How to Choose Extreme Hot Weather Clothing

When it comes to formal wear for hot weather, linen suits for men seem to be what people consider the gold standard.

But have you ever actually worn a linen suit on a hot day?

A friend of mine had a summer wedding at Mt. Adams Oregon. He’s an active, outdoorsy kind of guy, so a traditional wool suit just wasn’t his style or good for the outdoors location and vibe of the wedding. So we dressed him in a men’s linen suit — because that’s a classic choice for hot weather. But by the time he walked down the aisle, the suit was a wrinkled mess. The marriage stuck, but he looks wrinkled in the photos.

Too bad for my friend that our Hopsack Blazer and Presidio Suit had not yet been developed. What a difference it would’ve made for him and his pictures.

Part of my drive for Bluffworks was to create clothes that do well in hot weather conditions — yet look much nicer than a typical shorts and tee shirt combo (or a permanently wrinkled linen suit). And, I’m proud to say quite a few of our products have hit the mark

What I look for in clothes for hot weather include:

Lightweight materials that don't trap heat. Feel the weight of a garment. If it seems light for its size, that’s a good sign.
High breathability that allows heat to exit. Our bodies sweat to keep cool, but the sweat has to dry to have the cooling effect. That means we need air flow, so breathability is a must. But, not all lightweight fabrics are breathable. For example, a plastic shopping bag is light, but not breathable at all.
Light colors that reflect the sun do better. Lighter colors reflect sunlight and some of the heat that goes with it, while darker colors absorb that heat. The effect on your temperature can have a huge difference.
Products that dry fast, and are moisture wicking to keep you cool and dry. Especially in humid conditions, fabrics that will wick moisture from your skin provide a cooling effect. This means something that retains water - like cotton - can be counterproductive when wet.
Products that slide over your skin, don’t stick. If you’ve ever had your legs stick to the back seat of a hot car, you know stickiness doesn’t help. Best are materials that slide over your skin to not create a hot combination.

Some additional hot weather packing list suggestions:

Skip the jeans and opt for chinos. Jeans are too heavy and retain a lot of heat and moisture. Chinos are lighter weight and, frankly, a more polished-looking option.
Choose an unlined blazer. Even a linen or tropical-weight wool blazer that’s lined will tend to retain heat. Go for an unlined option if you need to look classy and stay cool.
Choose lightweight, breathable shoes. Our feet can produce up to a quarter cup of sweat each day. Let them breathe.
Pack a hat. That little bit of personal shade could make or break in the noonday sun. It’s a balance between sun protection and the fact that so much of your heat escapes your body through your head. So take a hat, but not a hot one.
Shirts with UPF or long sleeves. Anyone could justify wearing a t-shirt like our Threshold which has built in UPF and naturally wicks sweat and odor for multiple day wear. But, sometimes a long sleeved shirt can be just as cool as it protects you from the sun. Our dress shirts meet all of the crucial hot weather criteria: cool, lightweight, wicks moisture, and has those long sleeves.
Leave room for ultra packable athletic gear. Ideally, your bag is filled with such lightweight, breathable items for extreme heat, that a pair of packable running shorts is no problem to squeeze in your bag.

These guidelines help me keep me cool whether I’m at a summer wedding or sightseeing in the desert, and should serve you wherever you roam.

Stefan Loble