With blazing temps making this summer a certified sweatfest, dressing for comfort is more important than ever.
While the simple solution might be to wear shorts and flip flops everywhere, that might rub your club dress code or your company's HR manual the wrong way.
Let's look at a few easy (but not always obvious) ways to stay cool in blazing temps.
Choose Light Colors
Light-colored clothing reflects sunlight, helping you stay cooler than dark colors, which absorb heat. Opt for whites, pastels, and light neutrals to keep cool.
The good news is you don't have to completely sacrifice color just to keep from overheating. Plenty of our polos, like the Dylan Stripe in the pic, feature colored stripes or subtle patterns on a white background, so you get to show a little style while also keeping nice and comfortable.
Wear Loose-Fitting Clothing
A slim or athletic fit looks and feels good, but can be a liability during the summer.
Loose clothes allow air to circulate around your body, which helps sweat evaporate and cools you down. Those slim fitting pieces trap heat and make you feel warmer.
Our recommendation? If your polos are fitting close to the body, go one size up for the summer months and see if you feel cooler.
Select Breathable Fabrics
Natural fabrics like cotton, linen, and modal are breathable and allow moisture to evaporate quickly, keeping you cooler. Materials like polyester and nylon are fantastic for mobility, but in terms of pure breathability, stick to naturals.
Our Pierce Cotton Performance Polo and the Cole Stripe Performance Polo capture all the functional benefits of polyester while maintaining the breathability of an all-cotton shirt.
Opt for Moisture-Wicking Materials
If you prefer synthetic fabrics, choose moisture-wicking options that draw sweat away from your skin, helping it evaporate more easily and keeping you dry and cool.
Luckily, you'll find moisture-wicking fabrics spanning the entire Turtleson catalog.
Seek Out Sun Protection
Heat and sun exposure not only leave you tired and thirsty, but can lead to pretty serious health conditions.
Not all garments are created equally when it comes to sun protection, so choose wisely when you're planning to be outdoors for a long time.
Many of our performance polos are rated with a 50+ sun protection factor, and here's a little cheat code: for full coverage that's still lightweight, opt for one of our long-sleeved polos like the Carter Stripe Long Sleeve Performance Polo.
Wear a Hat
A great hat can provide shade for your face and (depending on your hairline situation) scalp, reducing the amount of direct sunlight hitting your skin, thus keeping you cooler.
Whether you prefer a tour visor, performance ball cap, or the yesteryear charm of a bucket hat, keeping your dome protected from the sun will make the heat more bearable.
Our Trucker Twill Mesh Cap strikes the perfect balance of coverage and style.
Protect Your Eyes with Sunglasses
Sunglasses with UV protection can help prevent eye strain and discomfort caused by bright sunlight, making you feel more comfortable in the heat.
We're big fans of these great shades from Blue Otter Polarized.
Go for Lightweight Footwear
Heavy shoes can trap heat and make your feet feel warmer. Choose lightweight, breathable footwear to keep your feet cool.
You'll see plenty of Olukai and True Linkswear sneakers criss-crossing our office as we keep bop back and forth from design to customer service to embroidery and the warehouse.
Use Light Layers
Even in hot weather, some places can be chilly due to air conditioning (we're looking at you, movie theaters and doctor's offices).
Carrying a lightweight, breathable layer can help you adapt to varying temperatures without overheating.
Need a no-brainer for this scenario? Choose the Lester Oxford Performance Hoodie.
Go For A Swim
When in doubt, a sure-fire way to cool off is with a quick dip in the water. A few of us here in the office practically live in the lake during the summer, and plenty of us can be found at a country club pool or splashing in the surf (assuming the water is shark-free).
When it's time to swim, reach for any of our smartly crafted performance swim trunks. They're all great, but the Honu Swim Trunk is a customer favorite.
Have fun and stay safe
Wherever you're enjoying your summer, remember to find plenty of shade and drinks some water (in addition to whatever else is in the cooler).
Have fun and stay safe out there!