According to a recent report, a recent trend among young Chinese workers involves wearing “gross outfits” to work.
The New York Times (NYT) reported on the 26th (local time) that the younger generation in China is posting pictures of themselves going to work in attire deemed inappropriate for the office, such as character pajamas and knee-high socks.
On the Chinese social media platform Xiaohongshu, a video of a young woman dressed in pajamas, fur pants, slippers, a pink top, brown UGG boots, red gloves, and a black mask covering her entire face was posted.
In the video, the woman claims that her boss criticized her clothing, telling her to dress more appropriately for the company’s image.
Surprisingly, a significant number of netizens supported the woman. They argued that they don’t have time to care about their attire with heavy workloads and low wages. The video has been shared over 1.4 million times.
The NYT analysis suggests that the further the attire strays from conventional workwear, the more approval it receives. This trend is seen as a manifestation of discontent among China’s younger demographic, overwhelmed with low wages and frequent overtime through deliberate self-deprecation.
This is interpreted as a rejection of a life of striving for promotions and advancements in a time of slowing economic growth and fewer opportunities.
An employee in Hangzhou said, “I ignored my boss’s comments about how I dress. I’m tired of unpredictable lockdowns and quarantines during COVID-19. I want a peaceful life rather than climbing up the corporate ladder.”
Beijing psychologist Xiao Shueping analyzed, “Times have changed. Today’s youth have been raised in a more accepting environment than previous generations, and their well-being and feelings are prioritized.” He added, “They are still doing their jobs, and their work attire can be seen as a form of ‘responsible protest.'”
Most Commented