With temperatures breaking the 90 degree mark this week here in the northeast wearing a suit can be akin to a death sentence. Realistically, there is no way to keep absolutely cool, only ways to minimize the heat and uncomfortability. Business Insider just posted a piece I wrote for them with tips on how to beat the heat in a suit, I suggest you give it a read. I should note that the BI piece has been slimmed down, so I’ve included the full list below. If you have any tips feel free to sound off in the comments!
- Lurk in the shadows, if there are any. It is the easiest thing you can do. The temperature in the shadows is often noticeably cooler than in the sun.
- Walk in the wind, if there is any. The wind will help your body ventilate which will help keep your temperature down. It will also help moisture (ie sweat) evaporate from you skin and clothes.
- Stop in stores that have the air conditioner going. It sounds silly, but sometimes a minute in a Duane Reade is a life saver.
- If you are riding the bus or subway, scout out where the air conditioning vents are and try to position yourself as close to them as possible.
- Stay indoors and have your interns ride you around in a jitney if you have to go into the wild. You are King Joffrey and the interns are your subjects, enough said.
- Walk slower. Although your time in the sun may be longer, you will be generating less heat from your body movements.
- Wear breathable and lighter fabrics. Your average wool is not the most breathable fabric, even in lighter weights. Look for natural fabrics that have open weaves like high twist wools, fresco, linen and cotton. The difference in a suit made of a high twist wool or linen compared to one of worsted wool is remarkable.
- Have your spring and summer suit jackets half lined or self lined. This will allow more air to penetrate your jacket and keep you cooler.
- Stay hydrated. Water preferable. Beer as needed.
- 10. Wear lighter colors. Dark blues and grays absorb more heat from the sun than lighter blues, grays and tans.
- 11. Wear an undershirt. It may not necessarily keep you cooler, but it will at least keep a majority of your sweat from hitting your shirt.
- 12. In the most dire situations removing your jacket while walking may be necessary. Just make sure to carry it in a presentable way, like folded over your forearm.
- 13. Leave your jacket or top buttons on shirt unbuttoned. This will help increase the airflow around your torso and neck, two areas where a lot of body heat is kept. Rolling up the sleeves on your shirt will also serve well.
- 14. Loafers are cooler wearing than lace-ups. Not wearing socks is cooler wearing than wearing socks.
- 15. Go Don Draper on your drawer space and stock some extra dress shirts in them. It’s more practical than you may think.
- 16. Find an excuse to take a company car. Sometimes staying that extra half hour is worth it…
- 17. Keep a handkerchief with you at all times to wipe sweat off your brow.
- Wear suspenders and not a belt. Suspenders allow you to keep you pant waist a bit looser to help air circulate.
- 18. Stop in the bathroom when arriving to the office or client site to make sure you look presentable. You don’t want to be that sweaty guy in the corner.
Unless you have the necessary time and energy to devote to a good Facebook marketing marketing campaign, outsource the work involved.
Silver or Black?