As Girly As It Gets - The Dress Code - Part 3

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If you do not complete today’s training sessions, we are told that the HR department will notify you of the failure and you will be dismissed.  I don’t work there, but that’s what we have been told to tell you.  This session is a requirement for your employment going forward.” Moira nodded, “Yes, I think there was someone hired about two months ago.  Didn’t they walk out early?” Natalie confirmed, “Yes, I remember that.  She was let go wasn’t she?” “Yes,” Moira responded.  Natalie noted, “We also had someone promoted within the company and they refused to complete the program.

They were also let go.  So, the company is serious.” Terry had no idea the HR department had taken things to this level.  He was a little worried that Natalie just lumped him in with all the executive assistants.  He did not want to cause problems and decided to see how things went.  After all, he crafted many of the new rules. So, he knew most of what they were going to tell them.  On the other hand, he had only been involved in reporting violations of the employee codes not in enforcement.  Natalie began, “Now each person is paired with someone else they work with to go through the training.  Moira, for example, went through our program when she joined the executive team about a year ago.  So, she is basically your mentor.

If you have any questions, you can always ask her.  And it can’t be that bad, Moira obviously survived the first time.”  She laughed at her own joke and looked at Terry.  Moira was looking at him too. “So let’s not beat around the bush.  The elephant in the room is that you, Terry, have been identified as needing to wear a bra to work according to the dress code requirements.  Correct?” Terry was caught off guard but responded, “Yes, that is correct.” Natalie continued, “And, since you are working in the executive department now, that is how people get into this program.  Have your breasts always been an issue or is this a recent change?”

She was looking at him with eyebrows raised. “While I have always had pectorals, there seems to have been some recent growth.  I guess I have let myself get a little out of shape.  This should only be a small, temporary problem.”  Terry hoped they could move on. “Terry, from where I am sitting, your small breast problem is more developed than mine.”  Natalie was holding her hands at the sides under her breasts and looking between them and Terry’s chest.  Terry was stunned to realize that his chest problem might be more pronounced than an actual woman.  Indeed, this stunning woman had smaller breasts than he was now displaying to the world.  Terry slumped in the chair at this realization.  Natalie observed, “Terry, girls wait for their breasts to develop.

It is a major milestone in their lives.  They experience them growing from small insignificant bumps to large often pendulous orbs extended from their chest.  You still think of your body as ending at your chest and the breasts as some external attachment unrelated to your body.  Your breasts, and you do have breasts, are part of you.  They will change the way you walk, the way you dress, and they will even effect the way you sleep.  You are going through a major life change and you need to deal with this in a serious professional manner.” Terry wasn’t sure why they were sent here but at least the cause and effect seemed to be linked.

He decided to try and hold his questions for a while and see how things went.  Natalie tried to cheer him up, “Look, the company has a dress code.  And, they want it followed.  It got very complicated when it was rewritten recently. To that end, the HR department hired us to make sure that any employees in the executive areas who happen to need to wear a bra understand all of the dress code rules and expectations the company has of them.  We are here to help you.  Since you are now working in the executive offices, we want to help you just like we have helped so many of the other employees in your group.  Now, the first rule is don’t slump or slouch.

Anyone looks silly slouching.  But you need to keep your back straight or you will develop serious back problems.  These little babies will affect your balance and if you do not learn to keep your posture good, you will develop some serious back issues and that is a health issue which could follow you for years.  So, SIT UP STRAIGHT.” Terry sat up and looked at Natalie as she continued. “While I know the company dress code says you should wear a bra, I can tell by looking at you that you have it on.  You’ve done a good job hiding it.  But, I was looking for it.  Tell me you didn’t run to some discount store and buy some flimsy piece of material which does nothing to support your assets.” At this point Moira jumped in, “No, I took Terry to Sweet Nothings.

