How to Dress When It’s 38°C Outside and Freezing at Your Desk

Across Southeast Asia’s major cities such as Manila, Jakarta, Bangkok, and Kuala Lumpur, a familiar contradiction returns each August. Outside, the streets simmer. Inside, the air-conditioning borders on freezing. This creates a daily dilemma for working men. What do you wear when you’re sweating by 9 AM but reaching for a sweater by noon?

Here’s a straightforward guide, based on local realities, breathable materials, and the ever-complicated Southeast Asian climate.

READ MORE: Climate Couture: Dressing for a Hotter Planet

1. Master the base layer

Your first line of defense is what goes underneath. A slim, sweat-absorbing tank top (preferably in cotton or Uniqlo’s moisture-wicking Airism fabric) acts as a buffer between your body and your outerwear. It keeps your shirt dry, reduces body odor buildup, and prevents that damp look we’ve all been blindsided by in the office mirror.

Tip: Choose an undershirt with a snug fit so it stays invisible under your clothes. Stick to neutral colors and change it out often, even in the middle of the day if needed.

2. Invest in breathable button-downs

A lightweight button-down is your best all-weather option. Think linen blends, sheer, or crisp cotton poplin. These fabrics allow airflow and dry quickly if you’re caught in a sudden downpour or a sweaty commute.

Roll the sleeves on your way to work; button up before your first meeting. It’s the sort of style that looks intentional, even if you’re running on three hours of sleep and a lukewarm iced coffee.

3. Leave a sweater (or light jacket) at the office

Carrying layers in 38°C heat is counterproductive. Instead, store a cardigan, knit sweater, or even a light blazer at your desk. This emergency item is your buffer against aggressive air-conditioning that seems calibrated for penguins, not people.

Go for wrinkle-resistant materials in neutral tones. Something you can drape over your shoulders in meetings without looking like you’re preparing for a long-haul flight.

4. Switch to wide-leg trousers

Skinny pants trap heat. Try wide-leg or relaxed-fit trousers in breathable fabrics like cotton-linen blends or rayon. These looser silhouettes offer a polished look that’s meeting-appropriate while keeping you comfortable during commutes.

Added bonus: they’re easier to air out at your desk when you’re on your third iced Americano and the day’s barely started.

5. Consider the commute look

Remember Tess McGill in Working Girl? Sneakers and socks on the ferry, pumps in her tote. Use the same approach. Wear practical footwear like breathable sneakers, slides, or rubber loafers for the commute, then change into office-appropriate shoes once you arrive.

If you’re really sweating it out on public transit, bring a fresh shirt or pair of socks to swap out upon arrival. No one wants to start a meeting damp.

Adaptation is the real dress code

The art of dressing for hot-and-cold environments is about adapting intelligently to your context. In a region where climate and culture collide daily, your clothes need to move with you: through sun, sweat, rain, and overzealous air conditioning.

Be ready to layer, but travel light. Look cool, but plan warm. And above all, dress like you knew exactly what the day would throw at you, even if you didn’t.

Photos courtesy Bottega Veneta, Gucci, Uniqlo, Louis Vuitton, Saint Laurent, Dior, Giorgio Armani