Do you think you will wear suits again? Forum

[Best]

I guess I'm in the minority in that I actually liked wearing suits. At first they were uncomfortable, but I eventaully found a fit/brand that was comfortable for me. After that, it just turned into a uniform so it was less likely that people would notice I was repeating my outfit. But I rarely wore a tie, would often wear crazy socks, and use a backpack.

[replevin123]

I guess I'm in the minority in that I actually liked wearing suits. At first they were uncomfortable, but I eventaully found a fit/brand that was comfortable for me. After that, it just turned into a uniform so it was less likely that people would notice I was repeating my outfit. But I rarely wore a tie, would often wear crazy socks, and use a backpack.

Yea, I don’t mind suits either. If they fit well (and you’re in shape) then they should be pretty comfortable. But I’m probably the weird one because I don’t like polos or tshirts. I like long sleeves and buttons, even at home or weekends.

[Anonymous User]

Clearly, the last two posters are men. Women’s business formal wear is uncomfortable, takes time and effort to put together, and adds up quickly.

[replevin123]

Clearly, the last two posters are men. Women’s business formal wear is uncomfortable, takes time and effort to put together, and adds up quickly.

I am, and yes I don’t doubt that at all.

[DreamShake]

haven't worn a suit to work since 2016 or even business casual since 2017; hard to see that streak changing.

[Anonymous User]

I guess I'm in the minority in that I actually liked wearing suits. At first they were uncomfortable, but I eventaully found a fit/brand that was comfortable for me. After that, it just turned into a uniform so it was less likely that people would notice I was repeating my outfit. But I rarely wore a tie, would often wear crazy socks, and use a backpack.

Yea, I don’t mind suits either. If they fit well (and you’re in shape) then they should be pretty comfortable. But I’m probably the weird one because I don’t like polos or tshirts. I like long sleeves and buttons, even at home or weekends.

I liked sport jackets and, as pretentious as this is, I like expensive shoes. Going to look into a polo/athleisure with nice shoes look.

[Buglaw]

Yes, I expect to wear suits again. Funerals, weddings, job interviews, court appearances and formal fundraisers come to mind. Sometimes for client meetings, depending on the client and the meeting, but I assume much less than before.

Both of the firms I have worked at were full casual already, and a decent number of firms were moving that way before Covid. That being said, I fully expect the full casual to be even more casual (people wearing sneakers and t-shirts instead of jeans and polos/button up shirts, etc.).

[Anonymous User]

Clearly, the last two posters are men. Women’s business formal wear is uncomfortable, takes time and effort to put together, and adds up quickly.

Have you ever worn a full heavy mens suit in 100 degrees when riding the subway and running around nyc?

[nixy]

Clearly, the last two posters are men. Women’s business formal wear is uncomfortable, takes time and effort to put together, and adds up quickly.

Have you ever worn a full heavy mens suit in 100 degrees when riding the subway and running around nyc?

Yes, women can wear skirts, which are definitely better in the summer. Other than that, their suits are no different from men’s in terms of heavy/full. And I tend to agree that women’s suits are worse than men’s, because they’re fundamentally men’s clothes redesigned for women’s bodies, mostly badly, although I’m sure people can debate that. Women tend to be stuck with way worse shoes, though, and overall there’s still a lot more scrutiny of women’s fashion choices that makes it harder to put comfort first.

I’m not saying every guy has to or will love wearing suits, but women’s business formal clothes do really suck.

[cavalier1138]

Clearly, the last two posters are men. Women’s business formal wear is uncomfortable, takes time and effort to put together, and adds up quickly.

Have you ever worn a full heavy mens suit in 100 degrees when riding the subway and running around nyc?

Yes, women can wear skirts, which are definitely better in the summer. Other than that, their suits are no different from men’s in terms of heavy/full. And I tend to agree that women’s suits are worse than men’s, because they’re fundamentally men’s clothes redesigned for women’s bodies, mostly badly, although I’m sure people can debate that. Women tend to be stuck with way worse shoes, though, and overall there’s still a lot more scrutiny of women’s fashion choices that makes it harder to put comfort first.

I’m not saying every guy has to or will love wearing suits, but women’s business formal clothes do really suck.

I will also point out that although I have to put up with the extra heat while walking to the office during the summer, the office thermostat is set for men's clothing. Most women in my office keep a sweater (or in at least one case, a space heater) in their offices during the summer because the outfit they wore to get to work isn't heavy enough.

I'm sure someone's written a more detailed think-piece about office temperatures, but from this man's perspective, they are clearly set to accommodate a male workforce.

[This is mainly to forestall any more ridiculous "Sure, women weren't even allowed to work at my firm 50 years ago, but have you thought about the trials I go through when a new associate rejects my inappropriate advances at the holiday party?" lines of argument.]

