💦 The Sweat Dilemma: Style vs. Function

Hey Reader,

Based on your feedback last week, I've decided on 2 more weeks of summer-themed newsletters, and starting the summer to fall transition series in mid-to-late August. Stay tuned!

Now let’s be real for a second – it’s still hot out there. Like, sweat-through-your-shirt-running-to-get-coffee hot.

And if you’re a guy who’s starting to care about how you dress, that creates a dilemma:

👉 Do you sacrifice style to stay cool and dry?

👉 Or do you risk being a sweaty, sticky mess in a nice outfit?

Good news – you don’t have to choose.

Here’s how to stay cool and look cool, even when the heat is on another level. 🔥

1. The Fabric Fix — Natural is Better

Sweat less by dressing smarter. Skip the cheap poly-cotton blends and reach for breathable, lightweight, natural fabrics:

• Linen: The GOAT of summer fabrics that I've been rocking religiously. It’s breezy, light, and yes, it wrinkles. That’s part of the charm.
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• Poplin or Seersucker: Crisp, light, & made for heat.
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• Tencel or Bamboo: Soft as hell, moisture-wicking, and makes your skin go ahhhhh.

🧵 Pro Tip: Hold the fabric up to the light. If you can see through it a little, it’s likely breathable.

2. Mastering the Anti-Sweat Arsenal

Here’s how to stay fly and dry out there:

• Undershirts: Sounds counterintuitive, but a fitted moisture-wicking undershirt will absorb sweat before it hits your outerwear.

• Sweat pads: Yeah, they're real. Stick-on armpit pads can save your Oxford shirts from pit stains.
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• Deodorant or Antiperspirant: Better yet – both. Deodorant masks smell. Antiperspirant blocks sweat. Some products do both. If you're into body sprays, I've found OffCourt is a more elevated version of Axe or Tag body spray and TSA compliant.

🧼 Remember: Don’t overdo the cologne or body spray to mask sweat. You’re not in high school gym class anymore.

3. Stay Stylish w/ Functional Accessories

Add utility w/o looking like you're trekking through the Amazon.

• Hats: A tasteful baseball cap or linen fedora = sun protection + sweat control.
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• Sunglasses: Not just for the ‘fit – they prevent squinting (aka future wrinkles).
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• No-show socks: Breathable and cool, without the dad vibe. I've been a long-time wearer of this US based brand, Boardroom Socks.

🧢 Bonus points: Keep a handkerchief on you. It's Classy and perfect for a quick forehead dab.

4. Fit Matters More Than You Think

I feel like I'm a broken record with this one, but it's worth repeating.

Tight clothes = trapped heat.

Baggy clothes = swampy mess.

Aim for a Goldilocks fit – one that's close to the skin, but not clinging. Let the air circulate around your already hot body.

• Your shirts shouldn’t stick to your back before noon.
• Your shorts shouldn’t balloon like sails in the wind.
• Your pants should allow for airflow, not act like insulation.

👕 Heads up: looser fits are in right now. Thank the menswear gods.

5. Footwear that Doesn’t Fry Your Feet

Your feet sweat too, so let ‘em breathe a bit.

• Loafers, espadrilles, leather sandals, or canvas sneakers > clunky trainers or boots.
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• If you're wearing non-leather shoes like canvas Vans – try hygienic insoles like Zederna that soak up sweat and odor.

👞 Extra tip: Rotate your shoes. Air them out. Your feet, and anyone near you, will thank you.

🔄 TL;DR: How to Beat the Sweat Dilemma

1. Natural, breathable fabrics > synthetics.
2. Use undershirts, smart deodorants, and sweat hacks.
3. Accessorize for style and function.
4. Fit should allow airflow, not trap heat.
5. Don’t forget your feet.

💡 Final Thought: Sweat Happens

Let’s not overthink it. Looking stylish doesn’t mean you have to suffer this summer.

You can show up sharp and feel comfortable – even in 90-degree heat.

It’s not about perfection. It’s about making smart swaps that make you feel better in your clothes and in your skin.

Because confidence doesn’t come from staying dry – it comes from knowing you’ve got it handled, sweat and all.

So stay cool out there. 😎

Next week 👉 I'll be wrapping up our summer-themed dispatches with The Unspoken Art of Summer Layering, so that you can do it smartly, without overheating or looking ridiculous.