Men’s Styling Guide: Summer Office Wear
What to wear in the office in summer for men?
It can be an absolute nightmare figuring out what to wear to the office in summer. UK weather is a fickle friend, lurching violently from wet to dry to muggy to arid to hot to cold to windy to still. We live on a tiny temperate island in a knotted cable of jet streams and currents and, basically, what that means is that it’s impossible to know what to wear to work in order to be both smart and comfortable all day.
Well… it’s almost impossible. You have been clever enough to visit Percival’s website, and so you are better than weather.
WHAT IS A SUMMER CASUAL DRESS CODE FOR MEN?
‘Casual’ means different things in different offices. If your office is a pretty chill place then a casual dress code might literally just mean whatever you’re comfortable in. If you’re in a corporate environment, the shorts and T-shirt probably aren’t gonna cut it.
In most offices, ‘smart casual’ means you’re expected to look the part but you probably have a bit of wiggle room when it comes to wearing a tie, undoing a top button, or opting for slightly more interesting colours and materials. Perhaps the powers that be will allow you to go sockless when the mercury starts rising… What folly.
WHAT MATERIAL IS BEST FOR WORKING IN THE HEAT?
If it sits close to the skin, is too thick, or it’s not breathable, we don’t want that stuff within a ten-mile radius of our body, thank you. Get that sh*t outta here.
Linen: ✔️
Seersucker: ✔️
Loose-fitting cotton: ✔️
Why? Because these materials are breathable—especially linen and seersucker, which wick sweat away from the skin, producing a cooling effect. They also tend to sit a little further from the skin compared to other fabrics, which allows for greater airflow over the surface of the skin, again drawing moisture away and creating that all-important cooling effect. That’s just science, baby.
Mens Smart Summer Outfits
Linen Suits
You literally can’t go wrong with a linen suit. You’re going to be stylish, you’re going to be comfortable, and you are going to be sitting at an absolutely gorgeous temperature. We recommend grabbing yourself a couple different colours to keep things fresh. Lighter colours are especially good at keeping you cool, since they reflect more light.
The energy from the light that isn’t reflected has to go somewhere, and usually it is converted into thermal energy i.e. heat. Say it with us: That’s just science, baby.
Poplin Shirt
Wardrobe staples are always important, and for work you really should have a core of 100% cotton poplin shirts. A classic white poplin shirt goes with everything and provides the all-important comfort and quality in your base layer. An easy win in the summer months.
Mens Casual Summer Office Outfits
Knitted Polo
If your office doesn’t require you to wear a suit or a shirt & tie, well, you are well and truly winning in the summer heat. A great way to stay looking sharp whilst allowing for maximum movement and comfort is to don a knitted polo.
We promise we’re not exaggerating—Percival make the best knitted polos in the known universe, so if you’re thinking about going down the knitted polo route, click the link above and go ham. Pair with 5 pocket straight leg trousers for a mighty combo.
Seersucker Shirt
Never, never underestimate the power of a seersucker shirt in hot weather. These babies are smart enough for the office, and they’d keep you cool in the damn bayeux. Pair with linen pleated tailored trousers for maximum swagociousness.