Terry got fitted and ended up with one of their Wacoal lines.” Natalie was clearly pleased.  “Terry, whether your situation is temporary or permanent, breasts are an issue which should be dealt with appropriately.  If you do not have the right support, you can hurt your back as well as your chest.  You can injure the muscles and it is just not worth it.  So, promise me that you will take this seriously and wear a bra until you can resolve this issue to the point where bras are no longer needed.” Terry thought for a moment, “I am having a hard time adjusting to this.

I feel like I have this foreign object wrapped around me that makes me aware of it every time I move.  However, even in the last few days, I have noticed that I feel different.  I know I feel better.  I’m just not sure why.  I will try to make sure I follow your advice and I am always worried about my health.” “Great.  Terry, I think we’re going to get along famously.  You have the right attitude.

Remember something, girls start wearing a bra of some type or tight camisoles when they are in their early teens or even younger.  Adult women, like myself or Moira, are comfortable with the need for the bra and frankly if the bra is fitted well, like your new ones, you will soon forget about it during the day. It just becomes part of your dressing and you will appreciate the security and control it will provide.” Terry came back with, “Well, based on our discussion a few minutes ago, it seems my career is dependent on my adjusting my attitude and listening to you today.” “Ok, Terry, please stand up and slowly turn in a circle for me.” Terry stood up and spun around with his arms wide while standing on his tip toes.  He was doing his impression of a ballerina spinning.  And he had a huge grin on his face.  At the end, he bowed. Natalie had a smirk on her face, “Well, wasn’t that cute.  Now, try it like an adult.

Shoes on the ground and arms at your sides.  Turn in a circle clockwise.” Terry cooperated.  He slowly spun around and stopped. “Let’s try it without your coat.  I’ll hang it up for you.”  Natalie took his coat and hung it on a hanger on a hall tree in the corner.  She locked the door before walking over to Terry.  “OK. Let’s try it one more time.” “Please sit down and then casually stand up for me.” Terry did as instructed. “Terry, please watch Moira stand up.”  Moira stood.  “Now, could you both stand next to each other at about a 90 degree angle facing me?”  They moved next to each other. “Terry, Moira has been through this portion of the session before.

We are going to be adults here and realize that this is a learning experience.  As you can imagine, the majority of people who have completed this course are women.  Please look at the other person’s chest and tell me if you see any differences between yourself and your partner.  Then compare what you see to me.” Terry and Moira looked at their own chest and the chest of the other.

“Terry, Moira clearly has the largest breasts among the three of us, followed by you and finally me.  All three of us are wearing shirts that button on the front.  Do you notice anything else?” Terry looked at everyone and said, “I’m not sure what you mean.” Natalie moved the three of them over to a full wall mirror and they stood side by side.  “How about now?” Terry shook his head. Natalie said, “Look at the peaks of the breasts on each of our chests.  Do you notice anything different between yourself and Moira?” Terry still seemed bewildered. “OK let’s try this.  Moira, stand up straight and hold your shoulders back.  Now Terry you do the same thing and let’s look in the mirror.

Tell me what you see in the mirror.” Terry looked at himself and noticed that when he held his shoulders back, his shirt was tight across his chest.  Whereas, Moira’s shirt was not.  “It looks like when I do that my shirt is tight across the breast area.  And, Moira does not have that problem.” “Very good Terry.  That is why the company has a poorly worded section which basically says that employees wearing a bra should wear tops or other clothing that is designed to prevent exposure of their innerwear.  What happens is that your shirt will hold together where the buttons are and stretch between them creating gaps.  Also, your clothing might bunch up or be pulled up exposing other areas of your clothing or body.

The clothing might become skin tight depending on your activity.  All of the things I just mentioned look unprofessional.  This program is for people working in the executive areas and we do not want to be unprofessional looking around the big bosses.  Do we?” “Of course not”, Terry and Moira responded together. “That is why the dress code specifies that persons who require a bra must wear clothing to prevent an unprofessional look.  That means you should be wearing shirts and any other clothing which are designed to provide the necessary room for breasts and the bra.  The shirt you are wearing will not provide a professional look.

