Top Tips For Keeping Cool at Work
When the scorching summer sun blazes outside, staying cool and comfortable during the workday becomes a real challenge. The last thing you want is to be sweating profusely while trying to maintain a professional and polished appearance. But fear not, Double Two have compiled their expert advice to help you put together some stylish heatwave work outfits.
1. Opt for Loose-Fitting Clothing
When the temperature rises, it's better to choose loose-fitting clothing as it allows for better air circulation. This prevents sweat from sticking to your body and keeps you feeling fresher throughout the day. However, be mindful not to go for excessively baggy outfits that may look sloppy or unprofessional.
Instead, opt for regular fit shirts and trousers as these strike the perfect balance between comfort and professionalism. This allows air to flow freely, keeping you cool while still looking sleek and sophisticated.
White Classic Easy Care Short Sleeve Shirt
2. Keep Hydrated
According to the NHS, it’s advised to avoid tea and coffee when possible as they are dehydrating. Instead, keep a water bottle at your desk (or nearby) and sip on water regularly throughout the day. If you tend to forget to drink, a good hack is to set reminders on your phone to prompt you to take water breaks.
3. Wear Lighter Shades
When looking for what to wear in hot weather, opting for a light-coloured non-iron shirt is the best choice. Not only do non-iron shirts stay crisp throughout the day with their anti-wrinkle properties, they also come in an option of long or short sleeve shirt options. A recent scientific study conducted by the National Institute for Environmental Studies found that the 4 best colours to wear in hot weather are actually white, yellow, grey and red. These colours have been proven to be excellent conductors of heat, effectively reflecting the most amount of sunlight from the sun compared to other colours.These colours are also suitable office wear for men.
The classic white short sleeve shirt and the timeless light blue short sleeve shirt are always safe options for office appropriate shirt colours. However, if you are not a fan of these traditional business colours or just want to try something different without being too extreme, we suggest starting with lighter shades of the colours you already have in your wardrobe. For example, if you enjoy wearing dark or bright greens, try going for a lighter shade that is more office appropriate, such as a soft green or pale sage formal shirt.This way, you know that the colour already works for you and you will feel more confident in it.
4. Take Regular Breaks
Taking short breaks throughout the day is essential for mental and physical well-being, especially in hot weather. Use your breaks to step outside, enjoy some fresh air, and let your body cool down naturally.
Try to avoid going out during the hottest hours of the day. These are between 11am and 3pm, as these are the times that the sun is at its peak. If you work outside, ensure you try to find shade where possible and apply sunscreen regularly to make sure you don’t get sunburned, especially on your head and neck.
5. Dress Appropriately
Business Casual
Some of the most fashionable summer work outfits for men feature polo shirts, Made of lightweight and breathable fabrics like cotton, these shirts are the ideal choice for any modern day business man. Try pairing these with a neutral pair of chino shorts in navy or beige and some breathable loafer shoes for a relaxed yet professional appearance.
If you’re looking to mix it up from polo shirts, choose short-sleeved button-up shirts in pastels or neutrals. These shirts are a great choice for keeping cool on hot working days as they feature a short sleeve, allowing more airflow throughout the shirt, whilst maintaining a smart business casual dress code. Pair your shirt with some lightly coloured shorts and lightweight loafers to maintain a cool and sophisticated look.
Business Formal
Navigating the world of formal work wear requires attention to detail and good outfit coordination. We recommend starting with a crisp, well-fitted short sleeve formal shirt in a lighter classic shade like white or pink, ensuring a comfortable yet polished fit. Pair it with a tailored suit jacket in a beige or light grey tone for a sharper appearance. Incase you need to take off the jacket throughout the hot and humid workday, ensure you choose a well fitting,high quality shirt in order to maintain a smart appearance.
Mauve Short Sleeve Non-Iron Shirt
Although you’re dressing formally, we recommend ditching the ties and keeping the top button undone during hot weather to allow for more breathability. If your workplace specifically requires a tie, opt for a silk tie with conservative patterns or solid colours that compliment your suit without overpowering it.
Complete the ensemble with high-quality leather lace-up shoes and a matching belt for a seamless look. Subtle accessories like a classic watch, cufflinks, and a pocket square can add a touch of sophistication to the outfit and overall completes the ensemble.
Make it Double Two
Surviving the workday in style when it’s hot requires careful consideration of your clothing choices. By opting for loose-fitting, lightweight summer shirts and staying hydrated, you can maintain a professional appearance whilst keeping cool and comfortable. Ensure you always feel prepared for a midweek heatwave by including short sleeve formal shirts and smart polo shirts in your work wardrobe. Whether you're in the boardroom or at your desk during the next heatwave, Double Two offers a wide range of high quality office shirts that will keep you fresh and fashionable all day long.
