In the consulting and services industry, balancing professional attire with comfort is essential due to the long hours and travel demands. You want to look polished, but you also want to be at ease, ensuring that you aren’t sweating or feeling restricted during those important consulting periods.
If you follow this checklist for balancing professional attire with comfort, you will maintain a well-kept appearance while accommodating the physical demands of the job.
The TLDR Checklist:
- Fit foremost, or you’ll be bothered all day
- Wear quality breathable fabrics
- If wearing a suit, wear fabrics with natural stretch
- Comfortable footwear for lots of travelling
- Layering Options are handy for changing between environments
First of All, Fit & Fabric
If you’re in the consulting industry, you’re probably facing long hours of wearing professional attire. The last thing you want while meeting or discussing important details with your clients or colleagues is to be uncomfortable—this can distract you (or even them) from focusing on what’s really important.
The Role of Fit
While fabric plays a crucial role in ensuring you look and feel good, fit is equally important in keeping you at your best throughout the day. You can choose any good fabric, but if the fit isn’t right, discomfort will inevitably follow. If your clothing is too tight, you'll feel constricted; if it's too loose, you'll spend your day adjusting it—both scenarios detract from your focus on critical tasks.
Choosing the Right Shirt Fabric
Selecting appropriate fabrics is vital since you're in your clothes all day. You need materials that are breathable to help regulate body heat, especially when you're out and about. Look for fabrics that wick moisture away from the skin to keep you comfortable throughout your busy schedule.
Quality shirts are particularly important; those made from long fibers resist pilling and feel softer against your skin. They are also more breathable compared to their short-fiber counterparts and tend to fade less over time.
For shirts that perform well throughout the day, our favorites include Eton shirts for their exceptional quality and durability. If you're traveling abroad and need something non-iron or easy-care, we recommend Seidensticker shirts for their practicality.
Eton Shirts & Seidensticker come in a range of dress/formal shirts and business casual shirts. Paul & Shark also has an extensive range of quality casual shirts that feel good to wear and can be worn in a business casual environment.
Flexible Suiting for Formal Settings
For formal environments, opt for modern suits crafted from fabrics with natural stretch woven into them. This provides a sleek appearance without the rigidity of traditional materials, allowing for ease of movement throughout your workday. Fabrics like high-twist wool or birds-eye inherently offer this natural stretch due to their unique weaving techniques.
Canali have an extensive range of fabrics that have mechanical stretch which wear really well as suits. They also have their Impeccabile 2.0 range that are naturally elastic, flexible, and resistant to creasing. They’re also resistant to water and stains, making them ideal in case you’re caught in the rain on your travels.
Chinos for Business Casual
If you're aiming for a more business casual look and aren’t expected to dress up as formally, comfort is still key. Chinos made from high-quality materials that include elastane can provide that much-needed comfort while maintaining a professional appearance. And because they’re made in quality material, they wear well and don’t give you that itchy feeling throughout the day too.
A straighter leg or a fit that doesn’t cling too tightly is ideal; alternatively, pants with a gentle taper ensure you remain comfortable during your daily activities without sacrificing style.
Comfortable Footwear
Selecting the right footwear is crucial for maintaining comfort during long hours at work. Look for shoes with cushioned soles and arch support—options like leather loafers or low-heeled pumps can strike the right balance between formality and comfort.
We recommend leather dress shoes with leather soles because they are soft, flexible, and mould to the foot’s shape over time. THey’re also breathable and moisture-wicking, making them suitable for warmer conditions.
You should also look for leather shoes cork insoles as they provide natural cushioning, shock absorption, and moisture-wicking properties. Cork insoles also mould to your foot’s shape over time which means you get a personalised support and comfort.
What about rubber soles?
If you’re walking around a lot and want shock absorption, leather shoes with rubber soles not only help absorb shock but also provide traction—essential for navigating various environments during travel.
Remember to steer clear of cheap polyester soles (and polyester shoes altogether!); they can lead to discomfort, unpleasant odors after prolonged wear, and slipping!
Layering for Versatility
Layering is an effective strategy for adapting to varying temperatures throughout your workday. Start with a breathable shirt or polo as a base layer, then add a knit sweater in your choice of weight for warmth when needed. Finally, layer it up with a tailored jacket to complete your look. This approach not only enhances your outfit's versatility but also ensures you are prepared for any setting.
Gran Sasso is renowned for its high-quality knitwear, expertly crafted from luxurious natural fibers like cashmere and wool. Their versatile designs are great for layering, allowing you to create stylish outfits that provide both comfort and sophistication for many occasions.
To Summarise
Choose fabrics that promote airflow, such as breathable cotton or moisture-wicking materials. In warmer environments, breathable wool can also be a great option. When it comes to footwear, consider leather shoes with rubber soles; they provide shock absorption and comfort for those on-the-go moments. Avoid polyester soles—they can lead to discomfort and unpleasant odors.
Conclusion
In wrapping things up, finding that sweet spot between looking sharp and feeling comfortable is key in the consulting and services world. It’s all about choosing breathable fabrics, getting the right fit, and layering smartly to tackle whatever the day throws your way. High quality cotton and wool material will not only keep you looking good, but also help you project a polished image that says you mean business. And let’s not forget about footwear—comfortable shoes can make all the difference when you’re on your feet all day!
By keeping these tips in mind, you can focus on what really matters—your work—while looking great and feeling at ease. After all, when you feel good in what you wear, it shows in your confidence and performance.
Until next time,
Raoul’s Menswear
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Raoul’s is a premium luxury menswear store in the heart of Church Street Brighton. The store offers a collection of Ready-to-Wear clothes and Made-to-Measure/Order services. At Raoul’s, you can enjoy brands such as Canali, Paul & Shark, BOSS, Eton, Gran Sasso, and more. Come visit the Raoul’s for your premium menswear shopping experience