Regardless of where you live, there can be some really hot days in summer. Temperatures often reach 30 degrees and more so it is just too hot to wear ordinary office attire.
However, you still have to be dressed properly for work, business meetings or smart events. Despite the extra layers involved, it is possible to wear a suit without overheating. In this article, I want to tell you how you can stay cool in your suit even in hot weather.
Choose the right fabric
Linen, cotton and tropical wool are perfect for summer. Generally, wool is the best material for a suit. If you need to dress formally in summer, choose tropical or lightweight wool. It is very durable and soft to the touch. Linen is a natural thin material, which is more breathable and more comfortable to wear. However, it wrinkles very easily. Cotton is thicker than linen, but it also provides comfort and breathability. Wearing a cotton suit, you do not have to worry about wrinkling.
Pay attention to the lining
The lining is extra fabric inside a jacket. It gives the jacket structure and helps you slip your arms inside and out of it. Most jackets are fully lined. The best choice for summer is the half-lined jacket (upper half, sleeves, sides, but not the lower back). It is comfortable and breathable but still has some structure in the upper part, which is very important for the shoulder area. An unlined jacket is the most lightweight and breathable but has the least structure.
Pick the right colour
As you know, dark colours absorb too much heat from the sun. In summer, you should choose suits of lighter colours: light grey, light blue, beige, white etc. They are not formal, but you still can wear them to the other less official events. Avoid dark solid colours such as black and navy.
Get the right shirt
It is important to wear the right shirt as it will be in direct contact with your skin. Opt for a linen or 100% cotton shirt. As mentioned above, linen and cotton are very lightweight natural materials so you will feel the most comfortable in them. Since you are wearing a blazer, wrinkles won’t be visible. If you plan to take off the blazer, go for a darker shirt to mitigate their visibility.
Think about the fit
In summer, you should avoid slim fits but opt for looser suits to increase airflow. However, do not go for something too loose, otherwise, you will look ridiculous. You can cuff your trousers or wear them with no break; you will still look good but a little more casual.
In Pietrocola Bespoke, we can create a unique summer suit according to your precise measurements and specifications. You can choose any fabric, any fit, and change all the other details as you wish.
Leave your jacket unbuttoned
Sometimes you can break certain style rules, especially when it is too hot. For example, it is absolutely fine to keep your suit unbuttoned. This way more air can come through and you can cool down.
Skip the tie or wear a bow tie
If a tie is not required, you can open your collar. You might have a big collection of ties, but better save them for another day. Linen and cotton suits will look good anyway. You should not open lower than the second button on your shirt. However, a handkerchief can be extremely useful in hot weather. Carry it everywhere you go to quickly remove excessive sweat from your neck, eyebrows and forehead.
Wear loafers instead of lace-ups
Footwear is important no matter the season. In summer, your feet can get sweaty so you should avoid wearing dress shoes. Loafers are the best for warm seasons as they are more breathable. Choose leather loafers for more formal outfits and suede loafers for more casual ones. You can wear them with either regular or no show socks. However, if you choose no show socks, you should cuff your trousers to add some flair to your look.
Watch what you eat
Watching what you eat is very important, especially in summer. Food can have a direct impact on how hot you feel. There are certain foods that make you feel hotter and certain foods that make you feel cooler. For example, watermelon and strawberries can help you feel cooler and stay hydrated. Avoid products that are high in fat, protein or carbohydrates. Such common summer treats as beer and ice cream should be avoided as well. If you want to cool down, better drink some water.
So, whatever you choose to wear in summer, remember the three key principles: reduce the layers and thickness of the clothes, avoid too much fabric-to-skin contact, make the air circulate. Use these principles and stay cool.
He uses to dedicate part of his life to inspire others and help them achieve the most out of their lives. Since he was 20, he had successfully founded and managed several companies operating in the field of management consulting, wealth management and fintech. He is Member of Institute of Directors in London, Member of Changer Club in Riga, Member of Fintech Association of Hong Kong, Member of Singapore Fintech Association, Member of Non Executive Director Association in London and Member of Alumni Network of Draper University in San Francisco. He loves travelling, he is a cigars lover, an amateur golfer and a dapper man.
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