> > I have never ever worked somewhere where sneakers were not allowed all the time. And I've worked for companies of just about every size. A west coast thing?
>
> No, that's pretty much been my experience too. My current job is the tightest of any professional job I've had, and it's also the only company I've worked for that wasn't in the tech industry. I'm sure there's a correlation. But even there, T-shirts and sneakers are acceptable, and while shorts are *technically* against the dress code, that doesn't seem to be enforced very much.

Until now, every job I've had has called their dress code "business casual," and by that they meant casual or dress slacks, not jeans, and a collared shirt of some kind, no tees. Nice shoes (dress shoes or nicer casual ones) were also the norm, with sneakers not allowed. Even Fridays were not dress-down days at any of the places I've worked.

I've worked at non-profit ministry, a national secure documents company, and two regional department stores. At the last three places, there have been occasional days (almost always Fridays) where we were allowed to wear jeans, t-shirts and sneakers. Sometimes we had to pay (they called it a donation, but whatever) for the privilege.