Clothes for hot workplaces

Short answer: In a hot kitchen, a shop or a workshop, moisture is the problem, not just the heat. Choose an inner layer that moves moisture, and change halfway through the day if you can.

The inner layer decides

Sweat forms right against the skin, and that is where you feel it. A thin layer of bamboo viscose moves the moisture on into the fabric, so the skin stays drier for longer. The inner layer is therefore the most important choice in a hot workplace, see bamboo underwear for men.

Change halfway through the day

After five to six hours the fabric is saturated and cannot take more moisture. Then it sticks to the skin and feels clammy. A clean change in your locker or bag makes the rest of the shift noticeably better. It takes a few minutes on a break. For the trip home, see men's bamboo sweatshirt.

Avoid synthetics next to the skin

Dense synthetic fabrics hold moisture between skin and fabric instead of moving it on. That is why a synthetic top can quickly feel like a plastic bag on a hot day. Choose cellulose fibres on the inside, so the moisture has somewhere to go. See the rest of the men's range.

The fit of the inner layer

The inner layer has to touch the skin to move moisture. A layer that fits close without being tight works best. Too loose, and moisture collects on the skin before the fabric can take it. Too tight, and it gets uncomfortable when you bend and lift. Choose a size you can move freely in.

Light and loose over the inner layer

Over the inner layer, ideally wear something that lets air through. A loose outer layer leaves air between fabric and skin, which removes some heat. If you choose the colour yourself, light colours are a good choice in the sun or under warm lamps. If you do not, the inner layer matters even more.

Uniforms and workwear

Many hot workplaces have a uniform or workwear you do not choose yourself. Then the inner layer is the only thing you decide, and it matters all the more. A thin, soft layer under the uniform can make it more comfortable through a long shift, because it takes the moisture before it reaches the uniform.

How many sets you need

Plan on one set per working day plus three to four extra, so you can change halfway through a shift and still have something clean while the rest is in the wash. It sounds like a lot, but it makes the week easier. Keep the spare sets in a locker at work if you can.

Washing after hot shifts

Clothes from a hot workplace should be washed after every wear, even if they dry and look clean. Salt and skin oils from sweat stay in the fabric and make it worse at moving moisture. Wash according to the care label and let it air dry, so it stays soft and works better next time.

Frequently asked questions

How many sets should you have

One per working day plus three to four extra, so you can change halfway through a shift and always have a clean set ready while the rest is in the wash.

Does looser clothing help

A little. Air between fabric and skin removes heat, but the inner layer still needs to touch the skin to move moisture away, so wear loose outside and close inside.

What about uniforms you do not choose

Then the inner layer matters even more, because it is the only thing you decide. A thin layer under the uniform takes the moisture before it reaches the uniform.