Australian premier strips off

An Australian state premier has recommended the country's male workforce strip off for the summer.

"Suits are out in January, shirt sleeves are in," Bob Carr, premier for New South Wales, told a news conference on Tuesday.

"I could not put on a coat this morning. The humidity is palpable. The heat is baking," he said.

Sydney was basking in temperatures of 27 degrees Celsius (80 degrees Fahrenheit) with 84% humidity.

Mr Carr was shocked to be greeted by managers of a printing factor he was visiting in heavy suits.

"We have people here thinking 'Because the premier's arrived, I've got to walk around in heavy coats,'" he said.

Someone in his position should be wearing a suit GQ Australia editor Grant Pearce

"Every boss needs to say: 'Listen team, shirt sleeves are permissible, even an open-necked shirt.'"

But Mr Carr's sartorial advice did not impress the fashion world.

Vogue Australia's fashion chief Lil Boyd said the casual code should be kept in check.

"Otherwise you might be having pink board shorts - it could be a disaster," she said.