How To Beat the Heat in Style: 12 Ways Men Can Dress Cool

When the weather heats up as summer approaches, it can be challenging to feel motivated to dress your best. Don’t sweat it. There are many ways men can dress cool and stay comfortable while still looking fashionable throughout the season.

Tip 1: Wear a Stylish Hat

Wearing stylish hats, like dad hats, is an easy way to keep the sun out of your eyes and the sweat off your forehead. If the hat has added features, like an interior sweatband, that’s even better for helping to stay cool. Opt for styles you’re most likely to wear, such as those that complement many pieces in your wardrobe.

Tip 2: Skip Clothing That’s Too Tight

Clothing that’s too tight can feel uncomfortable during hot temperatures because there’s little-to-no room for air to circulate. Options like men’s athleisure shorts or relaxed-fit jeans can be ideal for still looking fashionable without feeling like the clothes are stuck to you.

Tip 3: Opt for Lightweight Fabrics

Clothes made of lightweight fabrics, like cotton or cotton-poly blend tank tops for men, can make all the difference in the hot weather. They’re breathable, comfortable and versatile, making them a great match for many styles of pants, from jeans to chino shorts.

Tip 4: Look Up the Weather

One of the easiest ways to stay cool and comfy during the summer is to know what the weather will be like in the first place. Look it up the day before and on the day you leave your home. Dressing stylishly won’t be an issue since you can do that at any temperature, but  dressing appropriately for the weather will matter.

Let’s say you’re planning on heading out to a casual lunch with friends, and it’s supposed to be in the 90s. In that case, you might gravitate toward chino shorts and a low-key t-shirt or polo. However, if it’s supposed to be in the 70s, your outfit options might expand to consider other pieces like pants, thanks to the cooler weather.

Tip 5: Pick Out Your Clothes the Day Before

If you’re running late in the morning, chances are you’ll grab almost anything out of your closet and throw it on before running out the door. When you pick out your clothes the day before, you have time to choose an outfit that will help you look stylish and remain comfortable according to the temperature. It will also be one less thing you have to think about first thing in the morning.

Tip 6: Wear Lightweight Pants

Many men can’t (or don’t) wear shorts throughout the summer, especially if their job has a professional business dress code. Lightweight pants, such as chinos, are a fantastic option that won’t feel heavy. Depending on their style, they can also look great for many happenings, ranging from a boat day to a work meeting.

Tip 7: Invest in a Few Lightweight Blazers

You don’t need to work in an office environment to invest in lightweight blazers. Choose the right styles, and you’ll discover that they’re far from being stuffy. Although they may seem too heavy for the summer, many have features, such as being composed of lightweight materials like linen and having no lining, that can allow the blazer to feel comfortable even in hot temperatures.

Tip 8: Use the Right Foot Products

When you’re already on your feet for all or most of the day, the last thing you want to worry about is them feeling sweaty, smelling or slipping around in your shoes. Using the right foot products during the summer can play a big role in how comfortable you feel.

Wearing certain men’s footwear, like loafers or white sneakers, is an ideal starting point. Using products like low-cut cotton socks and sweat-absorbing powder can also be helpful. If you’re worried about touch-ups during the day, consider keeping invisible spray powder with you that you can quickly apply without the mess.

If you feel like your feet are disproportionately hot for the weather or there’s excessive sweating or odor, visit a podiatrist to see if there’s an underlying issue that may need professional treatment.

Tip 9: Use High-Quality Hair Ties

Men with long hair aren’t fond of the feeling of when their hair sticks to the back of their sweaty neck. It can be especially uncomfortable during hot summer weather. Using high-quality hair ties that won’t tangle your hair strands can allow you to keep your hair up when you feel like it’s too hot to wear your hair down.

Tip 10: Get Lightweight Button-Ups

Lightweight button-ups, especially ones that are white, are appropriate for practically every scenario, both casual and semi-formal. Wear them on their own, underneath a lightweight summer blazer, with jeans or shorts, and with a range of other pieces in your closet. Stock up on your favorites so you always have at least one available that you can quickly put on.

Tip 11: Shop for Polos

Men’s polos are another great option that can help you stay cool yet stylish. Like white button-ups, they can complement shorts, jeans, and practically anything in between. They’re also an option you can sport to get out on the green for a game of golf.

Tip 12: Keep Backup Clothes With You

When the summer temperatures are exceptionally hot, there might be little you can do other than hide in the air conditioning to keep cool. Keep backup clothes with you at work, in your car and in your bag (if you carry one) so if you sweat through your clothes, you’re not stuck wearing them until you get home. This can be especially beneficial for commuters who take public transportation during the summer.

Stock Up on Summer Attire

Stock up on classic men’s wardrobe summer staples that you can wear from one year to the next. Every spring, you can consider adding additional options to replace any items you no longer want or need while also expanding your wardrobe with items you love.