Covid long over, senior techie gets trolled after he dismisses colleague for dressing casually during Zoom call. Netizens react

A seasoned professional in the tech industry recently found himself at the center of a social media storm after his post on LinkedIn was widely shared and then ruthlessly mocked on the subreddit LinkedIn Lunatics. The individual, identified as Jason Loomis, had taken to the platform to express his frustration over what he considered inappropriate attire during a virtual business meeting.

In his post, Jason candidly admitted that he might be evolving into the stereotypical grumpy veteran in corporate circles—the kind who clings to old-school norms in a rapidly changing world. The triggering event? A Zoom call with a sales team that had spent weeks trying to secure a meeting with him.

When they finally succeeded, their representative appeared on screen dressed in a hoodie and a baseball cap, a stark contrast to Jason’s collared shirt and businesslike demeanor. He likened his appearance to someone vying for a spot on a fictional “LinkedIn Professionals” calendar.

Staring at his screen, Jason questioned whether he had mistakenly joined a fantasy football draft instead of a product presentation. As he processed the moment, he wondered if his discomfort with the attire was a sign that he was out of step with modern workplace culture.

He mused on the idea that perhaps the 2025 definition of “dressing for success” had shifted completely. What once meant slacks and button-downs might now mean looking like you’re on a casual grocery run. He humorously reflected on the possibility that his wardrobe of business-casual staples could be replaced with a more comfortable collection of relaxed, everyday clothing.

Despite these self-aware reflections, Jason doubled down on his belief that some degree of effort in presentation still matters. To him, dressing appropriately for a professional meeting—even a virtual one—is not about rank or budgets, but about respect. Making an effort with one’s appearance, he suggested, communicates that the interaction holds value and that time spent together is appreciated.

While the attire wasn’t the sole reason the meeting was short, Jason implied it contributed to a lack of alignment between both parties. The first impression, shaped by how one shows up, can subtly influence the tone and perceived seriousness of the exchange.

He ended his post with a question directed at others who, like him, may feel a growing disconnect between traditional professional standards and contemporary workplace culture. He asked whether formal dress codes had truly become obsolete or if there was still something to be said for showing up looking presentable, especially when trying to build meaningful professional relationships.

Although Jason’s intent may have been to start a dialogue on evolving norms, the internet had other plans. His reflections became viral fodder, inviting criticism and ridicule from many who saw his concerns as outdated or overly rigid in an era that increasingly prioritizes comfort and authenticity over formality.

Netizens React

Redditors called out Loomis for being too particular about others' business clothing. One user pointed out that his own sartorial choices were nothing to write home about. "It's crazy cause he's in a soft knit short-sleeve collared polo. And several buttons undone! That's pretty casual by 'dinosaur' standards; it's not like he's wearing the standard business casual either," wrote one user.

"He’s wearing a T-shirt with a glorified collar and acting like he’s in a business suit. What a loser, Karen..." Read another comment.

Loomis is a Chief Information Security Officer at Freshworks.