6 ways to keep cool during a summer business trip

Whenever I find myself packing formal clothes for a summer business trip, I often wonder why I even bother. Whatever I put on, and however carefully it’s pressed or polished, the clothes will unavoidably devolve into a sweaty mess within 20 minutes — five if I have to go outside. All is not lost, however. For the heat-sensitive business traveler, adopt these techniques and perhaps save yourself some uncomfortable flop sweat:

Pack lightweight clothes: Stick to as lightweight fabrics as possible in your clothing. Materials that “breathe,” like cotton and linen, can save you from being drenched. Synthetic fabrics, like polyester, trap heat on the body. If a shirt and tie is needed, consider an Apollo dress shirt, which regulates body temperature using the same technology NASA created for astronauts. Yes, it’s polyester, but it comes with “phase change” material which absorbs heat rather than reflecting it back.

Apply only light makeup: In hot weather, trying to look your best may backfire when it comes to make up. Apply too much, and clog skin pores, which holds in heat. Plus, the makeup may simply melt in the heat, impressing everyone, but in the wrong way. Applying makeup on a sunscreen base is another no-no, as it’ll slide right off. Storing cosmetics in the fridge will give them an additional cooling effect, but may earn disapproving stares from purists.

Freeze a bottle of water: Keeping lots of water on hand is key to surviving hot weather, but if you throw a few bottles in the freezer at night, then drop them into your bag in the morning, you’ll get an extra cooling every time you hold it close. Plus, as it melts over the next few hours, you’ll have cold water to drink.

Cluster Locations: In the heat, it might be worth ponying up the extra cash for a more prime location, which means as close as possible to scheduled events to minimize the heat generated in transportation. Planning out the day's activities should follow the same philosophy.

Eat light in the day: Suck down a brisket for lunch and you can feel the body go to work immediately (and not altogether pleasantly). The substantial metabolic activity generates heat, raising your body temperature up to several degrees, and it’s a slow burn as the heat slows down digestion. Instead, keep any business lunch fresh, light, and full of vegetables. Fresh mint is particularly good at cooling the body.

Gadget up: Technology can provide some short-term relief, too. Personal cooling devices, like Ergodyne Cooling Bandana, the Mission Athletecare Cooling Hoodie, or Black Ice Cooling Collar can let you steal a short freeze between meetings. Otherwise, dock a fan into your iPhone, and spin away, as long as your battery holds up.