Female Interpreter Attire
Please share this with interpreters and the D/deaf community!
The results of this survey will be shared so that interpreters can have a visual resource of what type of attire is deemed appropriate by the community in which they work. Hopefully the deaf community will use this survey to express their opinions on what interpreter attire is least oppressive and easiest to work with. Please remember to keep opinion and personal taste out of this!
It is understood that many answers can be "it depends" and the answers given are not all inclusive, so please feel free to leave additional information in the comments section of each question.
Thank you for participating!
dark green sweater with pattern, navy blue pants
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Comments:
- perhaps if the sweater didn't have a pattern on it. the pattern will make the hands difficult to see clearly, thus creating unnecessary eye strain for the consumer.
- if the sweater was solid and did not have a pattern, and if the necklace was absent, i would wear this while interpreting.
- visually distracting
- the pattern is not too overwhelming, but it could be distracting.
- drop the circles; the green is cool, but the blue pants hurt the eyes with the green sweater.
- i would not wear this to interpret.
- patterns are never acceptable for interpreters.
- the pattern is distracting.
- the pattern on the sweater is too visually distracting.
- no patterns on top. if the top was solid... sure appropriate choices as long as it contrasts with the skin tone of the interpreter. no necklace... could distract.
tan dress with 2 large dark blue stripes
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Comments:
- ramp model
- again, the stripes cause eye strain.
- i think this pattern is too bold and potentially bothersome or distracting to look at.
- visually distracting
- too stark a difference in color
- appropriate for darker skin/contrasting color hands
- drop the boots.
- i would not wear this to interpret.
- patterns are never acceptable for interpreters.
- solid color on top... no stripes, no patterns, and should contrast with skin tone.
black 3/4 length sleeve with thick white stripes
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Comments:
- outing
- stripes......
- these are a joke, right?
- too much strain on the eyes
- trying to make me blind? drop the stripes.
- patterns are never acceptable for interpreters.
- makes me dizzy
- no patterns on top. that would hurt the eyes.
- depending on the client's preference. i can see how this would work for medical; 3/4 sleeves are always good, but the stripes may be an issue.
- stripes are too visible.
white shirt under black leather jacket, big tan scarf
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Comments:
- not sure
- this just doesn't look professional at all. we should represent ourselves as professionals and look the part.
- i do worry, though, that the scarf may be a problem. but at least this outfit is comprised of solid colors.
- without the scarf - zip-up coat - maybe a fun type of convention, not a professional convention and not on stage.
- too bulky around the face, distracts from facial expression and shoulder movement.
- do you want to be shot?
- i would not wear this to interpret.
- if the jacket is zipped up, then it is acceptable.
- too casual, does not look professional. also, the scarf is bulky and distracting.
- these must be jokes. the color of the clothes on top should contrast with your skin tone. the scarf is bulky and distracting.
bright green shirt, bright pink knee length skirt
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Comments:
- no idea
- shirt okay for k-12, skirt okay for other places.
- a bright color, like patterns and stripes, creates unnecessary eye strain. we need to be considerate of our consumers.
- i personally like to wear solid colors while interpreting, but i feel that this combo, the sweater in particular, is too bright and distracting.
- come on...
- appropriate for interpreting for clients with low vision -- with their prior consent or direction and based on the skin tone of the interpreter.
- colors can be somewhat distracting.
- too bright, too much strain on the eyes.
- change pink to black and i will like it.
- i would not wear this to interpret.
white blouse with black detailing on sleeves and neckline
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Comments:
- if it contrasts with your skin color.
- again with the patterns and eye strain and consideration of our consumers.
- the pattern is distracting.
- too much pattern
- appropriate for african american interpreters - contrasting skin color
- i like this outfit.
- it would be okay for a person of color to wear.
- i would not wear this to interpret.
- patterns are never acceptable for interpreters.
- maybe if you have a darker skin tone.
blue sleeveless blouse
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Comments:
- in hot weather
- possibly suitable in a very relaxed setting, or for outdoor interpretation.
