Heatwave: how to stay elegant when it's very hot
When temperatures exceed 30 °C, staying elegant without suffering from the heat can quickly become a challenge. Whether heading to the office, attending a wedding, having a professional meeting or simply enjoying a holiday, needs differ, but the goal remains the same: staying impeccable despite the intense heat.
Contrary to popular belief, dressing during a heatwave doesn't necessarily mean wearing fewer clothes, but above all choosing the right pieces. Fabrics, cut and the construction of a garment play an essential role in staying comfortable while maintaining an elegant silhouette. Here are the pieces we favour for building a summer wardrobe suited to the hottest days.
Prioritise natural fabrics above all else
The first rule for braving the heat is simple: let the skin breathe. Linen, cotton, cotton gauze and certain summer wools naturally regulate body temperature thanks to their breathability. They also absorb moisture more effectively and dry faster than most synthetic fibres. Conversely, thick or synthetic fabrics tend to trap heat and heighten the feeling of discomfort.
Before even choosing a cut, the first instinct is therefore to check the composition label. But concretely, which pieces should you favour to stay elegant throughout the summer?
Linen shirt: an essential ally, from city to beach
If you had to keep just one piece for summer, it would be the linen shirt. Naturally breathable and thermoregulating, it sees you through the hottest days while maintaining an elegant look. Its slightly textured appearance makes it an essential piece in any summer wardrobe.
At the office, pair our white or sky blue linen shirt with tailored trousers and a suede leather belt. You'll achieve an elegant, lightweight silhouette perfectly suited to intense heat.
At the weekend or on holiday, wear it more casually, sleeves rolled up and collar slightly open, with shorts or lightweight trousers. Easy to pair with light tones, it brings a feeling of freshness while remaining elegant.
The Sagres crochet knit polo: textured refinement
The knit polo is making a real comeback, and our Sagres model stands out with its crochet knit. More breathable than a classic piqué polo, its open-knit weave promotes air circulation while adding relief and texture to the silhouette. At The Nines, it offers a fine balance between the elegance of a crafted knit and the comfort of a piece designed for intense heat. In its pink version, it adds a touch of subtle and luminous colour, ideal for putting together an elegant summer wardrobe.
The perfect combination: wear it with our ecru or beige trousers to create a refined summer silhouette, ideal for a terrace dinner, a summer ceremony or a chic yet relaxed event.
Lightweight trousers: the elegant alternative
When temperatures rise, the choice of trousers becomes essential to staying elegant without suffering from the heat. It is the perfect opportunity to favour lightweight and breathable fabrics. At The Nines, we offer several summer trousers in cuts and fabrics suited to intense heat.
Our Heol trousers, for example, are made from a blend of linen and cotton. They combine the natural freshness of linen with the comfort of cotton, while limiting creasing to maintain a beautiful drape throughout the day. Their high waist structures the silhouette while offering excellent comfort. In their beige colour, they pair easily with a linen shirt, a cotton gauze shirt or a knit polo to create an elegant summer outfit, whether at the office or for a summer evening.
The Litha short: the art of the dressed-up bermuda
Wearing shorts doesn't mean giving up elegance, provided you choose a well-cut style and quality finishes. This is precisely what sets our model apart from a more casual bermuda. It stands out for its slim fit, its length just above the knee, and its tailored waistband that naturally flatters the silhouette. Made from a lightweight fabric, it offers excellent comfort throughout the summer. Its brown colour pairs easily with ecru, beige, green or sky blue tones.
For an elegant summer outfit, wear it with a white linen shirt and a pair of loafers. An ideal combination for a terrace lunch, a seaside stroll or a sunny holiday.
Pack your suitcase: discover our special heatwave selection
Whether you are still at the office or already packing your summer suitcase, the hot weather is an opportunity to prioritise lightweight, breathable and easy-to-combine pieces. The goal? To accompany you elegantly throughout the day, from a working day to a terrace dinner, and then during your weekends and holidays.
Linen shirts, crochet knit polos, lightweight trousers or bermudas: discover our selection of pieces designed for summer and pack an elegant yet practical summer suitcase, with clothes suited to the hottest days.
