The article is aimed at all those whose profession requires an appearance representing the company more than the personality, and who are put to the test as soon as the temperatures rise.
For all those who don't have air conditioning... and whose offices are slowly turning into pizza ovens.
Yes, life is unfair and when some people can walk around in a T-shirt all summer (or even in a swimsuit), others are condemned to wearing their costume under the blazing sun.
So how, if you fall into the latter category, can you get through the summer without melting like sorbet?
We warn you right away: there is no miracle. Just a few tips to know to better cope with the heat.
Forget all synthetic materials
Cheap and generally very resistant to wrinkling, synthetic fabrics – particularly polyester – are present in enormous quantities in the textile industry. While some wick away moisture well (we think of sportswear), they retain odors and are absolutely not breathable. Whether in summer or winter, we do not recommend wearing these materials next to the skin all day.
Note: these synthetic materials come almost exclusively from hydrocarbons, just like oil or plastic. Not great on the skin...
Favor natural materials
Plant materials such as cotton, linen, ramie, hemp are excellent thermoregulators: they are therefore good bases for a summer outfit. Each one having different properties, it can be interesting to mix them. Linen is a fiber that is certainly very breathable, but lacks hold and wrinkles very easily. Combined with cotton, we obtain a material that is both flexible and temperature-regulating. Perfect for staying classy and fresh at work, even without air conditioning!
Think about light colors
It's all about stored energy. Light colors limit heat retention caused by solar rays. We'll stop there for the physics lesson, but just remember that the desire to dress in light colors in summer is not innocent. More than a mood, a call from the body.
Pastel colors such as blue , green, etc. or all shades of white are therefore more than recommended.
And, a significant advantage, they will enhance your long-awaited tan!
Comfortable in his shirt
Nothing is more unpleasant than being tight in your clothes in summer. In addition to being unsightly, if you choose a shirt that is too small/tight-fitting, the fabric, under permanent tension, will be damaged more quickly. If wearing a formal shirt is inevitable for you, choose weaves like poplin, which is very fine, or oxford, which is more airy.
If a slightly more relaxed outfit is permitted, go for casual, looser shirts, with blends of breathable materials such as linen or ramie, and even lighter weaves.
Drop the tie
A tie around your neck at 30°C? It's as painful as a wool scarf at the beach. To avoid suffocation while maintaining elegance and style, think about mandarin and officer collars! Subtly original, these collars are perfectly suited to formal wear and do not require ties.
Depending on the context, you can wear them completely closed or open a few buttons for more casualness.
Roll up your sleeves!
If we don't recommend wearing a shirt at the office, rolling up the sleeves of your shirt in a falsely casual way will allow you to freshen up in style. Simple and efficient.