As the temperatures start to rise, commuting in New York City becomes a real challenge. The summer heat and humidity makes getting to and from work uncomfortable and even unbearable at times. No ones wants to be the guy showing up at his desk in a pool of sweat, shirt half unbuttoned, looking like shit. With some small upgrades, you can survive the stuffy subway platforms and hit the desk looking put together and feeling comfortable. Here are the small things I have found along the way that make a big difference.
Grey or Skin Tone Undershirts
The first essential item you need to survive the summer commute in NYC is a grey or skin tone undershirt. Wearing an additional layer protects your (much more expensive) dress shirts from sweat making them last longer and maybe saves a trip to the dry cleaner or two. The grey or skin tone color will keep the undershirt from showing through your dress shirt and does not get the nasty yellow stains white ones do. These will keep you looking good.
Wurkinstiff Magnetic Collar Stays
The heat and humidity causes your collar to fall and get swallowed by your jacket lapel, which looks like shit. With these magnetic collar stays, the lapel and collar stay in place giving you a much more professional look. It’s a small difference but you want the reputation of being put together especially when you start doing more client facing.
Linen and Cotton Blend Pants
This is my stand against Lululemon pants. Don’t get me wrong, I have worn them to the office but don’t bet the guy who wears them EVERY DAY in the summer. We all see the tactical seem at the back of the knee. Mix in a few pairs of linen and cotton blend pants. The blend gives you the breathability of linen while looking office appropriate. If you wear 100% linen to the office, expect to get chirped. Linen and cotton blend pants will keep you cool and comfortable during your commute, and “fit in” in the office.
Loafers with No-Show Socks
It is officially “Veiny Boi Season” which means it is time to show off some ankle cleavage in the name of keeping cool (most heat escapes through hands and feet). Loafers and no show socks should not be foreign to professionals in banking/investing/law/consulting/sales but I have found it hard to pull off. I hate going “no sock” and most no-show socks either fall down or show defeating the purpose. Ondo socks are the only ones that I have found to work. Pick up a four pack of these and start showing off some ankle.
Get a Remote Job
Finally, the best way to survive the summer commute in NYC is to get a remote job. Why are you killing yourself with commuting in 5 days a week, especially during the summer? Hopefully, you can scrounge out a few extra WFH days and get out to the Shore, Hamptons, Nantucket, the Cape, or whatever your favorite beach town is. Skip the commute entirely and get some freedom back.
Best of luck to those in-office 5 days a week. You guys deserve a purple heart. Use these small things to make the summer bearable. Happy hunting.
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