The Do’s and Don’ts of Staying Cool
Now that spring is underway, it won’t be long before the weather starts to warm up and keeping cool will become a priority.
While suits are stylish all year round, there’s nothing less elegant than being a sweaty mess. Here are some do’s and don’ts for staying cool and stylish when the temperatures rise.
Do Switch Your Suit Material
Suits are traditionally made from tweed, wool, and other heavy fabrics. But you don’t have to stick to these materials all year round. Instead, consider a linen suit for the warmer months.
Linen suits are lightweight yet durable, and can easily be dressed up or down to fit any occasion. From summer business meetings to destination weddings, our linen suits are as versatile as they are stylish.
Don't Be Afraid to Lose the Tie
We understand that ties and other accessories can elevate a look. But when the sun is beating down, ties can feel restrictive and hot. For more casual warm-weather occasions in particular, don’t be afraid to go tieless.
There will of course be times when a tie is mandatory. But if not, a sharp suit without a tie still looks good. And you can always add a pocket square for a dose of personality and a pop of colour.
Do Wear Lighter Colours
Classic suit colours such as black, navy, and grey are classics for a reason. But in the summer, these darker clothes absorb the heat and can leave you looking hot and sweaty.
Consider switching to lighter tones in the warmer months. Not only do they feel more summer-appropriate, but these shades keep you cooler too. White, light blue, beige, and cream suits all work well, especially if you follow our previous tip to go for linen.
Don't Bother With the Undershirt
Wearing an undershirt helps keep you warm in winter. Many men also wear undershirts to protect their shirts from sweat and odour.
But when the temperatures soar, the last thing you need is an extra layer. As obvious as it might sound, skip the undershirt in summer and you’ll feel a lot cooler.
Do Opt for a Looser Fit
While snug, tailored suits look sleek, suits with a looser, more relaxed fit can maximise airflow and stop you from overheating in the summer and appearing unprofessional as a result.
Baggy suits are a no-go when you want to create a good impression. But if you prioritise good tailoring and get the proportions right for your body type, a looser fit can help you look good and feel cool.
Don't Button Up Your Jacket
Often, convention dictates that you should button up your suit jacket when you’re standing. But this isn’t a hard and fast rule, and an unbuttoned jacket can still look great.
Wearing your jacket open can also help you keep cooler and offers you the opportunity to show off your full ensemble better. That said, with your jacket open, you’ll need to make sure that your tie is the right length and that it combines well with your shirt.
Do Show Off Your Waistcoat
For destination weddings and summer events, going with the full three-piece suit looks chic for photos and formalities. But once you’re free to relax, slipping off your jacket to show off your stylish waistcoat is a cooler way to stay looking put together.
After all, waistcoats are smart and tailored but there’s a lot less chance of getting hot and bothered with no sleeves to constrict you.
With these do’s and don’ts to guide you, hopefully, it should now be a lot easier to stay cool when the temperatures soar. From switching your fabric to reconsidering how you layer and style your suit, these little tweaks can make all the difference.
For more styling inspiration, take a look at our other posts on the Tweedmaker blog or feel free to contact us for more information.
