TikTok
Hooters of America has announced that its new revealing shorts will be optional for employees.
This policy change follows a series viral TikToks by staff members speaking out against the uniform.
Insider was told by a spokesperson for Hooters that they can help customers choose the right style of shorts to fit their body.
Hooters has made its controversial new shorts optional as a response to employee outrage via social media.
A spokesperson for Hooters of America stated that staff will be allowed to choose between the new shorters, which some describe as being so thin they "resemble underwear", and the original longer ones.
Insider received an email from a spokesperson stating that "As we continue listening and updating the image of Hooters Girls", they are clarifying that they can choose between traditional uniforms and the new ones. They can choose which style of shorts suits their body and image best.
This announcement follows a series TikTok videos that employees shared this week, in which they voiced their disapproval of the shorts. These shorts are just the latest in a long line of complaints against the company regarding the sexualization and degradation of women.
"Soooo Hooters got new pants. One TikTok user wrote, "I mean shorts." Another user wrote, "I love my job, but I don't like wearing undies to work,"
Hooters of America stated that it appreciates the feedback regarding its image policy, which includes tattoos, jewelry and nails as well as new uniform options (to include new top styles and shorts and the addition of socks).
This backlash is indicative of a growing trend in retail employees using social media to voice their grievances, and demand better working conditions. Staff from Apple to Starbucks have taken to social media to voice their dissatisfaction and demand change in recent months.
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Hooters of America is the franchisor and operator of Hooters restaurants. It has more than 420 locations in 42 states and 29 other countries. The Original Hooters Group also owns 25 additional locations, but they are not part of the uniform change.
The spokesperson said that the shorts were the result of a collaboration between Hooters Girls. They have been worn for many months in many Texas markets and received overwhelmingly positive feedback. The shorts were first introduced in Texas, but have since been expanded to other states.
Some staff members defended the shorts on TikTok. One claimed that she earned "way more" by wearing them. One user said she was "obsessed with" the shorts, while another wrote that she was "obsessed". Another wrote that she was "obsessed with" the shorts. A third wrote that the shorts were "obsessed."
Hooters of America stated that it will continue to work with its employees and offer them the opportunity to provide input at all stages, including future clothing and accessories.
The spokesperson said in an email that they were excited to see a rise in self-expression and inclusion, which bodes well for the market. "We continue to work with our Hooters Girls in order to refresh and improve the image of our brand ambassadors, and to empower them feel their best at work.
Business Insider has the original article.
