How to Stay Cool in a Suit: 15 Tricks That Actually Work

Nothing makes a man look sharper than a good suit—but style often comes at the cost of comfort. Heat, humidity, nerves, or a packed commute can get you soaked through before you even get to the office. So you might be wondering: how to stay cool in a suit without sacrificing style or professionalism?

This guide covers 15 practical, no-nonsense strategies to help you stay dry, comfortable, and confident. No need to sweat about that sweltering subway commute, your cousin’s summer wedding, or a special occasion where you need to look your best—we’ve got you covered.

1. Wear a Sweat Proof Undershirt

When you’re trying to stay cool in a suit, what you wear underneath matters just as much as the suit itself. 

A good undershirt creates a barrier between your skin and your dress shirt, helping absorb moisture and prevent visible sweat marks. But most cotton undershirts just soak through, cling to your body, and make everything worse.

That’s where Thompson Tee comes in. Our patented sweat proof undershirts are designed to stop sweat before it reaches your outer layers. The built-in underarm barriers trap and evaporate moisture, keeping your dress shirt looking fresh, no matter how hot, stressful, or high-stakes your day gets.

If you’re serious about staying dry in a suit, this is your first line of defense.

Explore our sweat proof undershirts to stay dry under any suit.

Try Thompson Tee risk-free today.

2. Take Off the Jacket

This one’s simple, but often overlooked: don’t wear your jacket unless you absolutely have to.

Think of your jacket as the finishing touch, not something that needs to be worn every minute. Toss it on just before you enter a meeting, event, or formal setting. Your body will thank you—and it’ll stop you sweating through your shirt, too.

3. Choose a Half or Quarter-Lined Suit

Here’s a detail most guys overlook: the lining of your suit plays a big role in how hot you get.

Fully lined suits may hold their shape well, but they also trap heat—especially through the back and sides. That’s a problem when you're already dealing with warm weather, crowded spaces, or high-pressure situations.

Instead, look for half-lined, quarter-lined, or even unlined suits. These styles skip the full interior lining, especially in the back, which lets air circulate more freely and helps your body release heat.

Bonus tip: If you can find a suit with built-in sous bras (underarm shields), even better. They can reduce sweat damage and help your jacket last longer.

4. Pick the Right Fabric

The fabric your suit is made from can make or break your comfort—especially when heat is a factor. The key? Stick to breathable, natural fibers and avoid anything with polyester, which traps heat and moisture like a plastic bag.

Here are four smart suiting options for staying cool:

• Summerweight wool – Don’t overlook this one. Despite sounding heavy, these thin wools (usually 7–10 oz/yd²) are surprisingly breathable, wrinkle-resistant, and more polished than cotton or linen. Each brand may call it something different—lightweight, tropical, high-twist—but they all perform better than standard wool.
  
  
• Cotton suits – Lightweight, breathable, and relatively crisp. Just know that they wrinkle more than wool and aren’t ideal for ultra-formal settings.
  
  
• Linen suits – Ultra breathable but extremely prone to wrinkles. Great for relaxed summer events, not boardrooms.
  
  
• Seersucker suits – The puckered texture lifts the fabric off your skin, boosting airflow. Bonus: the wrinkles are part of the look, though the style isn’t for everyone.

Pro tip: Always check the label. Both the outer fabric and lining should be 100% natural fiber—no polyester, even in the lining. Synthetics will roast you, especially in places like subway cars with poor ventilation.

5. Choose a Lightweight Shirt

Even the best suit won’t keep you cool if you’re sweating underneath it—so pay close attention to your dress shirt. The right fabric and weave can make a noticeable difference in how breathable and comfortable you feel.

Look for lightweight cotton or cotton-linen blends with a fine, open weave. Brands like S.I.C. Tess are known for producing premium fabrics that feel significantly cooler than standard cotton, sometimes by several degrees.

Look for lightweight cotton or cotton-linen blends in poplin (also called broadcloth), which feel cooler and breathe better than heavier weaves like Oxford.

Read more: Dress Shirts That Don’t Show Sweat

6. Stick to Two-Piece Suits

Adding layers means adding heat. Skip the vest or sweater and stick with a classic two-piece suit (jacket and trousers). Three-piece suits look sharp, but they trap more heat around your core. If staying cool is the priority, less really is more.

Read more: 16 Tips for Wearing a Suit

7. Get the Right Fit

A well-fitted suit doesn’t just look better—it feels better, too. Avoid overly tight cuts that cling to your body and trap heat. At the same time, skip the oversized look, which can weigh you down and restrict airflow.

You want a balanced fit with a little breathing room between the fabric and your skin. The same goes for your undershirt: slightly looser fits allow air to circulate and moisture to evaporate, keeping you drier throughout the day.

8. Change Before the Meeting

If you’re commuting or walking in warm weather, consider wearing something light for the journey and changing into your suit right before the meeting or event. It’s a little extra effort, but it keeps your suit fresh and your body cooler—especially if you’re headed into an air-conditioned space.

9. Acclimate Your Body

You can train your body to handle heat better. Spending short, controlled periods in warmer environments (like walking outside instead of taking an air-conditioned car) helps your body gradually adjust to higher temperatures. Over time, you’ll sweat more efficiently and feel less discomfort in a suit when it’s hot out.

10. Avoid Body Lotion

Skip heavy lotions or oils before suiting up. They can block your skin’s ability to breathe and trap heat and sweat. If your skin feels dry, opt for a light, fast-absorbing moisturizer and apply it the night before instead of the morning of.

11. Shower With Lukewarm Water

It’s tempting to cool off with a cold shower, but lukewarm water is better if you’ll be wearing a suit afterward. Cold water constricts your pores and blood vessels, which can actually make you feel hotter once you step into warm air. Lukewarm water helps you stay balanced and regulate your temperature more effectively.

12. Adjust Your Diet

Certain foods and drinks can increase sweating. Spicy food, caffeine, and alcohol all stimulate your sweat glands. If you’ve got an important event or presentation, consider dialing those back the night before or morning of. Instead, hydrate well and eat light, cooling foods like fruits and vegetables.

13. Apply Antiperspirant (Properly)

Antiperspirant is one of your most powerful tools—but most people use it wrong. Apply it at night, not just in the morning. This gives the active ingredients time to block sweat glands while you sleep, making it more effective during the day. Choose a clinical-strength formula for long-lasting dryness, especially on high-sweat days.

14. Keep a Portable Fan

It might sound over the top, but a small USB or battery-powered fan can be a lifesaver—especially if you’re waiting outside, riding transit, or attending an event with poor airflow. Today’s fans are compact, discreet, and easy to carry in a work bag or glove box. Sometimes, a little airflow is all it takes to stay cool and composed.

15. Swap Your Necktie for a Bow Tie

Bow ties leave more of your chest uncovered, which means less fabric trapping heat against your torso. The result: Better airflow, a cooler core, and a distinctive look that still feels polished—especially at weddings or parties.

It’s a small change, but it can make a big difference when the heat’s on. Plus, a bow tie is a surefire way to win extra style points.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I wear a suit in summer without overheating?

Absolutely—if you dress smart. Go for lightweight, unlined suits, wear moisture-wicking layers, and avoid synthetic fabrics. You can also change into your suit at your destination and carry a portable fan for extra airflow.

Are bow ties cooler than regular ties?

Yes, bow ties can help keep you cooler. Unlike traditional neckties, bow ties cover less of your chest and allow for better airflow—especially helpful in warm weather or outdoor events.