What's the best way to wear a suit in hot weather?
Well, that's a good question.
I asked a friend of mine who worked as a bouncer in Las Vegas and he had a unique way of keeping cool.
He would cut the sleeves off his dress shirt and cover it with a blazer. He instantly felt cooler and no one else could see it.
He gave me a bonus tip as well – he ripped out the fabric in the back of his blazer to help cool him down.
Seriously, though, I don't want you to ruin your clothes.
Instead, I'm giving you the best advice on how to suit up during hot weather and stop sweating!
- Pay Attention To Your Jacket's Lining
- Use The Right Fabric
- Pick The Right Color
- Layer up!
- Don't Be Afraid To Break The Rules
- Wear The Right Shirt
- Focus On The Fit
- Pay Attention To Your Footwear
- Create Your Own Shade
- Watch What You Eat
So let's begin!
Suits In The Summer 1. Pay Attention To The Jacket's Lining
The lining on a jacket is extra fabric between the outer fabric of a jacket and your body.
It also gives the jacket structure.
Most jackets out there are fully lined, giving them a defined shape.
Unlined jackets have the least structure but are much more breathable.
The best option is the half-lined jacket.
It is both breathable and comfortable during hot days, but you still have a structure in the upper part of the jacket, which is especially important for the shoulder area, as it builds the shoulders up.
Suits In The Summer 2. Use The Right Fabric
When it comes to fabrics, there are many different options that can be used for hot weather.
Linen, cotton and tropical wool…
The usual suspects.
Linen suits are great for summertime because they are extremely thin. Linen is also a natural fabric and as you know, natural fabrics are more breathable and more comfortable to wear.
The issue with linen clothing in general, however, is that it wrinkles very easily. For that reason, I advise you to keep an iron nearby in case you need to iron your suit!
Cotton suits are going to be a little bit different because the fabric is thicker than in linen suits.
Just like linen, cotton is a natural material so it will still provide comfort and breathability.
You also don't have to worry as much about wrinkling.
Tropical and lightweight wool is great because wool is the best material a suit can be made out of.
The great thing about tropical wool is that it is durable and very soft to the touch.
If you need to dress formally, I suggest you go with tropical wool, simply because cotton and linen suits are considered to be more casual than wool suits in general.
Suits In The Summer 3. Pick The Right Color
Picking the right suit color is very important because certain colors absorb heat a lot more than others.
The darker the suit of your color is, the more heat it will absorb and the hotter you will feel.
The best colors you could pick for a suit in hot weather are tan, off white, beige, light gray or light blue.
The color you choose will depend on the message you are trying to send.
If you are going to a very formal event, a darker color would be the best choice, because darker colors are seen as more serious and more formal than lighter colors.
However, if it's a more casual event, you are best off with a light gray suit or a light blue suit. These colors, although less formal than black, are still considered formal enough to be worn to most events that require a suit.
Suits In The Summer 4. Layer Up!
For most people, the idea of layering in the summer will come as a shock.
When you wear a suit in hot weather, the fact is you're going to sweat – a lot.
Combined with a long-sleeved dress shirt underneath – you have a recipe for sweat stains under your armpits.
However, if you wear a quality undershirt, you will save yourself the stress of having to change your shirt the second you get into your office.
The right shirt under your dress shirt will absorb the sweat and make you feel cooler when you rock your suit.
Suits In The Summer 5. Don't Be Afraid To Break The Rules
I often mention that sometimes it is OK to break certain rules.
When it comes to feeling cooler in suits, you have some leeway to play with the rules.
When it's hot, some style rules can be broken to keep cool.
Those of you who have been following me for some time, know about suit buttoning rules.
When it comes down to rules such as these, it is perfectly fine for you to wear an unbuttoned suit whenever you're standing.
When you're in hot weather, keep your suit unbuttoned so that you can keep cool.
If your suit jacket is unbuttoned, more air can come through and you are less likely to get hot and to sweat.
You can also do the same for your suit and shirt sleeves.
Suits In The Summer 6. Wear The Right Shirt
People often overlook the importance of wearing the right shirt.
In most cases, the shirt you wear will be in direct contact with your skin, so you want to make sure that it's high quality.
Your best option is to pick a linen or a 100% cotton shirt.
Linen, as I already mentioned, is a very lightweight natural material that breathes easily, so you'll feel the most comfortable when wearing it.
What about wrinkles? Since you'll be wearing a blazer, they won't be as visible on the shirt. You can also wear darker colors to mitigate their visibility.
You might also want to take a look at performance shirts made out of specific materials that prevent wrinkling and sweating.
Suits In The Summer 7. Focus On The Fit
You all know my most important rule.
Fit is king.
Yes, gentlemen, when you wear anything, especially a suit, the way it fits should be your first priority.
However, this goes hand in hand with my point about breaking the style rules.
When you wear a suit in the summer, you want to go for a looser fit.
