You cannot show up at work without breaking a few sweats. Literally. You’re on time and clocked in, but your hair is messy and the back of your shirt is all sweaty. You rode the LRT, hopped on a few jeepneys, and walked a few miles to get to your office. Your handkerchief must be wet.

The Philippines’ high humidity is a challenge every Filipino faces, but for men, doesn’t make it easy to dress corporately. The relentless heat pouring through your suits and trousers can definitely affect how you are perceived. But still, dressing professionally is about wearing the right clothes while being adaptable.

With the right approach to Filipino men’s business attire, it is possible to stay cool and polished even in a high humid environment. This article articulates the kinds of business clothing worn in the workspace, and also be comfortable enough to get you through the daily hours of rush traffic in the country.

Business Attire Foundation

It is good to have a nice rotation of colors that you may use at the office - beige, navy blue, white, and black are a good start for office and casual wear. In terms of design, a minimalist approach is highly recommended, unless your company is okay with having graphics on your shirts. But other than that, having a set of durable shoes, collared or polo shirts, blazers, ties, trousers, and over-the-calf socks are essentials to building your business wardrobe. Practically speaking, thick clothes may not be suitable in the humid climate of the Philippines - especially if you are a daily commuter. Instead, having lightweight, breathable, and moisture absorbing materials are your best friends.

Formal Business

Business Casual

Smart Casual

Business in the Philippines: Climate Comes First

Here in the Philippines, you have to embrace the heat in both the figurative and literal sense. The country’s average temperature is 26.6o C, and that is warm and sticky air all around the place, especially if you are commuting and working outdoors. So the typical Western business attire - heavy dress shirts and thick wool suits - will simply not work here.

Therefore, smart business attire starts with accepting the climate and not working against it. The goal is to dress smart, i.e. wearing clothes that can absorb the heat while still making you comfortable.

Accessory-wise, always bring a payong (umbrella) with you in case it rains or it gets too hot. A handkerchief is also good to have on hand to wipe the sweat away. Lastly, a classic analog watch can complement the look, making you look more professional.

Know your Office Dress Code

Office workspaces vary nowadays, and the dress code may depend on the company you are in. Banks, law firms, and multinational companies require you to dress in formal business clothes. For companies that have a relaxed corporate culture, smart casual is often the default. That includes creative agencies and small-time startups. For most companies, business casual is accepted. Below are three images of what formal business, business casual, and smart casual may look like.

Once you know your office’s dresscode, the fitting becomes easier.

Formal Business Attire

To describe formal business clothes, it is professional, polished, and elegant. This is typically worn in conservative environments, such as large corporations, banking institutions, and real estate positions. It is the most structured dress code.

For the dress shirts, lightweight and breathability is key. Fabrics such as linen and cotton are some of the most common materials that help to absorb the sweat off your body. Furthermore, easy iron or no iron helps to lessen the wrinkles and creases on your dress shirts and allow you to wear it straight from the washer. Examples include Mango’s Long Shirt Regular Fit that is organic cotton and H&M’s Classic Collar Easy Iron Regular Fit Shirt.

Jackets are a main staple in showing up for business. Again, lightweight and breathability. Because these blazers tend to trap heat, it is recommended to wear a stretchable fit that allows for freedom of movement during long days in the office. Marks & Spencers’ Slim Fit Stretch Suits and UNIQLO’s Miracle Air Jacket are noteworthy choices to mention. Brand-wise, Onésimus and Tieline are great options to look for suit jackets that best suit your business attire.

Trousers that are tailored or well-cut and provide ease of movement are ideal. Muji Men’s Linen Washed Tapered pants consist of cool breathable linen while also providing washed texture that ages better with each wear. H&M’s Four Way Stretch Cropped Slim Fit pants are great to provide breathability without the unnecessary weight.

Shoes should remain classic and elegant. Dark brown and black derbies and leather oxfords are standard, especially for business meetings or executive environments. Some shoe companies have also innovated as a response to the harsh humid environment of the Philippines. The Forshein Shoe Company provides waterproof upper materials and slip resisting soles. Meanwhile, Hush Puppies’ technologies notably includes SafeGrip technology for slip resistance and OrthoHeal to enhance comfort and relieve foot pain.

Ties are important as well. No need to go fancy. Although common rules include creating a contrast with your shirt, the tips hit the belt buckle, and conservative colors (navy, charcoal, black) are standard.

Business Casual Attire

The majority of companies that require a respectable, but somewhat relaxed dress code pivot to business casual attire. It is the type that corporate offices or local businesses wear in the workspace. Business casual means you are relaxed and cool, but still mean business.

For tops, looking relaxed while still maintaining professionalism is key. Long-sleeve button down shirts are still preferred, but may not always be required at the office. Nevertheless, the shirt should still fit within the overall outfit, so minimal designs are best. UNIQLO’s cotton-linen short sleeves shirts and Muji’s stand-collar or washed broadcloth shirts are suitable, especially for the hot and humid weather.

Pants for business casual may even include denim jeans, but only if the office dress code allows it. If so, dark jeans that are neat and clean are recommended. On the other hand, pleated tapered pants or slim fit lightweight trousers may still work just like in business formal. For wide options to choose from, the SM Department Store offers a wide variety of pants to work with, such as Chancellor 9000, Van Huesen, and Criterion.

Footwear in business casual is about simplicity, but professional. Loafers or clean leather shoes are safe choices at the office. Athletic sneakers may be ok, though you may have to check with the office for that. Just note: low cuts and minimalism are best.

Smart Casual Attire

Small scale startups and creative agencies often have a smart casual dress code. You have more freedom to wear what you want, just with the right fit and intention.

For starters, short and long sleeve shirts are acceptable. Moreover, polos and sweatshirts (for cold workplaces) are acceptable for as long as it’s minimal in design and can easily absorb moisture during commute. Smart casual may also include suit jackets to look the part professionally while feeling casual. Materials can range from linen or breathable cotton to allow for ease of movement both in the office and during commutes. UNIQLO, Muji, Mango, and even department stores offer a wide range of dress shirts that you can purchase on a budget.

Wide tapered pants that allow ease of movement are preferred, with linen or breathable cotton being often the most marketed. Denim jeans are okay to wear, as long as the office allows it. Comfort and presentation are key to styling your pants that still fit the professional setting. Muji’s line of washed tapered pants are good examples, plus the washed texture improves over time with each wear. UNIQLO’s Smart Ankle Pants offers flexibility and is ideal for everyday office wear.

For footwear, clean, classic, and polished are still preferable. One may opt for Oxfords or loafers or sneakers, perhaps a pair of Adidas Stan Smiths if accepted in the workplace.

One Rule Takeaway

Overall, Filipino men have a wide variety of options to style their business formal, business casual, and smart casual attire. The most important thing is to consider the kind of fabric that can suit the climate of the Philippines. The heavy kind can wear you down during your commute and in the office. But choosing light, breathable, and ease of movement materials helps to alleviate the humidity. In addition, you can still look presentable at the office and feel more confident moving through the workday with less discomfort.

Courtesy: Hostinger Stock Library