Smart clothing for a hot office

[Type R Tom]

My office is heating up again, last year it hit 28c meaning I was struggling to concentrate and facilities aren’t really willing to do anything about it so I need to change what I wear to work. I have a role that involves meeting customers (usually planned) and working in and out of the office so need to be relatively smart.

The two options I can think of seem to be either smart shorts or golf kit (lightweight trousers and polo). Both have problems, what footwear to go with shorts and what golf clothes that don’t look like I’m due a round.

So can anyone recommend anything?

[AshBurrows]

If you're confident and a cool dude, just copy Nick Wooster's shorts fits.

[Dog Star]

I work in Gibraltar sometimes - I'm there now - and the particular office I am in hasn't got the AC locked down with the consequence that females turn it off or stick in on 28 and still sit there shivering in their coats.

I just wear board shorts, a t shirt and flip-flops.

I'm still hot though.

[55palfers]

Speedos

Churches flip-flops

[LordGrover]

Linen.

[RC1807]

OP: check with "the management", unles you're it? If you're "it", do what YOU want!

In our company we can wear casual clothes, but no shorts - if you're a man!
Sexist, innit.

IMHO, shorts AREN'T smart, so stick to lighter weight trousers and polo shirts or s/s shirts

[boxst]

Not helpful ...

[g3org3y]

LordGrover said:

Linen.

This.

I'm assuming you don't need to wear a tie.

Linen shirt. Lightweight cotton trousers.

NOT shorts.

[Hoofy]

Depends on how smart or otherwise you have to be. If you're not required to wear a suit/shirt/tie combo (which it sounds like), then you can buy wicking polo shirts which are quite smart (well, compared to a t-shirt).

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Premier-Coolchecker-Pique...

[Tycho]

I usually wear shorts and t shirt but you could go a bit smarter with this:
http://uk.businessinsider.com/romphim-kickstarter-...

[Smitters]

I would suggest a t-shirt style vest. Seems counter-intuitive to put more on, but having it under a thin smart shirt does wonders for stopping horrific sweat marks. In a business environment, shorts would be a no-no for me. I'd go light smart trousers, and shirt, roll your sleeves up and have a cool drink on hand. Or get a fan.

ETA, if client meetings are planned, obviously having a change of clothes would work too, but if you're hot in shorts and a tee, you're going to quickly boil in a suit. Better acclimatize in my view.

[tankplanker]

Shorts in the office would be a no from me as well unless it was a very casual environment.

I like the earlier suggestion of wearing a polo then switching to a clean shirt for customer meetings. Always worth keeping a clean shirt in your office, Ray Donovan style.

[PAULJ5555]

Is your office small enough to buy yourself a portable AC unit, probably work out the same cost after a few years of buying different set of clothes. And its not your electric bill either.

[Foliage]

LordGrover said:

Linen.

So much this, linen trousers are a god send.

https://www.johnlewis.com/browse/men/mens-linen/_/...

[Robbo 27]

I used to have to manage a 6 foot plus man who was built like a rugby forward and as gay as a row of tents.

On hot days he used to wear pale pink shorts that would have been too small on Kylie Minogue.

He didnt care so why should I?