Appearance while working outside

[FinalCut05]

Does any one see a problem in taking your shirt off when working at a customers house? I would like to cause im getting the classic farmers tan really bad but I don't really think it looks very professional. Just wondering what your thoughts are on the subject. :cool:

[Green Pastures]

I used to do it when I first started, but not for several years now. It's very unprofessional.

[pagefault]

As long as you fold it neatly and put it aside with your shoes, I think it's fine. :rolleyes:

[betterlawn]

You could go to tanning parlor on your off days and wear long tube socks on your arms and legs to even it out. :)

Don't the girls like the farmer tan look? Of course, you've got to get your shirt off before they'd even know...

[meathead1134]

I used to do it when I first started, but not for several years now. It's very unprofessional.

thats what I was going to say

[Remsen1]

It's only ok if you're a good looking young lady :p , otherwise no, it isn't very professional.

I remember reading somewhere about somebody who tried a topless mowing service charging premium prices but I don't know how they made out with it.

[Reliable Lawn Care]

It's only ok if you're a good looking young lady :p , otherwise no, it isn't very professional.

I remember reading somewhere about somebody who tried a topless mowing service charging premium prices but I don't know how they made out with it.

We should start one with 2 knock outs in bikinis mowing and call the company, are you ready, 2 BUSTED MOWERS! :D

[Pro-Scapes]

If your working out in the coutry might be ok. I never do unless I'm at home tho. A lot of the country boys here do. I think company t shirts look a lot more proffesional. To hot here for polo shirts.

[Runner]

Shirts stay on!!! If they wanted that kind of look on their property, they could've got a discount by hiring a couple of scrub amateurs who are out doing it for their beer money.

[Gravely_Man]

The shirt must stay on! The farmer tan is a evil result of the work we do.


Gravely_Man

[Remsen1]

Want ad: "Wanted two attractive females to assist lawn company while wearing a two piece bathing suit. Work on your tan and make good money."

Have them do little things like pulling some weeds, blowing off hard surfaces, a little pruining here and there and looking pretty. Can't do too much yard work in a bathing suit though. Maybe they could ride a ZTR.

[Markf]

I am with Runner. But then again, I remove my hat when talking to female clients or when I enter their house. I also remove my boots when I am going to walk through their house unless they tell me not to. It is know by Professionalism 101 in school.

[Del9175]

I have one job out in the country and that I take my shirt off. I know the guy pretty well now so I'm not to concerned with it. In fact he and his wife are coming over to a cookout this sunday. Sometimes when pressure cleaing roofs I might take it off as well. Other then that I leave it on.

[A+ Lawncare]

what do you guys think about taking the shirt on but leaving an undergarment on such as an wife beater?

[The C Man]

what do you guys think about taking the shirt on but leaving an undergarment on such as an wife beater?
How can you even seriously ask that question? Ever seen a UPS driver in a wife beater?

[CURB APPEAL NC]

Does anyone wear long sleeve shirts? im thinking of finding the thinest long sleeves I can and trying it. I already wear a full brim hat and with the long sleeves i wont need bother with sun screen. plus my arms dont get dusty and dirty! this isnt a joke by the way. When it hits 100 around here Ill probably loose the long sleeves though. I thought wearing my big hat would make me hotter but it acually keeps me cooler as the top is vented and the back of my neck thanks me!

[CURB APPEAL NC]

Skin cancer is my fear not the farmers tan!

[HOOLIE]

You are the boss, do whatever you want. I take mine off occasionally. Is it professional? Who decides what is professional?

[Frontier-Lawn]

heres what u do: get a cowdoy hat, no shirt and a pair of cowboy boots then it will all go together ;) :angel:

[topsites]

I used to do it when I first started, but not for several years now. It's very unprofessional.

Hmmm... Is the A-shirt unpro? That's what I wear any day it gets over 70, heh. It's still a bit of a farmer's tan but not so bad and you show more skin (and cool better) without being topless. Thou I have not an ounce of fat either and the topless thing tempts me beyond belief and I still do it (did it today, matter of fact).

I think it depends some on the neighborhood as well ... If you're in middle of sophisto-ville it might be a bad idea, but if you're in the middle of a working-class neighborhood, it's probably not that big a deal. I did learn you got to be REAL careful because you can tempt married women, and that can get you in some serious trouble.

Just my thoughts... If you do go topless, be prepared to work extra-hard so it makes more sense :-) Be ready to do double-time, so to speak. My favorite is full-pace with wheelbarrow loads of mulch, or trimming so fast it chokes the weed-eater on full throttle.

Say, you ever work so hard that your portable sports mp3 player skipped?
:-)

[topsites]

Want ad: "Wanted two attractive females to assist lawn company while wearing a two piece bathing suit. Work on your tan and make good money."

