How to stay cool (and look it) at work in humid weather

Our recent heatwave was short and scorching, but for those who still had to work in an office a challenge.

Going from a boiling hot commute by bus, train or car to an office that is chilly due to air conditioning makes dressing for a corporate environment even trickier than normal.

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While dress codes may have relaxed since Covid, there are still expectations around how to dress appropriately in the office and it can be hard to strike a balance.

Wear the right fabrics, Underwear is important, Lean into loose styles, Layering isn't just for winter, Don't forget your feet, Pastels for the win, You Might Also Like

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While we know that there are still some lines that cannot be crossed in a work environment including short shorts, tiny minis with bare legs, flip flops, strapless dresses, beachwear, or crop tops, defining what does work in the heat yet is also suitably smart, can be a conundrum.

You can start the day off feeling cool and collected but then end it in a sweaty mess due to unsuitable fabrics choices or restrictive clothing styles.

Wear the right fabrics, Underwear is important, Lean into loose styles, Layering isn't just for winter, Don't forget your feet, Pastels for the win, You Might Also Like

M&S Collection Linen Rich V Neck strappy midaxi dress, €67, marksandspencer.ie

Wear the right fabrics

To start with the basics, the fabrics you wear have a huge impact on your body’s ability to stay cool and regulate its temperature. Because natural fibres like cotton, linen and silk are all ultra breathable and permeable, they allow moisture to travel outwards to the skin surface.

Also, in the breathable category are viscose and lyocell which although man-made, are semi-synthetics derived from sources such as regenerated cellulose, like wood pulp, so still relatively pleasant to wear in summer heat.

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M&S Collection linen rich crew neck twist front T-Shirt, €32, marksandspencer.ie

What you want to avoid in sticky conditions are all the synthetics like polyester, nylon, acrylic, polyamide, and acetate. Many of these are derived from petroleum derivatives and do not allow your skin to breathe or moisture to escape from the skin.  

They encourage excessive sweating and are also not truly absorbent, so sweat stays trapped inside your clothes where bacteria start to thrive and body odour and sweat patches flourish.

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Allowing air to circulate keeps you cool as the mercury soars, so natural fibres that facilitate this are key to staying presentable in work.

Cotton is one of the best fibres to wear as it doesn’t crease too much, and is known for its softness, breathability, and high absorbency. It can also come in multiple weights, designs and finishes, so is extremely versatile.

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M&S Collection pure cotton textured midi waisted dress, €47.50, marksandspencer.ie

The cool hand-feel of a cotton dress is a failsafe when it comes to staying physically at ease yet also chic. If you really feel the heat you can opt for sleeveless styles (to allow maximum breathability) and layer a lightweight cardigan, jacket, or waistcoat over the dress when it is chillier.

Linen is another excellent fabric for hotter days. It is an airy, natural fabric made from the fibres of the flax plant and ventilates and insulates extremely well. It also dries out very quickly and improves in appearance and softness with age.

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All these attributes make it an excellent fabric to wear in summer as it aerates your body to remain as comfortable as possible in muggy conditions.

However, it does crease, which to some people looks unkempt. If linen is blended with viscose or lyocell the propensity to crease is reduced and these fibres also give it a more fluid drape and feel. Or you can just embrace the creasing as our Mediterranean neighbours do.

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M&S Collection pure cotton polka dot scoop neck midi waisted dress, €60, marksandspencer.ie

Silk is another of the natural fibres that is breathable and temperature regulating. It is more delicate than cotton and linen so is more high maintenance and can also reveal sweat stains. Opting for darker colour with silk can help to conceal moisture stains and make it a more wearable option.

That said, it is a beautiful fabric to wear, and nothing tops the sensation of cool silk on hot skin. Silk underwear in the heat is extremely comfortable and will keep you cocooned in luxury as the mercury soars.

Underwear is important

Wear the right fabrics, Underwear is important, Lean into loose styles, Layering isn't just for winter, Don't forget your feet, Pastels for the win, You Might Also Like

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Regarding underwear overall, what you wear next to your skin is crucial, both for personal comfort and for hygiene. Your underwear plays a key role in regulating body temperature, so lightweight and breathable underwear is again best.

