How to Dress for the office in summer

One sultry August afternoon at the office as I was fanning my laptop to keep it from failing in the heat and humidity, and not even a whiff of a breeze through the open window, my boss poked his head in the door to say, “Even the breeze is on power saving mode.” I cracked up laughing and he ushered me to a meeting room with the air conditioning running.

Look and feel cool this summer Photo Skylar Kang

Cool Biz

My employer was following Japan’s Cool Biz campaign. This push starts in May and continues until the end of September. The Ministry of the Environment started this initiative in 2005 as a way to reduce electricity consumption in the hotter months when offices crank up the air conditioning. The target temperature of 28 degrees (82 F for American readers) is still quite high but tolerable when you consider air conditioning reduces the stifling humidity of Japanese summer.

Classy but cool guys

At work, the men have been wearing short-sleeved shirts and either slacks or casual trousers for months. They look sharp with their starched collars and even cuffs. It’s an easy way of dressing.

Dress code for women

However, for women, it’s always a little more complicated. Just like any time of year, your business casual clothes follow a dress code - always cover shoulders, never show cleavage or collar bones. Skirts should hit below the knee and stockings are required. In summer, I can’t handle wearing stockings, so I don’t wear skirts to work. I find that roomy trousers with pleats or tucks in natural fabrics such as cotton and linen are the easiest dressing for summer.

Summer layers

You might think this is too much, but I usually wear three layers on top - an inner, a light shirt or top, and a cardigan. In my wardrobe, I’ve experimented with cotton tank tops, t-shirts, and polyester “inner” undershirts. The underwear wicks away moisture to keep you comfortable and protect your clothes from perspiration. And the last thing you want is a top looking transparent and stuck to you if you forgo the inner layer. A cotton or cotton-synthetic blend cardigan is a great blazer substitute. A cardigan pulls your outfit together and wards off the chill of strong aircon.

Footwear 

While flip-flops and slides are footwear staples in summer, don’t wear them at work! It’s not just a fashion faux pas in Japan. It’s also a safety issue. In an emergency, flip-flops and sandals without a strap around your heel won’t stay on your feet. It’s best to wear work sandals or shoes. I get by with slip-on walking shoes made of a breathable synthetic fabric. I keep them fresh by putting them out on sunny days.

Commute comfort

The office is one thing, and then there's the commute. Note that on many lines, air conditioning temperatures vary a lot. The Keihin Tohoku Line air con is set to a chilly 24 C, but most other train lines range between 25 and 28 C. Depending on how you’re dressed and your tolerance for air-con, choose a regular or 弱冷房車 jakureibousha, mildly air-conditioned car. The difference in temperature can be 3 degrees and you’ll feel it. Your cardigan will come in handy. 

Working from Home?
I  keep a blazer and trousers within arm's reach for online meetings. Don't be like that guy!