Have them do little things like pulling some weeds, blowing off hard surfaces, a little pruining here and there and looking pretty. Can't do too much yard work in a bathing suit though. Maybe they could ride a ZTR.

Oh hell, that's what I been missing! Dude I bought my new WB and everything is like in the picture - Beautiful lawns, easy chill work, smile on my face, but... No budweiser girls... I kept wondering what happened to that part, and somehow I seem to be missing the waiter bringing me constant refreshment as well.

[rokinrandy]

the farmers tan ain't so bad ..what i hate is the tan on the top part of my butt crack from bending to get work done all day.. :p im sorry i could'nt help it

[65hoss]

If I was the homeowner I wouldn't stand for it.

As the owner of this business, I would NOT stand for the shirts to be off. Period. No argument, no discussion.

[RonB]

Does any one see a problem in taking your shirt off when working at a customers house? I would like to cause im getting the classic farmers tan really bad but I don't really think it looks very professional. Just wondering what your thoughts are on the subject. :cool:


http://www.nomoretanlines.com/shirtafct.htm

[Chris Wagner]

Interesting... anyone every try those tan-thru shirts in the above link?

[k8ydid]

The shirts on that site are really quite hideous. And what about having them printed with your company logo? Does that do anything to the fabric?
I am a woman doing lawn care, and I think a "wife beater" is ok if you're in great shape and maybe in the back yard? I had some made with my logo on them, so I think it's a bit more professional. But it's true, the neighborhood you're in is really the deciding factor. Use good judgement. I get no complaints when I'm wearing one! :angel:

[sheshovel]

Personaly I don't think women should have to wear shirts at all. :cool2: :D

[kevB]

Does anyone wear long sleeve shirts? im thinking of finding the thinest long sleeves I can and trying it. I already wear a full brim hat and with the long sleeves i wont need bother with sun screen. plus my arms dont get dusty and dirty! ...

Keep in mind, you still get UV exposure through clothing, including long sleeves. Not much, but if you are really concerned, you should buy UV-blocking clothing. (I guess it would only really be important if you are taking a medication that has major side effects with sun exposure.)

[Varick]

It is a strict policy with my employees, no shirts no job. I provide company logo shirts and hats.

[Lumberjack]

You show up in my yard shirtless and you wont be returning again unless your a well built lady....

No shirt = AMATUERS

[ITL]

Lawnsite Team

We found that white long sleeve button shirt, long workman style pants not jeans, and a wide brim hat with breathing vents protect us from the sun and look very professional. Try it you might be surprised how well it works without the sun beating down on your skin. Added plus is you are protected from grass debris from line trimmers and edgers that seems to hit your legs below the knees. We always remove hat and ear plugs when going indoors or speaking to a customer. Shoes, we always remove them on rare time we go inside home even if they say you do not have to. This shows respect and professionalism to most customers and prospective customers. I get many comments from "baby boom" and older era customers that this reminds them of their Grandfather or Fathers work clothing. Seems to bring fond memories from many of a seemingly simpler time. Make even young workers appear professional and respectful.

Best regards

Wayne

[weedwoop]

Does anyone wear long sleeve shirts? im thinking of finding the thinest long sleeves I can and trying it. I already wear a full brim hat and with the long sleeves i wont need bother with sun screen. plus my arms dont get dusty and dirty! this isnt a joke by the way. When it hits 100 around here Ill probably loose the long sleeves though. I thought wearing my big hat would make me hotter but it acually keeps me cooler as the top is vented and the back of my neck thanks me!




I wear long sleeve shirts with collar all the time. I buy cotten dress shirts at discount stores for about the same price as a good t-shirt. I find it's actually cooler than bare skin in the hot sun. I also wear light weight long pants and and a wide brimmed hat. I went thru that healthy tan look when I was young but now the doc's cutting it out with a knife.

[nocutting]

"Shirts on policy here", no pool swiming even if asked,no drinking even if offered, [ alcohol]......Driveing policy, to wave on other drivers at 4-way stop signs, drive in the center lane of 3-lane roads, never go over the speed limit, and certainly no yelling, hollerin, or cat calls from company vechicals......"Our customers seem to like us just fine" :cool2:....PS...if smokeing [ God only knows why?], field strip & pocket remains!

[mrusk]

I can not remember the last time i had a farmers tan? I havn't wore a t shirt since the 2nd week on april. When i have a shirt on its either a company sleveless t or a company tank top. IMO both are as professional as regular t. Mowing i wear a shirt expect for a few accounts that i am not visible from the road where i know the people real well. On hardscape jobs and landscape installations i'll work with no shirt on and my employees do too unless their fat asses. Most people understand that we do hard work in hot weather and do not even think twice about no shirts. I think sometimes people think to much about it. As long as your in decent shape, it isn't a big deal. Also if you have tatoos i'd leave my shirt on especally if they are gang related or that chinese tribal bs.

