I get what you say, but doesn't the fact that you'd wear something different, were you to meet customers, indicate that it might not be the best work attire? While I agree a suit should not be required, I'd say if you'd have to change your cloths to meet a client, it's probably not suited for work.

> I'd say if you'd have to change your cloths to meet a client, it's probably not suited for work.

Why? With clients you wear more formal clothes for PR purposes. It shouldn't be necessary on most dev teams (in my experience).

I'd disagree. When I am slumming it at home, I wear the most comfortable pair of trousers I have. If I'd receive a call to have a beer with pals, I'd still change.

I think the same applies in the given example: the in-group knows the guy in the shorts and T-shirt is a nice dude who helps others and is super-professional about quality. The customer, as an outsider, just sees someone who's underdressed.