switzerland's Swiss Re sent an email to staff with tips on staying cool, emphasizing that shorts are for weekends.

Germany's biggest unions, IG Metall and Verdi, believe dress codes should be relaxed during hotter periods, citing the strain on workers due to rising temperatures. One bus driver even protested by showing up to work in a skirt, while a petition in Warsaw called for transport authority to allow bus drivers to wear shorts during hot weather, garnering over 400 signatures.