You can buy shirts that look virtually the same that are cut in such a way to prevent these embarrassing exposures.  I’m sure Moira can help you with that.”  Moira jumped in, “I’ve already helped with some suit issues Terry had previously.  I think I can get just what is needed.  Don’t you agree Terry?” “Absolutely, Moira was a lifesaver.  I had several suits where the seams on the pants gave out and she was able to find me new pants that matched my suits perfectly.  She saved me thousands of dollars I would have had to spend to replace my suits.” “Obviously, Terry, much of the clothing designed to accommodate a chest such as you have is going to be sold in an environment focused on female customers since this is a requirement for almost all women.

Because of that, you might want to let Moira, make some of the initial selections until you can decide on a style or store you prefer.  There are many clothes sold for women that are indistinguishable from their male equivalents.  Stores such as Brooks Brothers sell suits and blouses that are virtually the same as the male suits and shirts sold in the same store.  Often the suits are of the same material and styling.  You can also go to department stores.” Natalie continued, “If you look around your work area at Moira and the other executive assistants, you will see examples of what is professional.

Some may be flashier than you prefer.  But, each person develops their own style.  While you’re new to this, Moira and others have been living up to these expectations for the last year or longer.  Many of these women around you at work have maintained a professional look throughout their career.  You need to work hard to learn from their experience.  Work with Moira and talk to others in your area and you will eventually develop your own style.”  Terry wasn’t sure why he wanted any style.  He just tried to absorb what was being said and hoped this day would end soon.

On the other hand, Moira noticed something Terry had not.  Natalie apparently assumed that Terry was an Executive Assistant and not an Executive.  The words were carefully selected.  But Terry probably assumed things and missed Natalie’s assumptions.  She noticed that Natalie was referring to the other executive assistants.  And she assumed Terry would be talking to them.  Also, it seemed that Natalie assumed Terry was a new assistant and would be learning from the other more senior assistants.  She smirked and kept her thoughts to herself.  “Terry, when you wear a bra you have to worry about your outer clothing sticking to or bunching up on your breasts.  Therefore, professionals wear clothing to try and manage or prevent this problem.

Besides your outerwear, there is underwear designed to help out.  You cannot wear a cotton t-shirt under a blouse.  Your shirt will stick to the peaks on your chest.  The dress code and professional expectations dictate that you wear some type of slip or camisole.  These are clothing you are unfamiliar with.  But now that you are in the executive ranks and wearing a bra, you need to become aware of these things.  Slips and camisoles are designed to fit and accommodate your breasts.  They will allow your outer clothing to slide along without bunching up.  If you are trying to reduce the awareness of those around you to your bra, you will actually find that this helps.  Since your clothing will flow there will not be some bunched-up clothing to draw other people’s attention.

I suggest that Moira work with you to get a few things.  We’ll talk more about this in some of our other sessions.”  Terry was getting really uncomfortable with the conversation.  But he felt sort of relaxed in some other ways.  Natalie offered to get them some hot tea.  Moira accepted and Terry asked for coffee. Natalie suggested, “Terry, we find that the teas that we have selected will help enhance today’s experience.” While Natalie got up to go, Moira asked her to show her to the ladies' room.  Terry was left alone in the room.  He was trying to review all the things Natalie had been telling him.

He did not want to wear more women’s clothing.  This was getting out of hand. Meanwhile, Moira was talking to Natalie while they prepared hot tea.  “You know Natalie,” Moira explained, “Terry is really upset about the bra thing.  And he will probably initially want to try to revolt at the program here today.  I want to ensure that Terry succeeds and gets over his silly preconceived notions.  I know you have customers that complain about pain or nervousness.  A friend of mine says your relaxation teas put her into a zone where you could do anything to her and she would just go with the flow.  Can we get Terry something to help him relax and enjoy his day while overlooking the things which might get him excited?  He signed the release and I can assure you that I will calm him down if things do get out of hand.” Natalie said she understood.