Matt

[lawnandplow42]

sometimes i wear absolutely nothing at all

[1MajorTom]

Well being a woman, I leave my shirt on. ;)
And no, Matt doesn't go without his company t-shirts either.
But I'm surprised at the people that said as homeowners they would not allow someone on their property without a shirt.
What about roofers? Roofers all the time take their shirts off. What would you do, go outside and yell up on the roof, "Get down here now Joe, you are not working here unless you have a shirt on!!" :dizzy:

[BCSteel]

Huh? No tank shirts? No sleevless shirts? You guys are nuts.

I dont work over 85 in a t-shirt. Tank shirts only but a shirt must be on. I do like the moisture wicking polyester t's though. If I could only find them in a tank...

If anything less than a t-shrit is not acceptable than shorts should not be acceptable either.

[Garth]

"Shirts on policy here", no pool swiming even if asked,no drinking even if offered, [ alcohol]......Driveing policy, to wave on other drivers at 4-way stop signs, drive in the center lane of 3-lane roads, never go over the speed limit, and certainly no yelling, hollerin, or cat calls from company vechicals......"Our customers seem to like us just fine" :cool2:....PS...if smokeing [ God only knows why?], field strip & pocket remains!
This, too, is our policy. We supply Hensley styled shirts, wide brimmed straw hats, gloves, and boots. The guys are required to wear long trousers. We also supply the neck bands that you soak in water that swell up and keep you cool all day. The guys will play with the water hoses back at the shop whilst they clean the equipment at the end of the day. It is tacky, in my opinion, not to wear a shirt if you are on a customer's property. I'll take my shirt off at home but because I'm covered with Celtic knot tattoos, never on the job.
I have worn my kilt to the jobsites before. Customers love that and a few have even gone out and bought one. It's nice to be the Supervisor!!

[topsites]

We should start one with 2 knock outs in bikinis mowing and call the company, are you ready, 2 BUSTED MOWERS! :D

LawnBabes, Inc. - We make your lawn look better for at least 1 hour :-)

[topsites]

If your working out in the coutry might be ok. I never do unless I'm at home tho. A lot of the country boys here do. I think company t shirts look a lot more proffesional. To hot here for polo shirts.

No doubt, but what if u got a nice muscular body without the usual american fat tissue, and an even tan to boot? I always said it doesn't actually matter how you run your company so long that what you do is truly yours (i.e.: do what you think you should do, not what everyone else says). I prove this last concept every single day by completely ignoring most corporate lies (ex.: never had business cards, no insurance, no sign on the truck, topless in the heat, etc, etc...).
It's your company - Do what you want, is what I say. In the end, if the customer approves - GREAT! And if they dont, tbss (too bad, so sad). Another way to look at it is, if the customer can put up with ME, then they are one GREAT customer (errr, let the pros deal with the rest (of the pitas)).
And if going topless means I'm a scrub, then a scrub I am (btw, women are attracted to certain types of scrub, lol, but you might just think twice about going topless in a married woman's yard cauz of the adultery issue).

Yup.
Peace out.

[topsites]

The shirt must stay on! The farmer tan is a evil result of the work we do.


Gravely_Man

That might be what attracts the women because yes, it is evil :-)

[topsites]

If I was the homeowner I wouldn't stand for it.

As the owner of this business, I would NOT stand for the shirts to be off. Period. No argument, no discussion.

Yeah, let the 'pros' handle this one. Maybe we should dress in suit and tie to please some folk, but as for me, FTS !

p.s.: scrubs (if that's what I am) get paid as good if not better. Matter of fact, you might even get a bonus if you really look good, lol.

[topsites]

Personaly I don't think women should have to wear shirts at all. :cool2: :D

Yeah :rolleyes:

[topsites]

Lawnsite Team

We found that white long sleeve button shirt, long workman style pants not jeans, and a wide brim hat with breathing vents protect us from the sun and look very professional. Try it you might be surprised how well it works without the sun beating down on your skin. Added plus is you are protected from grass debris from line trimmers and edgers that seems to hit your legs below the knees. We always remove hat and ear plugs when going indoors or speaking to a customer. Shoes, we always remove them on rare time we go inside home even if they say you do not have to. This shows respect and professionalism to most customers and prospective customers. I get many comments from "baby boom" and older era customers that this reminds them of their Grandfather or Fathers work clothing. Seems to bring fond memories from many of a seemingly simpler time. Make even young workers appear professional and respectful.

Best regards

Wayne

Now see, I never go inside customer's house, to me that is a big no-no. Especially when it's a married woman alone at home, but really, never go inside, you dunno what's coming.