- okay, this one might be for informal interpreting on a very hot day.
- this blouse should have a blazer or something to wear over it.
- sleeveless is never professional. put a blazer over this and it's perfectly fine for all interpreting situations...except maybe deaf-blind.
- some community - not all suitable
- i don't work in sleeveless without a jacket or sweater.
- only outdoor, warm weather interpreting, when sleeves would be too hot.
- get sleeves
- outdoor interpreting or when it is so hot that it could affect the product.
Floral dress under a turquoise cardigan with brown belt at waist
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Comments:
- no idea
- if sitting the whole time
- if......and only if that cardigan were buttoned up at the top and the floral isn't showing in the t-zone.
- just no...
- possibly okay if the sweater was covering more of the dress butt, but there is a lot going on in this outfit.
- the pattern is covered, and there is enough contrast between the hands and the sweater.
- this is too much to look at. i think calmer prints are much more appropriate and will not distract the eye.
- get rid of the brooch.
- i would not wear this to interpret, although it is not as distracting as the outfits before it.
- if the cardigan were more fully buttoned up, then it would be acceptable.
black short sleeved blouse, floral pants
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Comments:
- nightwear
- no, even if sitting the whole time. those are not pants.
- i think the pants could possibly be a distraction.
- if those pants aren't leggings, then perhaps this would be acceptable in a k12 setting, but we need to focus on aligning our attire with that of the other professionals in the situation rather than matching the students.
- shirt yes, pants no.. maybe if seated at a vrs call center and no one has their eyes assaulted by flowers.
- pants are too tight and flashy for professional attire.
- top okay pants distracting
- i would tolerate the pants! black solid would be better.
- if it's a casual setting for community interpreting.
- i would not wear these pants; the top is fine.
bright yellow blouse
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Comments:
- might not be a good contrast color for people with lighter skin.
- okay in most situations if the interpreter has darker skin.
- if the interpreter has a darker skin tone, i could see this working in an educational setting.
- i'm torn about this one. i think it could potentially work.
- again, depending on the interpreter's skin tone.
- too bright
- appropriate for african american interpreters
- i would not wear this to interpret.
- yellow is a bad color unless it contrasts better with skin tone.
- only for a dark-skinned person.
navy blue blouse with pastel flowers
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Comments:
- outing
- stop it!
- florals, patterns, stripes, and dots all cause eye fatigue for our consumers.
- too busy
- drop the flowers.
- i would not wear this to interpret.
- patterns are never acceptable for interpreters.
- print is too busy.
- no hay patrones en la parte superior. la pulsera también podría ser una distracción.
- staff in office
White blouse with medium black polka dots, black knee length skirt
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Comments:
- if it contrasts with your skin color.
- again with the dots............who came up with this survey? did an actual interpreter develop this?
- if she puts on that jacket, we have a deal.
- not too busy, but not easy to see signs and fingerspelling for light skin tone.
- cool outfit!
- i would not wear this to interpret.
- patterns are never acceptable for interpreters.
- with jacket in court
- patterns again.
- with the black jacket she is holding, if the wearer is wearing the jacket.
black blouse with dark purple flowers
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Comments:
- these flowers are subtle enough that they blend in with the dark fabric. they create less eye strain, but i would take a backup just in case.
- this pattern is more subtle than the others, so perhaps it may be okay. but i still think it is too busy.
- i almost vote yes compared to the other choices but save the flowers for after work. maybe if there's an emergency call and i'm on the road and have no chance to change. but to consciously decide this is okay, no.
- some community assignments - not all
- provided solid color that matches (pants or skirt)
- this blouse does not seem to be distracting.
- patterns are never acceptable for interpreters.
- patterns again.
- the colors are dark enough for db, but the cut and chest may be too loose.
- again, i must admit that it is too distracting for our eyes to look at the interpreters. they can wear these outfits on their own time. but not during working hours. sorry!