What to Wear to Work in Hot Weather: A Guide to Staying Cool and Professional
When the mercury rises, so does the pressure to dress appropriately for work, especially when comfort and professionalism need to go hand-in-hand. Whether your team is soaking up sunshine on-site or trying to survive a heatwave inside a fan-blasting office, summer workwear plays a crucial role in morale, productivity, and wellbeing.
In this guide, we explore the common issues workers face in hot conditions, the best fabrics and fits to look for, and practical ways to adapt uniforms across various industries. Plus, we share a few of our top picks to help your team beat the heat while staying sharp.
Common Workwear Struggles in Hot Weather
Let’s be honest, working in heat is no picnic. Without the right kit, warm weather can turn your day into a sweaty, energy draining mess. Whether it’s sticky polyester shirts or heavy trousers made for winter, unsuitable workwear can lead to:
- Overheating: Not only uncomfortable, but also potentially dangerous.
- Sweating: Excess sweat can feel unhygienic, cause embarrassment, and affect focus.
- Poor breathability: Thick or synthetic fabrics trap heat and moisture, making you feel stuffy and sluggish.
For teams dealing with physical tasks, these problems aren’t just annoying, they can result in reduced performance and higher health risks.
Why Fabric Matters More Than You Think
Choosing the right material is key. The right fabric makes the difference between breezy productivity and boiling frustration. Here are a few summer-friendly favourites:
- Cotton: Breathable, soft, and great for everyday workwear. Look for blends with higher cotton percentages to avoid polyester's heat-trapping properties.
- Linen: Ideal for office environments—light, breathable, and stylish.
- Moisture-Wicking Synthetics: Perfect for active roles. These fabrics draw sweat to the garment's surface where it evaporates quickly, keeping you dry and cool.
Pro Tip: Avoid full polyester and nylon unless they're specifically designed to wick moisture. Standard versions trap heat and make sweat cling.
Styles and Fits That Help You Stay Cool
Fabric isn’t everything, the cut matters too. Choose workwear styles that allow airflow and avoid clinging to skin. Here’s what to look for:
- Relaxed Fits: Looser garments allow better airflow and less friction.
- Short Sleeves: A no-brainer—cut the heat, not the professionalism.
- Layer Smart: Use garments like hi-vis t-shirts or lightweight waterproof jackets with removable linings to reduce the need for bulky outerwear.
And don’t sleep on bamboo blends! Garments combining bamboo and polyester give you breathability and durability—great for physically demanding roles.
Also worth noting: Check the GSM (grams per square metre) of your garments. Lower GSM = lighter fabric = better summer performance. Aim for 100–150gsm for warmer weather.
Tailoring Workwear to Your Industry
Not every business can go full “shorts and shades.” Here’s how to balance safety, branding, and comfort across different environments:
Corporate Wear:
Think smart but breezy. Short sleeve cotton or linen shirts paired with relaxed-fit trousers or chino shorts keep things polished yet practical.
Construction:
Safety comes first, but that doesn’t mean sweating it out. Opt for high-visibility t-shirts with UV protection, and consider jackets that double as rain gear when needed.
Hospitality:
Staff are always on their feet, cooling fabrics and short sleeves are essential. Look for breathable polos or fitted short-sleeve shirts that still look sharp.
Agriculture:
Outdoor work demands breathability and durability. Pair tough cargo trousers with a quality wicking polo or breathable cotton tee.
Top Picks for Summer Workwear
Here are some go-to garments to upgrade your warm-weather workwear:
Moisture-Wicking Polo Shirts
- (Recommended) ProRTX Pro Wicking Polo - Contact for Details / Order as New Product
- Henbury Coolplus Wicking Polo
- Regatta Contrast Quick Wicking Polo
Lightweight T-Shirts
Work Shorts
Hot Weather Accessories
Make Your Summer Workwear Work Smarter
With the right gear, hot weather doesn’t have to slow your team down. And at Print Lab, we’ve got everything you need to stay cool, stay safe, and stay professional, from breathable basics to bold branded polos and hi-vis must-haves.
Looking for help adapting your summer uniform? Contact us today for your embroidered or printed clothing on 023 9257 1900, we’re happy to help you beat the heat in branded style.
