How to beat the heat and meet your office dress code.

Summer in the city is no easy feat – sweaty commutes, air conned offices and nothing but a patch of grass to eat your lunch on makes for a pretty uncomfortable experience. This means that what you wear to work is integral to feeling comfortable and cool in your day.

Every workplace has a different dress code, so take what is appropriate and rework it for the summer months. Think looser fits, lighter fabrics and light colours that won’t absorb the heat.

SHOP WORKWEAR

Ecru herringbone jacket // Oatmeal linen blend t-shirt // Ecru herringbone trousers

If you’re working at a creative agency or the like, it’s likely your office dress code is more on the casual side. This gives you more elbow room to experiment with your outfits, as well as cuts and fabrics. Linen is your best friend in the heat, especially if it’s in a neutral, easy-to-style colour like oatmeal or ecru. Go for a set so that’ll help you look put together if you do have any important meetings or presentations. Meanwhile, a linen blend t-shirt will ensure any moisture is wicked away and you stay cool all day long.

Tailored fit navy performance suit // Bottinelli navy silk jumbo medallion tie // John White Alderney black double monk

Corporate

On the opposite end of the spectrum, if you’re working in an environment where you’re required to wear a suit, you need to choose wisely. Suits in the summer heat can be a killer, so invest in a fabric that will keep you cool and dry, like wool. This may not be your first point of call when it comes to summer fabrics, but wool is actually highly absorbent and ventilates well. Our navy performance suit is crafted from a wool blend with added stretch, meaning you won’t feel stiff and uncomfortable when the heat hits. Plus, it has a water and stain repellent coating, making it a no brainer when it comes to day-long wear. Pair yours with a patterned tie crafted by Italian specialists Bottinelli and finish with a classic double monk, polished to perfection.

Navy Hoxton jacket // Navy washed Oxford shirt // Off white pleated trousers

Desk job

If your uniform is somewhere in between, or you don’t have a dress code at all, it’s still worth making an effort. An Oxford shirt with a decent pair of trousers is a classic ‘work’ look, but take it up a notch by swapping our your chinos for cotton-rich pleated trousers. They have slightly more room around the seat, meaning you’ll have a bit more airflow while still looking sharp. The side adjusters for a better fit are a nice touch, too. If you need to up your game even more, a lightweight, unlined jacket is the way to go. With no lining, it has softer shoulders and less weight which means it won’t feel as heavy and hot on your body.

SHOP WORKWEAR