They often had issues with people wanting to enjoy their experiences but were concerned about some of the more personal aspects of the day.  She reached into a cabinet and retrieved a can.  She stirred the contents into Terry’s tea and they returned to the lounge. While they drank their tea, Natalie continued their conversation. “Terry, I noticed one other thing we should talk about right now.  When you were standing earlier, I noticed that your pants are bunched up.  When Moira and you get some slips or camisoles, you should get some underwear made of similar material.  It will ensure your pants drape correctly and don’t get bunched up.” Terry was trying to understand what she was saying.  “My underwear?

You can’t even see my underwear.  What are you talking about?” Natalie looked at him like a teacher getting ready to correct a petulant child.  “Terry, you are wearing cotton boxers.  They have a regular gathered waist and the legs go about three inches down from your crotch.  I can see the lines of the underwear seams on your pant's leg sides and the back.  Everyone knows what underwear you are wearing.  That is unprofessional.  Your pants bunch up and stick to the underwear when you walk, stand up, and sit down.  Highly paid professionals, executives, and their staff wear clothing that does not expose to the world their underwear choices.  I know what I am doing.  You need to understand this is what the company expects.

You need different underwear.  No one needs to see the pattern or color so the selection of that only matters when wearing white or see-through clothing.  Are you planning to wear see-through pants?” Terry was totally embarrassed.  And he was on the defensive.  He could not muster the energy to get mad.  But he felt totally corrected and realized she was waiting for an answer.  He slumped forward and mumbled, “No, Natalie, I don’t plan to wear see-through pants.” “That’s good to hear Terry.  But, sit up straight.

We may have to do something to remind you to sit up straight.”  Terry sat up in the chair.  “So, Terry, do you understand why you are expected to wear underwear that does not bunch up and allows your clothes to drape as they were designed?” Terry nodded, “Yes I think I understand.  It just seems like a lot of worry about nothing.” Natalie shook her head, “Terry, you don’t want to risk your job over some silly rule about clothing do you?” “Of course not!” Terry declared. “Well as I understand the rules, anyone can file a complaint and if you expect to succeed in the executive offices, I would suggest that you need to know what is expected and work to ensure that these little things don’t derail your career at the company.  The bosses can sometimes harass people for the littlest things.  You want to avoid a conflict with the big executives, right?” Terry agreed.  He was already feeling like he had been sectioned off from the bosses.

It didn’t occur to him in his self-evaluation that he was supposed to be one of the executives. Natalie brightened, “We believe in a whole body experience at our facility.  So, let’s get to some of the fun things.  We are going to start our day with a nice massage.  Following that, you will relax in our unique epi-baths.  After a quick shower, we’ll move to the next phase.  Lunch will be light and then we can have our afternoon sessions.  Let’s get started.” Moira seemed excited and Terry found himself relaxing and just following directions.  They were each led to a dressing room and handed a robe, towel and a set of briefs.  Natalie told them to take their clothes off and place them in the bag provided.  Later their things would be put in a locker.  Terry took off all his clothes including his new bra and placed everything in the bag.

He donned the briefs which looked suspiciously like women’s underwear.  Frankly, at this moment he did not have the desire to complain.  Terry had never had one of the larger penises.  In fact in high school and other situations, he always felt that he was probably on the smaller side as far as endowment was concerned.  Lately, he almost felt like the little soldier had been shrinking.  But he just put that out of his mind. The underwear was spandex or something and seemed to hold his masculine bits against his body.  The crotch seemed stretchy and he tried several things before pushing his penis back between his legs.

The underwear seemed to hold everything in place and he did not feel like he was going to expose himself.  His family jewels which seemed smaller than he remembered seemed to disappear into his crotch.  He then put on the robe and tied it to ensure his breasts were not on display.  He made sure his ponytail was inside of the robe.  Draping the towel over his shoulder, he exited the room with his clothing bag.  Natalie directed them to lockers where they stowed and locked their clothing and personal items.

They entered a room where two massage tables were separated by a privacy screen.  So they would be able to talk in the room but not see each other while they were getting their massages.  Terry was relieved to see that the two masseuses were women.  Somehow, with his new breasts, he had no interest in being half-dressed in a room with a man.  Even letting a woman see them would be disconcerting.  Using the towel to protect himself.