Men! Your Business Casual Guide to Keep Cool in Hot Weather
Ah, summer. The season of sun, sand, and... sweat?
For you, summer may be far away, and for others, the temps where you live never dip but for the gentlemen navigating the professional world, hot weather always brings the dilemma:
How do you stay cool in the blistering heat while still looking sharp and professional in a business casual environment?
So the best time to figure out this seasonal balancing act between comfort and style is NOW.
Let's get you looking hot while staying cool.
Understanding Business Casual For Summer And Everyday
First things first, let's decode "business casual." This term can be as elusive as a crappy dive bar making a perfect Old Fashioned.
Traditionally, business casual for the guys is a step down from the full suit and tie but a step above your weekend tees and shorts. Think of it as a formal wardrobe's casual Friday – only every day you're in the office.
It's about mixing being professional with feeling comfortable. You don't want to look too laid-back (no sandals hoodies, thanks) or too formal (no dressy suits, k?) especially when temps are soaring.
Your outfit should say, "Sure, I'm comfortable, but I'm also set to walk into that client meeting."
We've got all the intel you need to build the perfect business casual wardrobe for the summer.
(And, obvs, some of these tips are just good sense in all temps too!)
Don't Let the Heat Keep You from Staying Cool and Professional
1. Invest in the Natural Fabrics: Breathability is key so read your product descriptions! Linen, bamboo, and lightweight cotton are your best bets. Anything in a cotton, silk, or linen blend will be ideal for summer. They're breathable and airy, keeping you cool and confident.
Pro-tip: if you don't like how much linen wrinkles, look for clothes with blends, like a cotton-linen fabric. Personally, I don't mind the wrinkles. It's summer and if every chic European can rock wrinkles, so can you.
2. A Cooler, Better Fit: A looser fit allows for better air circulation, but don't confuse loose with baggy or ill-fitting. Aim for clothes that offer a bit of breathing room without sacrificing a tailored look. Pants should fit correctly around your waist and hips, even if the leg has more volume and room.
Below is a good example of a roomier pant that is still tailored to the hip and waist.
Wondering what's appropriate?
You don't have to compromise professionalism for comfort and vice versa! Ideally, a wardrobe should fit effortlessly into all parts of your life.
Yes! You CAN have it all.
When deciding what is best for you, think about your work environment. If the middle point is formal and conservative how far creative or casual does the pendulum swing? As a professional personal stylist, we help you figure out what clothes are appropriate for your personal brand, your goals, and what fits into your comfort and taste preferences too.
4. Embrace Lighter Colors: Dark hues absorb heat, so it's time to lighten up your wardrobe. Whites, pastels, and lighter shades of blue and grey can significantly reduce the amount of heat your clothing absorbs, making them summer staples.
No, you don't need to wear pastels!
Imagine the washed-out, watered-down versions of your current favorites. Imagine the washed-out, watered-down versions of your current favorites.
Below is a stylish but comfortable example of a Business Casual look for a more casual office that we styled for a male image consulting client in NYC.
In-Person Styling Client
Before & After
The right is his after (the left his before) and a slimmer pant style in lighter fabrics and colors.
5. Smart Layering
Even in summer, layering is your style friend – it's just lighter. A breathable, thin cotton shirt under a lightweight linen blazer or suit can look impeccably stylish and keep you ready for any temperature changes, especially in air-conditioned environments or when the mornings are crisp but by midday you're a hot mess.
6. Put Your Right Shoe Forward: Swap the heavy leather shoes for something more breathable like loafers, polished sneakers (if allowed), or suede shoes. No-show socks are a must to keep things looking sleek and avoid blisters. Shoes are a good place to experiment, if you're unsure how stylish you want to start showing up to work.
We love and recommend these below to our clients all the time!
7. Re: Sleeve Length: A well-chosen sleeve length can keep you from feeling smothered and still elevate your look. Consider a short-sleeve polo or Supima cotton t-shirt (the highest quality cotton) under a bamboo sportcoat. See the personal styling client example above!
8. Maintenance is Key: Keep your summer business casual attire in pristine condition. Regular laundering, pressing, and stain removal will ensure you always look your best and never compromise professionalism for your comfort. While we don't love it when you frequently wash your clothes, we know summer heat will require a few more washes than winter.
Ready to embrace summer without breaking a sweat over your wardrobe? Let's get you dressed impeccably for the summer and looking hot while staying cool. Schedule a call with us today and discover the perfect summer business casual wardrobe tailored just for you.
