3 Tips to Not Be a Sweaty Puddle in Court During the Summertime
It's hot, and no, you cannot wear shorts-suits a la AC/DC, nor LeBron James, to court.
However, there are a few other things you can do to avoid being a sweaty mess in the courthouse, particularly when temps go up and the courthouse AC won't cut it. Not only can you as a sweaty puddle distract you, it can distract jurors (who don't have to dress as formally as you).
Below you'll find three tips to keep you cool in the courtroom.
1. Lightweight Shirt and Suit
One big mistake lawyers can make is taking their suit jacket off when they start sweating in the courtroom. Revealing a soaked shirts is never a good idea. Leave your jacket on. This will be much easier to do if you selected a light-weight, natural fabric suit. No, your summer suits don't have to be pink, salmon, or other pastel colors, and no, it won't be as comfortable as shorts and a t-shirt, but it'll be a lot better than a heavy synthetic fiber/wool-blend, and you should be able to tolerate that well enough. The same goes for your shirt or blouse: lightweight and breathable.
2. Lightweight Undergarments
As a lawyer, you should care about briefs.
But in all seriousness, the fabrics you choose for your socks and undergarments matter as much as your suit fabric. If you're not wearing breathable, natural fibers, you could be asking to just turn into a sweaty puddle. Particularly during the high temp summer months, be mindful when selecting your socks, undershirt, and underwear. You want heat to be able to escape your body, and you also want your undergarments to absorb sweat, so it doesn't show up on your suit. Protip: breathable dress shoes do exist.
3. Get an Air-Conditioned Ride to the Front Door
One of the issues that can confront lawyers is the long walk in from a parking garage or parking lot located far away from the courthouse steps. Rather than risk turning into a walking sweat rag during a scorching hot walk, consider getting a ride to the court's front door from a ride share service, taxi, or colleague.
Have an open position at your law firm? Post the job for free on Indeed, or search local candidate resumes.
Related Resources:
- Can Lawyers Wear Flip Flops and Shorts Around the Office? (FindLaw's Strategist)
- 3 Tips to Help You Squeeze in a Summer Vacation as a Busy Lawyer (FindLaw's Strategist)
- Another Reason Not Buy Drugs From Clients (FindLaw's Strategist)
FindLaw has an affiliate relationship with Indeed, earning a small amount of money each time someone uses Indeed's services via FindLaw. FindLaw receives no compensation in exchange for editorial coverage.