KEEP COOL AT WORK
The office building air conditioner sucks and our male colleagues get dizzy as soon as they see a new cm from a female body.
Obviously, depending on the job, we are not all having the same work environment freedom (sadly), but no matter the corporate level, one thing is certain: Go for the right FABRIC.
As a Stylist & Personal Shopper, I always take into consideration 3 priorities for my clients: Weight / Fiber / Colour
Once you know how to select your garments regarding these 3 factors, it will have a huge cool-down effect on your everyday comfort at work. Believe it or not, a cream-wide-linen trousers won’t keep you warmer than a mini denim short.
Now, let’s talk “gross stuff” but natural stuff…
Bad smell often gets linked to the sweat but it’s not the only one to blame. Researchers in Manchester University found up to 300 different types of bacteria in the armpits area. The most common being Staphylococcus and Corynebacterium. These have more tendencies to perturbate the odors, and unfortunately, men tend to have more of these than women, oopsie…
This is where the fabric you wear has an impact as Polyester and general synthetic fabrics have the particularity to keep bad smell even after washing.
WHY?
1- Polyester doesn’t like water
2- Polyester, instead, loooves oil
This means the garment will get rid of the humidity as fast as it can (this is why it is promoted as a fast drying sport goodie). However, oily substances will be carefully kept tight in the yarn.
Final results: Odors will be much more aggressive on a synthetic tee rather than on a cotton one. Linen will add the faster drying factor but it won’t be as soft, this is why we often recommend a good mix of cotton + linen.
Belgium University compares smells characteristics between poly and cotton after sweat. Zero means no smell.. For "Hedonic value", it’s the opposite : Four means a “pleasant” and zero means “unpleasant”
Image and info from BonneGueule.fr
On the other hand, artificial fibers like Tencel can breathe nicely but also dry fast so you can enjoy this one.
Lightly woven textures will give you more air flow, to find out how breathable the weave is, hold the piece of fabric facing a spot light, if you can’t see through it, there is no doubt you will end up steaming hot in it.
And what about Style?
In terms of shape and style, why not try the long suiting short Ladies? Often mocked and avoided, I promise it’s super cool and stylish to adopt the Bermuda in 2022. Modernise it with white sneakers (as per usual) or a chunky pair of loafers.
If you are ready to show more skin, you can make it work with a good balance: A short skirt with an ample / loose button up shirt for example.
My favorite from when I was living in Toulouse (South of France with no sea nearby + concrete walls not appropriated for global warming…) was the Shirt Dress. The one and only, the ultimate symbol of the cool summer workwear babes! It falls beautifully on the body, can be buttoned up or down, worn with belts or loose, sleeves rolled up above elbows… so many alternatives with only 1 garment!
Keep it dropped shoulders if not “batwing sleeves” to keep a smooth air flow.
Pencil skirts: Again and again. But not the regular black one as it would catch the heat. You will prefer the light and pastel colors. Why not an ivory denim midi skirt? Or even more fun: bold and pop!
It is also the best time of the year to adopt the A line skirt.
What I would avoid though, is a jumpsuit (surprise surprise!), purely personal experience: It sticks to you as there is no air flow in the center of the body. Also, how annoying it is to take it on and off to each bathroom visits Erk…. Instead, I like a matching top and bottom combo, more practical and versatile.
For the Boyz
Small changes like: avoiding shoulder pads, a smaller collar shirt and switching leather shoes with canvas would be helpful.
Choose a mix of cotton and linen for your blazer to avoid the crease factor. Don’t exclude light wool which can also have thermoregulator benefits.
Avoid lining but if needed, definitely keep it natural like a silk lining.
Instead of the “has-been” short sleeves shirt, prioritise a classic Polo tee. Yes, it would give a sporty / decontracted look but it’s still more acceptable than a simple tee shirt. It can work with a suit but if possible, I highly recommend the Chino and potentially, an unmatching jacket for a cool and contemporary style.
Last but not least, don’t be shy to show those sexy little ankles by rolling up your trousers. One cuff, nothing more.
Last trick to survive in the heat and be efficient to work: spray or splash a little bit of cold water into your elbows or behind your knees. This will cool you down instantly and last :)
Now let’s enjoy this hot weather because we all know we will be missing it once Autumn turns up!
Eugenie Aran xxx
Your French stylist & Personal Shopper
All photos via @Pinterest.
