By ED HOLT and AIDAN RADNEDGE, SENIOR NEWS REPORTER
Published: 10:17 BST, 21 August 2026 | Updated: 15:38 BST, 21 August 2026
A woman was barred from wearing a backless dress inside a Post Office after the owner of the store said they 'can't allow too much exposure'.
The shopper entered the convenience store wearing an outfit which left her back exposed – only to be confronted by the postmistress.
The customer, known online as Lily, told how she was pointed towards a note in a window which 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 cooperation.'
The Post Office has since confirmed they spoke to the owner of the store who has removed the note – and the firm today 'sincerely' apologised to the woman for what it called her 'stressful experience'.
The company did not reveal the location of the outlet involved, but the complainant today told the Daily Mail it was Ramslye Post Office in Tunbridge Wells, Kent.
The branch, like many across the UK, is operated as an independent business – meaning it can legally refuse entry based on what a person is wearing if the dress code does not discriminate against protected characteristics under the Equality Act.
The woman, whose name is believed to be Lily, entered the Post Office wearing a dress which left her back exposed before being shown a note in the window of the shop
The note. The Post Office has since confirmed the existence of the note and that they had spoken to the owner of the store who has since removed the note 'for now'
The woman shared a post on X about her experience and it has since gone viral, gaining more than 6 million views.
She wrote: 'I was just told by Post Office 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?'