In this case, fabrics like Pima cotton, bamboo, modal, and silk will all ensure you stay cool not sticky. When wearing lighter colours and fabrics in your outer clothing, flesh coloured, or white underwear is the safer option.

A good supportive, strapless bra (for under spaghetti strap dresses and vest tops) seamless pants (for under light trousers and skirts) and a flesh toned camisole (for under semi sheer tops) are all key buys for your summer underwear drawer.

A viscose slip is also good for under lighter dresses as it will ensure that they aren’t see-through and prevent them from clinging. On really hot days, forget heavily padded bras with uncomfortable underwiring as they will encourage sweating and chafing too.

Lean into loose styles

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Savida Arti broderie white midi dress €50, dunnesstores.com

For your clothes, light, loose, easy styles are best as looser fits and silhouettes allow air to circulate next to your skin. Fluid, flared dresses and skirts, wide or cropped trousers, unstructured tailoring and oversized or trapeze tops and shirts that facilitate wafts of air around the body are all clever options.

Dresses and skirts are excellent in the heat as they maximise the movement of air promoting refreshing circulation to keep you cool.

A pretty dress is a one-and-done way to look polished yet also feel breezy. Knee length, midi or maxi is your personal choice. Wrap dresses and shirtwaisters are classic styles that always look crisp and pulled together regardless of season.

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M&S Collection linen blend striped pleated wide leg trousers, €55, marksandspencer.ie

Re trousers, wider legs are generally better as they let air circulate more freely. If you are feeling brave and your office dress code is more relaxed a pair of Bermuda shorts can look stylish and contemporary, especially paired with a tailored waistcoat, soft jacket, or crisp shirt.

In the heat opting for looser waistlines that sit lower on your torso will be more comfortable and avoid chafing or pinching. Balance out these more relaxed fits with a slimline vest and top with a waistcoat to add a polished note. A waistcoat and longer shorts set can be an ideal way to stay fresh yet polished.

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In terms of tailoring, again soft and light are the key words. Wool unless it is ultra-light tropical wool is going to feel too heavy on hotter days. Relaxed easy fits in linen, cotton, or blends of both that still look smart are ideal: unlined or half lined styles will allow you to breathe and still wear tailoring in the heat.

Layering isn't just for winter

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Paul Costelloe Living Studio, ivory linen blazer, €100, waiscoat, €60, wide trousers, €70, dunnesstores.com

While you might associate layering with the winter months, it is also important in summer. Light layers are key to surviving the rapid transition from hot to cold and back again. A light blazer, cardigan or waistcoat which can be popped on and off as needed is essential.

Shed-able pieces that are compact and weightless, so they can be folded and popped away easily, are invaluable when negotiating fluctuating temperatures. Something like a silk t shirt that can be layered under a slip dress or vest is also a good piece to keep to hand in your bag.

Don't forget your feet

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Footwear should also get special consideration in the heat as we lose heat through our head and feet most rapidly. While flip flops are too casual for most offices, lighter shoes or sandals that allow feet to breath are acceptable.

These could include ballet flats, soft loafers, kitten heels, or backless mules. Just make sure that you have a pedicure and your feet look presentable if on show at work.

Pastels for the win

Wear the right fabrics, Underwear is important, Lean into loose styles, Layering isn't just for winter, Don't forget your feet, Pastels for the win, You Might Also Like

Savida Bella midi V neck dress, €35, dunnesstores.com

In terms of colours, remember that lighter shades don’t absorb the heat as much as darker ones so they will keep your body cooler. As well as the traditional whites, khakis, and taupes, consider light blues, soft greys and nude pinks which are all feminine and flattering.

Avoid black and dark navy on really scorching days as they will absorb and hold onto heat making you feel overheated and uncomfortable.

You don’t have to sacrifice style in the heat is you dress cleverly and give your outfits a little forethought. A final note, always press or steam clothes the night before so you aren’t putting on warm clothes on a hot morning.

You can even pop items into the freezer for 10 minutes before putting them for additional coolness. By following these tips, you can still stay cool, calm, and collected even if the heat and humidity persist.

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