During the winter, it can often be a blessing to have to dress professionally for work. For many people, especially men, wearing a full suit and other professional-style clothing can help to keep you warm with all those layers. But once the weather changes to summer, having to dress professionally can quickly become stifling.
To help you maintain a professional look while also not drowning in sweat all day, here are three tips for dressing professionally in the heat of the summer.
Choose The Right Fabrics
The fabrics that you choose to wear can make a huge difference when it comes to how hot you’ll get as you dress professionally in the summer.
According to Peter Nguyen, a contributor to The Essential Man, the best fabrics to wear in the summer for men are cotton, linen, tropical wools, and synthetic blends. These types of fabrics are all going to be lighter and more breathable as you wear them. Features like this in your clothing will help keep your body from getting too hot and will allow you to get more of a breeze to help keep you cooler.
Take A Look At Your Blazers And Jackets Before Wearing Them
As one of the key parts of professional attire for men, you often can’t go without wearing a jacket or blazer even when it’s hot outside. Because of this, it’s vital that you take a look at the blazers or jackets that you have before you wear them when it’s going to be particularly warm.
Ideally, Antonio Centeno, a contributor to RealMenRealStyle.com, shares that you should look for jackets or blazers that are either unlined or half-lined. This will help to make the blazer or jacket less bulky in addition to removing the layers that often trap heat. This way, you can still look as professional as possible in your blazer or jacket without getting too hot in the process.
Be Careful With Short-Sleeved Dress Shirts
While it might be tempting to wear a short-sleeved dress shirt when it’s going to be hot out, Nancy Collamer, a contributor to Forbes.com, advises that you avoid wearing short-sleeves in a professional setting. Especially if you’ll be wearing a tie as part of your attire, you definitely won’t want to be wearing short-sleeves.
If you are able to dress a little more casually, then wearing a short-sleeved dress shirt may be a possibility. You could also look into options like polos or more professional linen shirts.
If you’re concerned about how you’ll be able to dress professionally while still being comfortable in the heat of the summer, consider using the tips mentioned above to help you accomplish both of these objectives.