Beat the office heat: your guide to summer workwear
Heading into the office in the depths of summer should, first of all, be illegal. Second, it’s almost guaranteed to necessitate a wardrobe change. If you commute via foot, bike, or poorly ventilated underground transportation, you know showing up to your desk in whatever you just spent an hour sweating through isn’t the ideal start to the day. Neither is how cold you feel from the AC once said sweat starts to evaporate.
Staying cool: a refreshing approach to office dressing
Luckily for you, we’ve practically lived through a season of clothing—styles, fabrics, and fits—to know what actually makes one office outfit work better than another. We’re opting for linens and cottons, breathable silhouettes, and open weaves. The key, of course, is how you wear them—in a flexibly dressed workspace, a linen trouser or resort shirt just needs some added structure from the other item to make it feel more fully equipped for the job.
Top picks for a sweat-free summer
First up, Citizens of Humanity’s Single Pocket Linen Workshirt ($258 at citizensofhumanity.com) is a consistently solid choice. Linen inherently breathes, and this cut offers a relaxed yet polished look.
Layering is key
Summer outfits always feel less dressy because there tend to be fewer layers. And if a linen jacket is still too much, a long sleeve linen shirt is an excellent, breathable item to layer. Also very good to have on hand for cold offices.
Elevated linens
Next, consider Ralph Lauren’s Lightweight Linen Shirt – All Fits ($145 at Ralph Lauren). For a more formal option, Polo Ralph Lauren consistently delivers.
Tailored trousers matter
Don’t underestimate the power of well-cut trousers. Suitsupply’s Straight Leg Suit Pants ($199 at Suit Supply) offer a refined silhouette that looks sharp without feeling overly stuffy.
Beyond suitsupply
For a more accessible option, Casatlantic’s El Jadida linen trousers ($270 at casatlantic.com) are a standout. Esquire’s commerce editor, Luke Guillory, particularly loves the cut.
T-shirt tactics
Speaking of comfort, a well-chosen tee can be a game-changer. Madewell’s Boxy Pocket Tee ($50 at Madewell) is a perennial favorite. My personal hack? Ditch the sweaty layers and opt for a plain T-shirt underneath – or a lightweight layer like Madewell’s Weekend Slub T-shirt, with its airy, boxy makeup, for a touch of effortless cool.
Suits with a twist
If you haven’t gotten your favorite suit pants in a linen variation yet, it’s high time to reconsider. Todd Snyder’s Italian Linen Sutton Suit Pants ($996 at Todd Snyder) in a slate blue offer a surprisingly subtle way to signal breathability. Paired with an ironed shirt and nice shoes, they won’t look any less professional.
Short sleeve solutions
J.Crew’s Short-sleeve camp-collar shirt ($98 at J.Crew – currently 30% off) is a reliable staple. A crisp white one buttoned up with linen trousers and a belt creates an instantly put-together look.
Chinos for casual fridays
Buck Mason’s Big Chino ($248 at Buck Mason) provide a relaxed yet polished feel for more casual office environments. Their wide leg ensures plenty of airflow.
Linen, elevated
Finally, Abercrombie’s Tailored Linen-Blend Relaxed Straight Trouser ($85 at Abercrombie) balances structure with breathability. Banana Republic’s Linen Long-Sleeve Resort Shirt ($100 at Banana Republic) mimics the look of a lightweight jacket, offering a stylish and comfortable layer.
Let’s be honest: a little sweat is inevitable. But with these pieces, you can conquer the office heat and maintain a polished look – no matter the temperature.