My boss demanded

February 08, 2026

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AITA for pushing back when my boss accused me of a pants bulge and demanded I shop under her watch?

My boss told me my pants were too revealing, claimed I had a visible bulge, and demanded I replace all my work pants—with her supervising the shopping trip. When I pushed back, things escalated fast and now she’s on administrative leave.

✍︎

I’m the employee who faced bizarre accusations about my work pants being too revealing, including claims of a “bulge” I don’t have. After my boss demanded I replace my entire wardrobe—and that she supervise my shopping—I escalated matters with HR and legal counsel, leading to her administrative leave.

When my boss told me my pants showed a bulge—something that simply isn’t true—and demanded I buy new pants, I was shocked. I consulted two lawyers who confirmed that while the behavior could be seen as sexual harassment, proving it was tricky without evidence or a pattern. Both advised caution about going to HR prematurely.

"My boss said my pants violated the dress code by revealing my 'bulge,' and it wasn’t a request but a management order."

I took company online courses on sexual harassment and “tough conversations” to understand correct procedures. According to the training, such work wardrobe issues should be referred to HR, not handled directly by supervisors. So I emailed my boss for clarification, ensuring all was documented.

"She insisted I replace all my pants and that she’d have to supervise the shopping trip."

I responded that if management required me to replace so many clothes, the company should cover it. Her reply was that shopping must happen under her supervision. This crossed a boundary for me, so I backed up all communications and took the matter to HR. Shortly after, I was asked to stop work and attend an HR meeting.

🏠 The Aftermath

After my HR report, my boss was placed on administrative leave pending investigation. I was told the company takes this seriously and to focus on my well-being. Though the situation is stressful, I feel relief that boundaries were respected and policies enforced.

I continue to work without interference but remain cautious. The experience has made me aware of how important documentation and support are when facing questionable managerial behavior.

This episode also highlights the thin line between management’s authority and employee rights—especially when accusations feel baseless and invasive.