[tyroneslothrop1]

No, except for court appearances and some depositions and client meetings. Even for some depos and client meetings, I've already transitioned to oxfords and a light blazer or sport coat. Suits are terrible just from the perspective of the extra cost and hassle of having them dry cleaned.

[replevin123]

No, except for court appearances and some depositions and client meetings. Even for some depos and client meetings, I've already transitioned to oxfords and a light blazer or sport coat. Suits are terrible just from the perspective of the extra cost and hassle of having them dry cleaned.

Acknowledge some may feel they’re a hassle, but dry cleaning should be done very rarely if ever. Rotate suits, let them air out.

[Anonymous User]

Acknowledge some may feel they’re a hassle, but dry cleaning should be done very rarely if ever. Rotate suits, let them air out.

Genuine question: How do you recommend cleaning them? I am sweaty and the suit is both malodorous and soiled after a day or two of use, even spaced out--airing it out does not resolve the problem.

[Anonymous User]

Acknowledge some may feel they’re a hassle, but dry cleaning should be done very rarely if ever. Rotate suits, let them air out.

Genuine question: How do you recommend cleaning them? I am sweaty and the suit is both malodorous and soiled after a day or two of use, even spaced out--airing it out does not resolve the problem.

Genuine answer: buy lighter weight suits, or take your jacket off (for something like a deposition, not really an option in court). If you have to wear a suit to the office every day (kill me), you shouldn't be wearing your heavy wool suit in the summer, just like you wouldn't wear your flannel. Light weight wool, seersucker, and linen suits exist for this reason.

[Anonymous User]

Acknowledge some may feel they’re a hassle, but dry cleaning should be done very rarely if ever. Rotate suits, let them air out.

Genuine question: How do you recommend cleaning them? I am sweaty and the suit is both malodorous and soiled after a day or two of use, even spaced out--airing it out does not resolve the problem.

Genuine answer: buy lighter weight suits, or take your jacket off (for something like a deposition, not really an option in court). If you have to wear a suit to the office every day (kill me), you shouldn't be wearing your heavy wool suit in the summer, just like you wouldn't wear your flannel. Light weight wool, seersucker, and linen suits exist for this reason.

I was referring to the lighter-weight suits already. I have sweat stains about 8 inches wide in about 10 minutes of wearing a long-sleeve T-shirt with antiperspirant on in 70 degree weather.

[Anonymous User]

Acknowledge some may feel they’re a hassle, but dry cleaning should be done very rarely if ever. Rotate suits, let them air out.

Genuine question: How do you recommend cleaning them? I am sweaty and the suit is both malodorous and soiled after a day or two of use, even spaced out--airing it out does not resolve the problem.

Genuine answer: buy lighter weight suits, or take your jacket off (for something like a deposition, not really an option in court). If you have to wear a suit to the office every day (kill me), you shouldn't be wearing your heavy wool suit in the summer, just like you wouldn't wear your flannel. Light weight wool, seersucker, and linen suits exist for this reason.

I was referring to the lighter-weight suits already. I have sweat stains about 8 inches wide in about 10 minutes of wearing a long-sleeve T-shirt with antiperspirant on in 70 degree weather.

...not to be rude or overstep, but if that is not an exageration have you seen a doctor about it? That sounds like hyperhidrosis, which can be a symptom of larger issues like diabetes or thyroid problems.

I think in that case, maybe medical waiver on wearing a suit. If it's causing you to sweat even in the ones designed for high temperatures to that point, I don't think its healthy to be wearing it.

[Anonymous User]

...not to be rude or overstep, but if that is not an exageration have you seen a doctor about it? That sounds like hyperhidrosis, which can be a symptom of larger issues like diabetes or thyroid problems.

I think in that case, maybe medical waiver on wearing a suit. If it's causing you to sweat even in the ones designed for high temperatures to that point, I don't think its healthy to be wearing it.

Yep. No issues, and the sweating is confined to heat/exertion/long clothing. But I still really want to know what the cleaning recommendation is, and I feel we are falling astray.

[replevin123]

Yep. No issues, and the sweating is confined to heat/exertion/long clothing. But I still really want to know what the cleaning recommendation is, and I feel we are falling astray.

Unfortunately I don't have much to offer. I've lived in daily suit environments in hot climates and haven't had much of an issue. Maybe for you dry cleaning more often is necessary (which sucks because expensive and bad for the suit). But assuming a non-abnormal/excessive amount of perspiration: limit a particular suit to 1-2 times/week and hang it up immediately after wearing it (with room to breathe on either side, not stuffed in between other clothes hanging). Stick to 100% natural fabrics (wool, linen) and go for lighter weights as mentioned. They self-clean. Make sure the suit fits well and isn't super tight around you (which unfortunately seems to have been a trend. a proper fit still leaves healthy room so that the suit isn't hugging you). Finally, as mentioned earlier, being in good shape can help with fit and perspiration/odors. Eat well and exercise a lot.