[topsites]

"Shirts on policy here", no pool swiming even if asked,no drinking even if offered, [ alcohol]......Driveing policy, to wave on other drivers at 4-way stop signs, drive in the center lane of 3-lane roads, never go over the speed limit, and certainly no yelling, hollerin, or cat calls from company vechicals......"Our customers seem to like us just fine" :cool2:....PS...if smokeing [ God only knows why?], field strip & pocket remains!

Yeah I'm with you now - No drink or food (no really, not even a soda), never go inside their house, and how anyone could THINK of pool swimming after yard-work, lol, but I guess with employees anything is possible.
Now the other thing I do is when it's time to speak to the customer, put the shirt back on first. If the customer walks out while you're working topless, well, you know... Lets just say, some approve, some don't, but it is also a great way to 'test' your customer and weed out the undesirables ... I mean, if topless is your thing ... Now if topless is NOT your thing, then don't do it.

[topsites]

sometimes i wear absolutely nothing at all

yeah but doesn't the police get on you about that indecent exposure crap?

[topsites]

Huh? No tank shirts? No sleevless shirts? You guys are nuts.

I dont work over 85 in a t-shirt. Tank shirts only but a shirt must be on. I do like the moisture wicking polyester t's though. If I could only find them in a tank...

If anything less than a t-shrit is not acceptable than shorts should not be acceptable either.

Hell now shorts eat your legs UP weed-eating, I do wear jeans at all times just for that reason but that's another story, and certainly nothing to do with professionalism, just personal preference.

[65hoss]

But I'm surprised at the people that said as homeowners they would not allow someone on their property without a shirt.
What about roofers? Roofers all the time take their shirts off. What would you do, go outside and yell up on the roof, "Get down here now Joe, you are not working here unless you have a shirt on!!" :dizzy:

When I made that statement, I didn't mean those one time only people I can't control. But the every week people on my property would not be allowed to go without shirts. To me, that is just low class. A real business doesn't do work 1/2 nude.

[nocutting]

"Shirts on policy here", no pool swiming even if asked,no drinking even if offered, [ alcohol]......Driveing policy, to wave on other drivers at 4-way stop signs, drive in the center lane of 3-lane roads, never go over the speed limit, and certainly no yelling, hollerin, or cat calls from company vechicals......"Our customers seem to like us just fine" :cool2:....PS...if smokeing [ God only knows why?], field strip & pocket remains!
Further more, we provide company tees for tree work or Lawn/ Landscape services, and Polos for installations,Summer & Winter Ball caps, Shorts are provided, all earth tones, no jeans or cut-offs ever.......We dont use most of your tools but all saftey equipment is provided, & chaps while useing chain saws is required....Creature comfort is a high priorty and wareing clothes is a matter of respect to your clients.[ no matter how hot it is]....Picture "Donald Trump", comein out ta greet you with his shirt off?.....George & Carolyn would just die laughing! :dizzy:

[Aussie Topcat]

Does any one see a problem in taking your shirt off when working at a customers house? I would like to cause im getting the classic farmers tan really bad but I don't really think it looks very professional. Just wondering what your thoughts are on the subject. :cool:


Shirt stays on!

When i started in this trade, i had a guy working with me, it got hot, off came his shirt... :angry: i started to boil. He was older that me, so i let him do it for a while, about 1/2 an hour later :realmad: I could help myself "Scott please while you work with me wear your shirt" but it's hot, "i know but, it's my business".

Cut it short- "Put your shirt back on or go home ya look like a slob" at the end of that day i payed him and let him go...........

Scabs work dressed like that!

I am a professional ! :cool2:

Uniform always while working

[kilpatrickshrub&turf]

Shirts and company ballcaps stay on. I allow sleeveless shirts if it was made that way but not cutoffs. Soon going to company shirts but reluctant. For past 20 yrs whatever color shirts we use seems crews all over town adopt our color scheme. Maybe hot pink with neon green lettering??? hahaha

[sheshovel]

What I think is not necessarily what I do...I'm with wear shirts while on the job in the front yard,take it off in the backyard if client is not home.For guys only.Women have to wear shirts because the LAW says without one we are indecent.They say Our upper body parts are indecent.And yours are not.

[nocutting]

"Sheshovel" anytime your in NY, feel free to "SwingBye" & Let Those "Bad-Boys" out,....of course are policies are only for men....Women always "Brighten up a work-site", I guess its your positive demeanur & Healthy work attitude :rolleyes:

[Sweetwater]

Shirt on, period. I wear long sleeves in summer- light weight work shirt with collar and I wear a hat as well. The sleeves are not hot like everybody thinks. Actually, the sleeves cool the body due to lack of UV exposure. No kidding!

[The C Man]

I wear long sleeves in summer - the sleeves cool the body due to lack of UV exposure. No kidding!
Amazing how many people STILL don't understand this.