MisterNice: Thanks for the info. I had never hear of Nomex. I had just read of a case where medical staff had trouble treating burns in a plane crash victim because a synthetic fabric (think it was nylon) had literally melted onto the person's skin. I don't know if the person would have been significantly better off in cotton, but the story has stuck in my mind.

I didn't know that shoes are removed before going down the chute. That must make it interesting at the bottom if there is any debris on the ground. Best not to think about it, I 'spose.

In any case, I agree with whoever said it was good to treat the dress code subject with humor. I realize that I haven't added anything funny to the discussion, but I do appreciate those who have!