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Dressing Well and Staying Comfortable in Hot and Humid Weather

When the weather turns hot and humid, dressing well while staying comfortable can be a real challenge. The key is to enable your body's natural cooling system (sweating) to work effectively. This means maximizing airflow and wicking moisture. Let's dive into how you can achieve this balance with your wardrobe.

@mikemonnette Staying comfortable and looking good when it's hot and humid. We want the body's natural cooling system (sweat evaporating to pull heat from the body) to function as intended, which gives us two goals with our clothes: Don't trap air (AKA breathable) Don't trap sweat (AKA moisture wicking) Cotton and linen: great for airflow, bad for moisture wicking Synthetics: great for moisture wicking, less breathable, especially in cheaper forms. Lightweight Merino wool is actually pretty good at both of these things but it's expensive, lacks durability, and even the softest versions still skew itchy IMO. This is a pretty nuanced topic because there are so many different versions of each of these textiles and fabrics, and many of the resources online are either sponsored by industry groups (big cotton), or are written by the #menswear crowd who make claims like "cotton is naturally moisture wicking" (it's not) and try to convince you that a 3 piece suit is somehow actually the best thing to wear in the summer. This article from REI does a pretty good job covering all the nuance if you're interested: https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/how-to-pick-the-most-breathable-fabrics.html I'm not going to argue about the health benefits of natural fibers. It's not my expertise, and I haven't done the research, but I'm personally willing to wear synthetic materials if it means more comfort. If you're not, I understand and respect that POV. #mensfashion #menswear #mensstyle #summerstyle #mensstyleguide #styleguide ♬ original sound - Mike

Understanding Fabrics

  • Cotton and Linen: These natural fibers breathe well but absorb moisture, which can make you feel clammy.
  • Synthetics: They wick moisture away but don’t breathe as well, potentially trapping heat.
Fortunately, fabric blends can offer the best of both worlds, combining the benefits of natural and synthetic materials. These blends look stylish and have built-in features you won’t find in 100% cotton or linen garments.

The Foundation: Underwear
Starting with the basics, underwear can make a significant difference in comfort.
  • Modal Blends: Look for underwear made from modal blends, which are stretchy, breathable, soft, and keep you dry. Once you try modal underwear, you might never go back to cotton. It’s a game-changer for anyone who sweats a lot.
Bottoms
Choosing the right bottoms can greatly enhance comfort in the heat.
  • Pants: If you must wear pants, opt for an elastic waist to avoid the restrictive nature of belts. For belted pants, hybrid tech pants from brands like Lululemon offer a good balance of comfort and style.
  • Linen-Cotton Blends: These pants are softer and less itchy than pure linen.
  • Seersucker: This fabric is woven to create a crinkled texture, allowing for better airflow.
  • Athletic Shorts: Look for shorts with antimicrobial treatments to prevent odor.
Tops
Selecting the right tops is crucial for staying cool and looking sharp.
  • Linen Blends: Pure linen can be scratchy, but blends with viscose or lyocell are much softer while maintaining breathability.
  • Sweater Polos: It may sound counterintuitive, but sweater polos made from blends of cotton and synthetics like nylon and viscose can be breathable and comfortable, especially if they have a looser knit for better airflow.
Summary: Staying Cool and Stylish
To stay comfortable and stylish in hot and humid conditions, focus on two main goals with your clothing:
  1. Breathability: Ensure your clothes allow air to flow freely.
  2. Moisture Wicking: Choose fabrics that pull sweat away from your body.
While cotton and linen excel in airflow, they lack in moisture-wicking. Synthetics are great for wicking moisture but can trap heat. Lightweight merino wool can be a good compromise, though it can be expensive and slightly itchy.

This topic is nuanced, with various versions of textiles and fabrics available. Many online resources might be biased, promoting certain materials over others. I won't delve into the health benefits of natural fibers, as it's outside my expertise. However, I'm personally open to wearing synthetic materials for the sake of comfort, though I respect those who prefer natural fibers.

Ultimately, blending natural and synthetic fabrics can provide the best combination of breathability and moisture-wicking, helping you stay cool and stylish all summer long.
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