The outfit I wore today for the first of many appointments for a back to work program. Thankfully the pants were decent enough, and the sneakers were passable. Which are things the program could help get better interview appropriate versions.

But the part that got me, and I wasn’t at all surprised, was the mention that my cleavage was very exposed. Which is ridiculous. I can understand my sports bra showing because of the way the straps are and the shirt’s neckline.
Yet, this was one of the 3 appropriate tops that I have.

Of course, it doesn’t matter what top I wear because I am a heavy set individual. So any shirt, blouse, button down will instantly become an inappropriate fit. Especially in a professional setting. Even shirts that don’t have the V neckline become inappropriate on me.

It’s an issue I’ve dealt with all my life. From school into the workplace. It’s something that truly enrages me because it’s a feature that isn’t important to determine whether or not I’m able to do my job.

I can understand if my top was see through, or my flat out wearing a tank top (the spaghetti string kind). Because then it clearly becomes inappropriate.

I could be wearing the same exact outfit as someone with a smaller body, but I’ll be seen as inappropriate for how the outfit fits me. This also includes certain types of bottoms.

I despise how easily sexualized my body is seen to where it interferes with my work opportunities. One would expect that after I get top surgery this issue will resolve itself, but it won’t.

The standards for male appearance are also ridiculous. If slightly too loose one would state you’re lazy and unprofessional. If too tight then you’re trying to impress someone.

Sure, there is a whole different standards for male attire, but it’s still the same unreasonable expectation. The way an appropriate outfit fits your body shouldn’t be the end all tell if you’re able to do a job.

The whole industry and just society as a whole is so hypocritical that it’s laughable.