How to dress when it's hot (very hot)

I'm writing this post from Singapore where it's...really...very hot: hence the idea. And as usual I sat on the terrace of a café where stylish people parade... and those who are less so.

Telling you to wear t-shirts and shorts would be pointless. So I'm going to focus on the real dilemma when it's hot: how to stay stylish without suffocating .

What not to put...

To begin with, I see far too many men with shapeless things "to avoid being hot". Maybe you're making some of these mistakes, in which case you'll need to break these bad habits:

• pants that are too big for you (the famous bag effect™ ). Letting air circulate by avoiding a fitted piece is a good idea, but instead do it with a loose fit at your waist.

Unlike clothing that is too big, loose-fitting pants will fit you at the waist. Its volume will be distributed correctly along your legs, without unsightly folds, and without forming an accordion at the bottom.

• shorts that are not structured enough (same bag effect in a short version)

• poorly chosen shirts. Except for shirts with a slightly explorer style, in cream, earth or khaki tones. Some floral patterned shirts, well chosen and worn in a relaxed atmosphere, also do the trick. To have an example, here is a shirt in Michel's nuggets.

• synthetic clothing promising quick drying, designed for sport.

But also...

• jeans in heavy selvedge canvas: are you a masochist or what? Why not latex?

• and to a lesser extent, leather ankle boots and high-top sneakers

In summer, you can also afford more worn clothes.
Here interesting cut contrast between the oversized shirt and the chino pants .

What materials to wear in summer?

Sweating is not really stylish . Stains in the armpits and large drops on the forehead have never really inspired designers... the same goes for the young ladies you watch out of the corner of your eye on the next napkin.

Here are the things to take into account when choosing your clothes for a hot summer day.

Concerning the weave, choose it light and loose. You will quickly feel it to the touch: if the material is thick and compact, there is little chance that it will keep you cool when it is 30 degrees. Conversely, if it is light, thin, and you can easily see through it in strong light, then you are on the right path.

In terms of material, avoid synthetic fibers. The only time you can try it is when it's a techwear piece. Concerning synthetic t-shirts for less than €15 which promise you a dry summer, be aware that these rely solely on the hydrophobic nature of the plastic fibers , and sometimes on chemical particles supposed to limit perspiration odors, never for very long. To learn more about this nuance, Michel explains what happens to a t-shirt when you sweat here.

Artificial fibers, such as tencel which is breathable and dries quickly, are also possible.

Still favor natural materials such as cotton, hemp, wool or linen. The latter being the champion of the summer, which we teach you to choose wisely here. The magic formula for us remains the cotton-linen blend: it is less rough and wrinkles less than 100% linen, while retaining the advantages of the material.

Preppy revisited in Singaporean fashion:
It's classy and it doesn't keep you particularly warm.

Finally, know that wool is completely acceptable . No ! I'm not telling you to bring out your sweaters. Quite simply, good wool is an excellent thermoregulator (it wicks away perspiration and heat well), as long as - here again - its weave is not too tight and thick (otherwise syncope is guaranteed). A merino wool t-shirt or shirt is possible, to the point of being the best choice after linen.

As for the feet: we bring out the light canvas sneakers and open shoes, which Benoît takes a quick look at in his summer guide.

The leather worn on the feet is not necessarily that unpleasant, as long as the sole is of good quality. Above 30 degrees, it still becomes difficult.

Another little tip: invisible socks , chosen thin, in cotton and/or linen, they will absorb humidity and regulate the temperature inside your pretty shoes.

There remains sandals for men, relevant if they are well chosen.

APC: slender silhouettes for summer

The right silhouettes

I'm like you, I feel better in loose clothes when it's hot. But pretending to be a hippie backpacker, no thanks! The right solution is a mix between fitted (fitted) and loose (loose) clothing :

• harem pants + a fitted t-shirt

• a fairly draped t-shirt, or with a (slightly) deeper collar than usual + straight cut pants

If you opt for loose pants, consider choosing them with a rather short hem . That way, your silhouette won't look crowded, and people won't think you're going to Woodstock.

And the accessories will do the rest ...

Here, the accessories finish off the outfit very well. Although the scarf is a bit counterintuitive. (Credit: FaceHunter).

Fitted VS loose opposition? The big bearded guys at Maison Martin Margiela have it all figured out...