What’s the best way to look your best in a multi-layer suit in the middle of the blistering summer heat?
Good question. Hmm, let’s see. A business suit is a set of garments consisting of jackets, trousers, and dress shirts, and ties underneath. We’d suggest getting rid of the jacket, rolling up your sleeves, and unbuttoning the top part of your shirt but that’s not possible if your dress code is strict, is it?
Pulling it off in sweltering temperatures plus uncomfortable commute conditions AND still looking fresh, cool, and sweatproof is not an easy feat. However, it’s not impossible. With careful planning and making the right choices, you can keep yourself from looking like that sweaty, nasty guy in the corner.
Avoid showing up in the office looking like a sweaty mess every time. Check out our tips for looking and staying cool and fresh in a suit.
1. Stay hydrated
First things first: drink water, the colder the better. Iced coffee is also welcome, just in case you need to have a caffeine boost on the road, but don’t forget your H2O.
2. Wear suits and dress shirts with open-weave fabrics
Comfort begins with the right fabric choice. It goes without saying that thicker, heavier fabrics like your average wool, won’t do you any justice during the hot season. You might be in layers but you’ll feel lighter and more comfortable if you’re wearing lightweight, open-weave fabrics.
The next time you buy a suit or shirt and tie sets, look for natural fabrics like linen and cotton. Linen suits are extremely thin and breathable, making them perfect for summertime. The only issue is it wrinkles very easily. But hey, looking haggard and sweaty is worse than having a tiny wrinkle on your shirt. Cotton suits are thicker than linen suits, but they won’t wrinkle and will still provide comfort and breathability.
3. Pay attention to your lining
That lining on your jacket means extra fabric between your jacket and your body. While it gives the jacket structure, it can also make you feel hotter… unpleasantly.
There are different kinds of jacket linings. Fully-lined jackets have a better structure but they obviously feel warmer and uncomfortable. Unlined ones are breathable but they have the least structure. Your best bet is to go for the middle guy: the half-lined jackets.
Jackets with half lining allow more air to penetrate while providing you the structure you need, especially in the shoulder area. If the structure isn’t necessarily your priority, just ditch the lining and look for the best unlined jacket you can find.
4. Opt for lighter hues
The darker the color of your clothing is, the more heat it will absorb and the hotter you will feel. Do yourself a favor and reserve your blacks, dark blues, and grays for the winter. For summertime, opt for off-white, tan, beige, light gray, and light blue.
5. Wear a breathable undershirt
The idea of wearing another layer underneath might come as a shock but hear us out!
When you wear a suit and long=sleeved dress shirt in hot weather, you’re going to sweat a lot. That’s a fact. The purpose of the undershirt is to have something that will absorb your sweat and avoid it from messing up your expensive dress shirt. Say goodbye to sweat stains under your armpits.
6. Keep extra shirts on your desk
If all else fails, it’s nice to have extra t-shirts and dress shirts in your office. You should also have an emergency kit stashed at the desk including cologne, deodorant, and some face wipes.
7. Loafers are perfect for the summer
You may opt for comfortable loafers instead of wearing lace-ups to keep your ankles and feet cool. And if your workplace doesn’t require socks, just leave them at home. Let your feet breathe!
8. Have a handy hanky
The pocket square or handkerchief in your suit is there for a reason — it’s not just a colorful decoration, rather it’s intended to help you dab the sweat and keep you cool.
9. Take the jacket off during commute
You have no boss and client to impress when you’re on the road so ditch the jacket. Drape it over your arm and just put it on when you’re in the office.
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10. Time your commute during the colder part of the day
Do you have a regular 9-5 schedule? If so, beat the heat by avoiding it…literally. Leave the house earlier, when it’s still a bit dark and cold and the heat isn’t scorching yet.
11. Relax and take your time
Regardless of your schedule, leaving the house earlier than usual may help you avoid rushing, thus causing you to sweat aggressively. Earlier commutes allow you to walk slowly, take your time, and relax.
Who says you can’t rock a stylish suit in the middle of the blazing summer heat? While everything might go sweaty or wrinkled, the way you carry yourself will set you apart. With the right fabric choice and knowledge in fashion, you can pull it off and look like the best-dressed man in the room.
Author Bio:: Carmina Natividad is a daytime writer for Rael Brook Shirts UK, a menswear retailer from Manchester UK, providing quality men’s shirts to trendy gents all over the world. When she’s not browsing Pinterest for fashion inspos, you can find her writing articles about fashion and lifestyle.