Undershirts may play a role as well in heating you up. In general, I think undershirts are unnecessary and may make you sweat more. Get good quality dress shirts that aren't see through. 100% cotton feels pretty great. An undershirt ruins that, traps heat, and doesn't allow the shirt to hang naturally on you.

[Anonymous User]

As a woman who often wears sleeveless tops under my suits because it's more comfortable, the tradeoff is needing to dry clean the suits more often, and unfortunately, probably replacing them sooner because eventually the fabrics just hold the stink. (I don't have the same degree of sweatiness as you, but I only wear suits to court and particularly during trial or lengthy hearings, the stress gets to you.) I'm assuming if you've talked to a doctor, you've already addressed prescription antiperspirants or Botox? You can also buy dress shields that protect the underarms of a garment - I've never tried them, but I'd imagine if you put them in whatever shirt you wear under your suit, they'd help protect the suit, and I think they'd fit easier and be less obvious in a shirt rather than in the jacket. There are adhesive ones and ones you can pin into your clothes. And natural fibers like 100% wool, cotton, or linen are much better at self-deodorizing, because synthetics just love to retain stink.

As for actual cleaning rather than prevention - I will spritz the pits of my jackets with febreeze or similar product (biokleen has one I like), and then I hang the jacket inside out so it can air out. I'm not sure the results are great, but they're better than not doing anything. Many people swear by spritzing the pits with vodka, either straight or diluted with water - it's supposed to kill the odor-causing bacteria and then evaporate. I've seen someone else suggest Nature's Miracle, another thing designed to kill odors. Putting stuff in the freezer is also supposed to kill odor, or laying it out to air in the sun (though it needs to be pretty darn strong sunlight). I've also seen people suggest sticking dryer sheets in the pits of your jackets, though I'm not sure if that absorbs odor or just covers it up.

If you're actually sweating through the jacket lining and through the fabric so there are visible pit stains outside your jacket, I'm not sure what the options are besides dry cleaning all the time. I'd probably try the dress shields. And I know there's a thing against black suits for men, but I'd keep them as dark as possible to hide the stains?

[publius365]

As a woman who often wears sleeveless tops under my suits because it's more comfortable, the tradeoff is needing to dry clean the suits more often, and unfortunately, probably replacing them sooner because eventually the fabrics just hold the stink. (I don't have the same degree of sweatiness as you, but I only wear suits to court and particularly during trial or lengthy hearings, the stress gets to you.) I'm assuming if you've talked to a doctor, you've already addressed prescription antiperspirants or Botox? You can also buy dress shields that protect the underarms of a garment - I've never tried them, but I'd imagine if you put them in whatever shirt you wear under your suit, they'd help protect the suit, and I think they'd fit easier and be less obvious in a shirt rather than in the jacket. There are adhesive ones and ones you can pin into your clothes. And natural fibers like 100% wool, cotton, or linen are much better at self-deodorizing, because synthetics just love to retain stink.

As for actual cleaning rather than prevention - I will spritz the pits of my jackets with febreeze or similar product (biokleen has one I like), and then I hang the jacket inside out so it can air out. I'm not sure the results are great, but they're better than not doing anything. Many people swear by spritzing the pits with vodka, either straight or diluted with water - it's supposed to kill the odor-causing bacteria and then evaporate. I've seen someone else suggest Nature's Miracle, another thing designed to kill odors. Putting stuff in the freezer is also supposed to kill odor, or laying it out to air in the sun (though it needs to be pretty darn strong sunlight). I've also seen people suggest sticking dryer sheets in the pits of your jackets, though I'm not sure if that absorbs odor or just covers it up.

If you're actually sweating through the jacket lining and through the fabric so there are visible pit stains outside your jacket, I'm not sure what the options are besides dry cleaning all the time. I'd probably try the dress shields. And I know there's a thing against black suits for men, but I'd keep them as dark as possible to hide the stains?

There's some good suggestions here. I'd also suggest using cedar hangers (though I'm not sure they'll do much heavy lifting for the odor) and steaming your suits in the bathroom while you shower -- hang them up on a hook in the bathroom, shut the door, and shower for 5-10 minutes on a high heat water setting. This could change the shape of the suit if that's something you're worried about, but I think it could help a bit with the smell which to me would be a greater concern.

[Anonymous User]

Ooh, yeah, I have seen some people say they use a steamer on the pits of their suits to get the smell out, so the shower is definitely worth trying.