What to wear to work in the summer? Avoid these 5 mistakes when dressing for the heat

Summer style doesn't have to be stuffy – not even at the office. When the temperature rises, the sun beats down, or the air conditioning blows cold, many people wonder the same thing every morning: what to wear to work so they don't feel stuffy, but still look neat and professional?

Dressing for the office in the summer requires balance. You need to find clothes that look good and are suitable for the work environment, but also feel comfortable on hot days. In this article, we will tackle five common mistakes when dressing for the summer and give you practical tips on what to choose instead. At the end, you will also get ideas for breathable and combinable summer clothes for the office – and you will find stylish favorites that will make your summer style work day after day.

1. Artificial fibers can make you feel uncomfortable

When the temperature rises and the sun shines through the office window, synthetic workwear starts to feel like a plastic bag against your skin. Why is this? Synthetic fabrics don’t breathe, which makes you feel uncomfortable – especially when the temperature rises. On a hot day, you can feel like you’ve just stepped out of a sauna, even though you’ve been sitting at your desk all day. On the other hand, if the office is too air-conditioned for your taste, synthetic fabrics won’t keep you warm. Synthetic fabrics definitely have their place and time, but in hot weather they’re often not the most ideal workwear.

How to identify synthetic fibers in clothing?

Synthetic fibers are not naturally occurring, but are manufactured industrially. If you look at the care label or product information on clothing, synthetic fibers often appear in the material list, for example:

• Polyester

• Nylon or polyamide

• Acrylic

• Elastane, spandex, or lycra (often a small percentage to add stretch)

Although elastane is usually only a few percent, a larger proportion of polyester or nylon makes the garment sweaty in hot weather.

Why are synthetic fibers not ideal in a hot office environment?

Synthetic fibers do not breathe compared to natural materials. They do not absorb moisture well, so sweat droplets remain in the garment between the skin and the fabric. This makes the skin feel uncomfortable and hot. In addition, synthetic fibers can become electrified and feel plastic against the skin.

Opt for: natural materials like cotton, linen, wool and silk, which breathe and wick moisture away from the skin. They feel softer and more comfortable even in hot weather. Lyocell is silky soft and works great for summer wear. A thin merino wool sweater or turtleneck is perfect for an air-conditioned office – it’s easy to pull on over a t-shirt in the cool of the morning and take off when the temperature rises during the day. Learn more about great material choices for summer wear .

2. Sometimes more is more – this is how to dress warmly at the office

You might not believe it, but when it comes to dressing for the heat, sometimes more is more. Different offices and workplaces have their own office dress codes, and for example, not all offices allow bare shoulders or short skirts. However, smaller clothes, such as short skirts, dresses or tops, are not the key to feeling comfortable in the heat. A tight-fitting, beautiful top made of synthetic fiber may look and feel great in the morning, but by lunchtime you can feel really uncomfortable.

Instead, try: airy designs, breathable materials and looser cuts. This allows air to circulate and makes you feel fresher. Good examples are flowing skirts and light dresses that give you room to move and breathe. Long-sleeved linen shirts and long linen pants are often lighter because the sun doesn't shine directly on your skin.

3. Sweating – how to choose clothes that support natural cooling during the workday?

Sweating is completely normal – it’s your body’s way of cooling itself. But if you want to avoid visible sweat stains during the workday, it’s a good idea to choose clothes that support this natural function. A grey shirt and damp underarms is a combination that’s likely to start showing up during the day. Tight tops around the armpits naturally allow sweat stains to form on your clothes. A shirt made of polyester also tends to retain the smell of sweat.

A better choice: breathable and moisture-wicking material, such as cotton. It absorbs moisture but doesn’t feel wet and dries quickly. Light shades – like off-white, light blue or beige – are gracious and keep you feeling fresher. If tight-fitting tops in the heat are your thing, feel free to choose patterns and prints! They won’t show stains or spots as easily.

4. There are no clothes in the closet that can be combined – this is how you build a functional summer wardrobe

If every morning it feels like nothing goes together, getting dressed for summer starts to become stressful.

A practical solution: invest in clothes that can be easily combined. Dresses are especially easy in the summer – one piece, and the whole outfit is complete. If you have previously avoided dresses because you don't want to wear tights in the heat, you should try a long and flowing model. That way, your legs will be hidden and you can forget about tights without worrying.

By investing in a few quality tops, bottoms and one or two functional dresses, you can create countless combinations that will make your mornings easier and reduce the stress of getting dressed. Toiveen clothing is designed with this in mind – you can mix and match different products and easily build a functional summer wardrobe.

Summer dressing for the office is not just about clothes – accessories and footwear also play a big role. A hat protects from the sun and completes the look. A light scarf or merino wool cardigan is a great addition to cool office environments or evenings.

When it comes to footwear, opt for open but clean sandals or lightweight leather shoes, which breathe better than closed shoes and provide comfort during a long workday. Details complete the look and add comfort, so don't forget accessories for your summer style!

5. Comfort is easily forgotten

It’s surprisingly easy to choose workwear based on how it looks – and completely forget how it feels. But especially in the summer heat, even the slightest pinch, rough seam or chafing collar can ruin your whole day. Comfortable workwear is not just about comfort – it affects your focus, stamina and even self-confidence.

Work clothes for a hot day can be both stylish and comfortable.
When your day involves meetings, exercise, and evening outings, your clothes need to work from one situation to another. Pay attention to how your outfit feels: can you move freely, sit for long periods, and be relaxed in it? The best summer clothes for work are light, breathable, and fit well without feeling tight or constricting.

Comfort comes from the details:
– elastic waists
– looser sleeves
– soft, breathable natural materials

Finally

Dressing for the office in the summer can be surprisingly easy – as long as you remember to pay attention to materials, fit and combinability. With the right choices, you can stay light and your thoughts sharp, even when it's scorching hot outside. Comfort doesn't rule out style. When clothes feel good on you, it shows on the outside. Check out Toive's selection and find the summer clothes of your dreams!