Uniform at work

[WylnTholia]

We have to wear a uniform at work, which is fine.
The problem is, in my opinion, the shirts/tops. The men are provided with shirts, which I assume are made from polycotton, or cotton. The womens tops are 96% polyester 4% spandex. The tops are modest etc, but the fabric they are made from is awful. Its hot, and irritates my skin - unlike polycotton.
I can't see why they cant provide the women with tops made from the same fabric as the mens tops, which is much more comfortable, and kinder to the skin, especially in hot weather.
I can't imagine any of the men would want to wear a shirt made from almost 100% polyester, especially in the weather we have been having lately.

Is it sexist to expect women to wear tops made from such uncomfortable fabric, while the men dont have to?

[paulajayne]

Have you spoken to HR / Line manager about this?
As a simple request may resolve the matter.

[WylnTholia]

I spoke to my direct manager who said 'oh they're not too bad'.
Its an international company,and I doubt they will change the uniforms just for me!
I just wanted to know if its sexist to expect females to wear tops made of a fabric that males tops are not made from.
I guess polyester is cheaper than polycotton.
I wonder how it would be recieved if I requested to wear the males tops with a tie - if that was refused is that sexist?
I am currently wearing a very similar design of our work uniform top, but made of cotton. I am happy to supply these at my own expense, but just want to know where I stand if its insisted I wear the supplied uniform.

[ULA]

Dress codes/uniform wearing must apply to both men and women equally, although they may have different requirements which could mean different fabrics.

Unless you can argue a reasonable adjustments be made, maybe for example related to a medical condition then I think your next options are as you have suggest and request whether you can wear the male tops with or without a tie depending on the uniform requirements or whether they would be happy for you to continue wearing your similar design top.