Swiss Journal of Research in Business and Social Sciences

Women's clothing

Office Outfit Ideas for a Heat Wave


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sun over a desert; it's what the office may feel like during a heat wave

With the current surge in high temperatures sweeping across the U.S., it’s essential to address the question of what to wear to the office during a heat wave. Recognizing what clothing choices to avoid is just as important as knowing which styles will keep you comfortable. Additionally, understanding the impact of wrinkles on your professional appearance is crucial. Let’s explore the best practices for dressing appropriately in extreme heat while maintaining a polished look.

Mastering Office Attire Choices for a Heat Wave

When faced with a heat wave, the foremost concern typically revolves around your commute. If your office is equipped with air conditioning, management likely doesn’t expect your outfit to differ significantly once you arrive. Therefore, it’s essential to gauge whether your supervisors anticipate long or particularly uncomfortable commutes. The implications of this expectation can vary significantly between different job roles.

For instance, if you hold a senior position with a higher salary, the assumption is often that you have the means to drive to work. Conversely, if you’re an intern or a lower-level employee, especially in environments filled with younger individuals, the dress code expectations may be less formal. Understanding these nuances can help you make more informed clothing choices.

Even if your commute is informal, such as wearing a bikini, the expectation is that you’ll “office up” promptly upon arrival. To illustrate, if you start with a bikini, simply layering a dress over it, along with appropriate office shoes, can transform your look into something suitable for the workplace.

In addition to these considerations, there are a myriad of materials and outfit combinations that can keep you looking polished, both in a climate-controlled office and under the sweltering sun. Think about incorporating breathable fabrics such as linen, cotton pique, silk, and advanced moisture-wicking fabrics. Below, we’ll highlight some of our top picks for summer office wear.

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Essential Clothing Items to Avoid During a Heat Wave

From my perspective, it is best to steer clear of fabrics that trap moisture, as quick-drying clothes will feel far more comfortable. Specifically, I would recommend avoiding standard polyester unless it’s explicitly labeled as moisture-wicking. A great example is Uniqlo’s AirSense line, which features 100% polyester but is marketed as a “new lighter material… with DRY technology,” offering both UV protection and superior breathability.

Is Athleisure Acceptable for Work During Extremely Hot Days?

This largely depends on the culture of your office. Take a moment to assess how athleisure compares to your usual work attire. For example, dark, wide-leg pants can seamlessly transition into the workplace, while a casual white tennis skort might warrant further consideration.

Are Sandals Appropriate Footwear for Work in Hot Weather?

Sandals can be a tricky choice, as they aren’t universally accepted in every office environment. If sandals are deemed acceptable, look for styles that showcase more of the shoe and less of your foot. Personally, I’ve found it beneficial to wear a more casual sandal, like flip-flops or Birkenstocks, during my commute, then switch to professional flats or heels upon arrival at the office.

Is It Professional to Arrive with Wet Hair During a Heat Wave?

Once again, knowing your office culture is key. Many of our favorite easy updos, such as the inverted Chestnut roll or Gibson tuck, can be styled effectively with wet hair, allowing you to remain cool without compromising professionalism.

Addressing Wrinkles in Linen, Cotton, and Other Lightweight Fabrics

Determining the appropriateness of wrinkles in your clothing is another situation that relies on your workplace culture. However, a heat wave provides a perfect opportunity to embrace linen work attire, and most managers will appreciate your efforts, even if your linen suit has a few wrinkles. This is generally acceptable for a standard workday, although you might want to consider a more polished look for important meetings or court appearances.

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If you’re keen on achieving a crisp appearance, keeping a small handheld steamer at your desk can provide a quick fix, although it may be considered an extra effort.

Tips for Staying Cool During Your Commute

There are numerous innovative products designed to help you stay cool during your commute. Explore more practical solutions like these in our Amazon shop! If you’re dealing with hot flashes or are looking for a way to manage the discomfort, consider investing in the Embr Wave cooling bracelet, which has garnered positive feedback for its effectiveness.


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The Most Suitable Work Attire for Hot Weather

We have compiled an extensive selection of clothing options perfect for office wear in the summer heat. Below, you’ll find some of our latest recommendations. Additionally, don’t miss our roundup of the simplest office updos for those hot days!

Stylish Summer Work Pants

Chic Linen Pants for Office Wear

As of 2025, excellent choices for linen dress pants include brands such as Banana Republic Factory, Boden, Theory, NYDJ*, and J.Crew Factory. These options combine style with comfort, ensuring you stay cool and professional.

Trendy Cotton Pique Pants

In 2025, standout selections for summer work trousers in cotton pique feature styles from Krazy Larry, Ann Taylor, and Loft. These brands deliver breathable, stylish options that are perfect for navigating the office during warmer months.

Other Lightweight Dress and Suit Pants for Comfort

If you’re on the lookout for lightweight suiting, Brooks Brothers occasionally offers suiting options in their BrooksCool line. Additionally, Uniqlo sometimes features Airism suiting, which is specifically designed for hot weather. Be sure to check out our curated list of washable suits for women to find your perfect fit!

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Surprisingly, wool can be a great lightweight option for year-round wear, especially when it comes to seasonless wool styles.

Lightweight Blazers for a Polished Summer Look

If you’re searching for lightweight blazers in fabrics like linen for the summer, there are numerous fantastic options available in 2025. J.Crew, Ann Taylor, J.Crew Factory, Boden, Frank & Eileen, Quince, Old Navy, Brooks Brothers, and Hobbs all offer stylish choices. Additionally, check out Uniqlo’s machine washable Airsense line, as well as M.M.LaFleur’s new Breeze line for even more options.

Stylish Work Dresses for Summer Comfort

Featured Work Dresses for the Season

Practical Work Dresses Featuring Pockets

Readers, we invite you to share your thoughts on the best work attire for a heat wave. What outfits have worked for you?

Stock photo via Stencil.

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Sarah Parker is a research analyst and content contributor with a strong interest in business strategy, organizational behavior, and social development. With a background in sociology and public policy, she focuses on exploring the intersection between research and real-world application. Sarah regularly contributes articles that bridge academic insights and practical relevance, aiming to foster critical thinking and innovation across sectors.