Woman banned from Post Office over outfit she wore as response issued

A woman claims she was asked to leave a Post Office due to her 'inappropriate' clothing at the height of the heatwave.

But if you're picturing a full-on bikini, you'd be wrong, as the woman who goes by the account @Lily_Lna on X, says she was wearing a black, backless dress.

In a post she shared on social media on August 17, she wrote: "I was just told by @PostOffice staff that my outfit was inappropriate and that, in future, I cannot wear “backless clothing” inside the store and should make sure I’m “covered up”.

"I was also directed to the note supposedly from store management."

"In the height of summer, I really don’t think this is a particularly scandalous outfit? Am I wrong?"

The note in question, which was reportedly attached to the outside of the door, read: "We do understand it is very hot.

"But because this is a convenience store of food and post office, we can't allow:

• Topless, backless or
• Just with bra or
• Too much exposure.

"Please wear a top before coming in. Thank you for your co-operation."

The Post Office replied directly to Lily's post to apologise.

The backless dress (X/@lily_lna)

The note has been removed

The Post Office has since released an official statement to GB News in which they confirmed they had spoken to the owner of the shop and that the note had been removed.

Though 'for now' was added at the end.

Like many post offices across the country, the store in question, which has not been identified, is owned by an independent postmistress.

As a result, the shop legally allowed to refuse entry based on a person's clothing as long as their dress code does not discriminate against protected items under the Equality Act.

Temperatures in the United Kingdom reached as high as 28C on August 17.

Lily's post went viral on X, generating 6.4 million views and thousands of replies, many of which were in support of her outfit.

"Gorgeous outfit and very classy. They must have an aversion to skin," one user wrote.

Another added: "Don't think that would be scandalous any time of year. Wouldn't look out of place in a nice restaurant."

Compliments rained in too, with another reply saying: "Girl you look amazing and this dress isn’t inappropriate in the slightest."

The note (X/@lily_lna)

"That is a charming and elegant dress, it’s certainly not indecent, and you look very fine in it.

"Maybe that’s their problem?" another said.

The Post Office's full statement read: "We want all of our customers to have a positive experience when visiting a Post Office.

"In this instance, the branch and shop is owned by an independent Postmistress.

"She has requested that all customers adhere to a set of clothing standards that is respectful of this space being a convenience store and Post Office and that all customers can feel comfortable when going about buying their groceries or using our services.

"We have spoken to the Postmistress and she has said that the note has been taken down for now."

It's not the first clothing controversy to strike during the summer's soaring temperatures, with German fitness influencer, Edda Pilz, claiming she was refused entry on a flight in June due to her outfit.