Be careful that you don't go with too loose of a fit though, otherwise, you'll look ridiculous.
Don't be afraid to wear your trousers with no break or to even cuff your trousers – it will be a little more casual, but you will still look good – and more importantly, feel cool.
Suits In The Summer 8. Pay Attention To Your Footwear
Footwear is important year-round, so it comes as no surprise that I'm bringing it up again.
In the summer, your feet can get sweaty and smelly. You need to choose your footwear carefully.
Your go-to summer shoe should be a loafer.
Since the quarter isn't as high as other dress shoes, your feet will have more breathing room.
You can also pick between grain leather or suede leather to dress up or dress up or dress down your outfit.
Loafers look great with regular socks, but with no show socks as well.
However, remember that if you wear no show socks, it might be a good idea to roll your trousers up a bit. This will add some flair to your outfit.
Suits In The Summer 9. Create Your Own Shade
Simply put, bring back the hat.
No, not that old baseball hat with your favorite team's logo.
The hat I'm referring to is the classic Panama hat. Learn how to wear it, embrace it and rock it with pride.
A benefit of wearing a hat is also that you, in essence, create your own shade. It's protective AND stylish!
Suits In The Summer 10. Watch What You Eat
Taking care of your body and watching what you put in it is very important.
However, in the summer, this becomes even more important because the food you eat has a direct impact on how hot you'll feel.
There are certain foods that make you feel cooler and certain foods that make you feel hotter.
For instance, if you eat watermelon or strawberries you'll feel cooler. The same applies to staying hydrated.
You want to avoid food that has a lot of fat, carbohydrates, and protein. Interestingly, ice cream, beer, and brown rice are common summer treats that should actually be avoided.
Make sure you remember that the next time you finish doing something during a hot day and want ice cream or beer, you're probably better off eating a bowl of strawberries to help cool you down.
FAQs: Wearing A Suit In Hot Weather Without Sweating
What fabric should I choose for a suit in hot weather?
Lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton, linen, or tropical weight wool are ideal for suits in hot weather.
Should I opt for lighter or darker colors in hot weather?
Lighter colors reflect more sunlight, making them a cooler choice for hot weather. Opt for colors like beige, light gray, or even pastels.
Can I wear a three-piece suit in hot weather?
It's better to avoid wearing a waistcoat in hot weather, as it can add an extra layer of insulation. Stick to a two-piece suit for more breathability.
What type of shirt should I wear under a suit in hot weather?
Go for lightweight, breathable materials like cotton or linen. A shirt in a lighter color will also keep you cooler.
Should I still wear a tie in hot weather?
Wearing a tie is often a personal or dress code preference. If it's acceptable for the occasion, you can forego the tie to stay cooler.
How can I reduce sweat marks on my suit?
Using antiperspirants, wearing an undershirt to absorb sweat, and choosing breathable fabrics can help to reduce sweat marks.
What type of footwear is appropriate with a suit in hot weather?
Leather loafers or brogues are a stylish and breathable choice. Opt for lighter colors to keep your feet cool.
Can I roll up my sleeves when wearing a suit in hot weather?
Rolling up sleeves is generally considered informal. It may be acceptable in more casual settings, but for formal occasions, it's better to keep them down.
Should I choose a suit with a lining or without for hot weather?
Unlined or half-lined suits are a better choice for hot weather as they allow for more ventilation.
Can I wear shorts with a suit jacket in hot weather?
Shorts with a suit jacket can work for very casual settings, but it's not typically acceptable for formal or professional occasions.
How can I keep my suit fresh in hot weather?
Regular dry cleaning and airing out your suit between wears can help keep it fresh. Also, consider carrying a travel-sized fabric freshener for on-the-go touch-ups.
Can I wear a seersucker suit for formal events in hot weather?
While traditionally more casual, seersucker suits have become more acceptable for a range of events. It largely depends on the formality of the occasion and the dress code.
Should I wear socks with my shoes when wearing a suit in hot weather?
For formal occasions, socks are typically expected. However, choosing socks made of natural, breathable fibers can help keep your feet cool.
How do I deal with a sweaty back when wearing a suit in hot weather?
Wearing an undershirt can help absorb sweat and protect your suit. Also, look for shirts and suits in breathable fabrics.
What kind of tie should I wear with a suit in hot weather?
A tie made of a lightweight material like cotton or linen would be appropriate. You can also opt for tie styles like the four-in-hand knot, which is less bulky.
Can I wear sunglasses with a suit in hot weather?
Yes, sunglasses are a practical accessory when wearing a suit in hot weather. Just ensure they complement the overall style of your suit.
Can I remove my jacket when wearing a suit in hot weather?
In casual or less formal settings, it's generally acceptable to remove your jacket. However, in formal settings, etiquette typically requires keeping it on.
Click Below To Watch The Video – Stop EXCESSIVE Sweating While Wearing A Suit
