Chilly summer nights: be prepared when the sun goes down

Last time, we talked about how to stay cool when the sun turns the heat up.

As summer moves on, the days tend to stay warm but the evenings bring on a bit of a chill, have you noticed? Maybe not everywhere, maybe not every night, but certainly once in a while, you’ll find yourself saying, “dang, where’d that warmth go?”

Summer Layering

I might’ve mentioned in previous articles that I love Fall because it allows a man to be experimental with texture and layers in his wardrobe. Fall is that transitional time where it can still be warm, but more often than not, one finds himself in the middle of a sudden weather change and it can suck to be unprepared.

Summer layering is a lot like layering during the Fall and Winter months, just with thinner layers.

Here are some general rules:

1.) work your way up to the looser, more forgiving layers.

This doesn’t mean you should be wearing garbage bag-sized jackets, just that your innermost layer (touching your skin) should be your thinnest and most form-fitting–like a great v-neck tee–and then go from there. Maybe a casual Oxford button up next, then a lightweight cotton crewneck sweater. Bring a windbreaker if you’re really unsure of the weather.

Obviously, this all depends on your particular situation. I know Texas has seen something like two straight weeks of 100+ degree temperatures, so clearly, they won’t need a sweater any time soon.

2.) keep it slim

Wearing multiple layers can really pack on the visual pounds, not to mention be super uncomfortable if your sizing choices are off.

Imagine if you had a loose-fitting tee over your slim button-up. SUPER uncomfortable with all that extra cloth bunching. Use common sense, and stay comfortable.

3.) keep your length in check

You don’t want your undershirt to be longer than the layer on top of it so it peeks out at the waist like a little cotton micro mini skirt for dudes. Get an undershirt that fits and one that hits at the waist.

4.) bring extra innermost layers, if possible

If you may find yourself in a sweaty situation, having an extra tee can be a lifesaver. Just swap that out and you’re good to go. Might as well bring an antiperspirant while you’re at it.

5.) Peel off, put on

The best thing about layering in any season is versatility. If you start to get warm or cold, you can easily peel a layer off, or put one on.

Case in point: during the summer, when you’re indoors at restaurants, stores, etc., they blast the AC, which can be great the first few minutes after coming in from the outside heat. After that, it can start to feel crazy chilly. Layering? BOOM. Problem avoided.

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Hope I’ve given you enough reasons to avoid walking around in just one layer during any season. I know there are some of you experiencing a crazy heat wave right now, so this idea may not appeal to you until those transitional months… but be sure to bookmark this post for precisely that time. It’ll come sooner than you think!

Any questions?

Are you unsure about how to pull off layering in your everyday wardrobe? Have questions? Let’s hear em below.