As Europe grapples with record-breaking temperatures due to the climate crisis, the challenge of what to wear to the office during a heatwave has become a pressing issue. In the UK, fire brigades have issued wildfire alerts, with temperatures exceeding 36C. The corner shop now sells fans, and people linger longer in the freezer aisle.
Dressing for the office, not the beach
The key mistake people make is treating the office like a beach. Leave beach dresses and Paul Mescal-inspired short shorts at home. The office is not a deckchair; it's an ergonomic chair. The goal is to avoid physical discomfort from sweat and professional discomfort from hemlines that feel too short on breakout space pouffes.
Fabric choices matter
Start by reading care labels. Cotton, silk, merino wool, and linen are breathable fabrics that make heat more bearable. Avoid poly blends with synthetics like polyester, which trap heat and sweat. Semi-synthetics like modal (Tencel) and viscose absorb moisture. Choose wisely.
Loose cuts and smart alternatives
Brad Pitt once said he wore a skirt for the breeze, and Spanish PM Pedro Sánchez urged workers to ditch neck ties. Loose, airy cuts are key. For arms, try a swing vest over a tight tank. A roomy shirt is a winner. For dresses, go midi over maxi, avoiding tiers, crochet, and palm prints. Choose wider straps that cover bra straps. Longline tailored shorts are sensible. Men are swapping quarter-zip jumpers for polo shirts, but avoid cargo shorts with dress shirts.
Footwear choices
Flip-flops and mesh jelly shoes are popular on social media but not for team meetings. Opt for slingback flats or leather sandals that don't show the whole foot. Tailored trousers with Birkenstocks work, but some find exposed toes odd at tea time. Trainers or loafers with ankle socks are a Gen Z-approved choice.
Climate-resilient clothing on the horizon
Clothing can only do so much in extreme temperatures. Uniqlo, which closed some European stores in June due to heat, offers UV protection ranges. Brrr, a US tech company, developed a 'triple chill effect' fabric that reduces skin temperature. At Paris fashion week, Rick Owens showcased inflatable jogging suits with built-in fans, described as 'personal air conditioning systems,' in collaboration with Adidas. Mainstream brands are taking note. As the climate crisis intensifies, worrying about what to wear may become a much bigger issue.
