How To Stay Sweat-Free at a Summer Wedding

A great summer wedding can be the highlight of the season. But the one thing about wearing a shirt and jacket in the summer? It makes you sweat. Even if the venue has air conditioning, all that dancing and moving around will inevitably drive your body heat up. And if you’re prone to heavy sweating, it makes the situation even worse.

But there are a few crafty tricks to avoid sweating up a storm at your next nuptials. We’ve outlined our top recommendations below for how to fight sweat before, during, and after the big event.

How to Prevent Sweat—Before the Wedding 

The best way to fight sweat is to prevent overheating—but still be prepared when it happens. Here’s how to prep before your next summer wedding.

Choose a material that breathes   

At most weddings, a suit or a jacket and dress pants are a must. But don’t break out your thicker wool jackets or ones made of synthetic materials (like polyester), which will make you sweat like crazy. Instead, opt for lightweight, natural fibers like cotton or linen. They’ll allow for more air circulation, which will help curb sweat. 

Arm yourself with the right deodorant

Deodorant plays a huge part in staying fresh at a wedding. If you don’t want to use pore-clogging aluminum (found in antiperspirants), try an aluminum-free deodorant that has ingredients that both fight odor and effectively absorb sweat. Our Aluminum-Free Deodorant uses plant starch to absorb sweat without clumping. 

Bonus tip: Use aluminum-free deodorant to avoid yellow stains on shirts

Did you know antiperspirant is what leaves those yellow stains on your shirt? Avoid them with an aluminum-free deodorant that doesn’t contain any ingredients, like aluminum that can oxidize and turn colors.

Go sockless for casual wedding

Want to keep your cool? Try a higher crop with no break on your dress pants. The extra airflow will go a long way in the summer heat. You can also opt for a sockless look—just wear no-shows—that will keep your legs cool. Just be sure you’re wearing fine leather dress shoes—nothing too chunky. 

How to Prevent Sweat—During the Wedding 

This is the most crucial part of the night where you’re bound to work up a sweat. Here are a few unexpected ways to keep cool in the heat of things. 

Apply SPF with a purpose

If the wedding is outdoors, you’ll need SPF. But if you want to keep cool don’t just use any SPF—pick a mineral formula that will reflect the sun’s rays. By reflecting the light, your skin won’t absorb any of the heat, keeping you just a bit cooler than chemical formulas, which diffuse UV rays. 

Undo top button & cuffs for extra air flow

To prevent sweat, keep cool by any means necessary. It’s customary to keep your jacket on during the ceremony, but you can still undo your top shirt button and your cuffs when necessary. It will release the hot air that dress shirts can trap inside and let in a cooling breeze. That should buy you enough time to score a seat in the shade. 

Avoid spicy foods at the reception

This might seem like a no-brainer, but it’s about more than spice level. Spicy foods contain capsaicin, which can trigger a sweat response. So be sure to opt for the more mild option, but don’t get too full because that could make you sluggish and sweaty as well.

How to Prevent Sweat—After the Wedding 

You made it to the after party. But if you’re still overheating, we’ve got some tips for you. 

Use cooling wipes in between reception and after party

Worked up a sweat on the dance floor, but want to keep the party going? Stash one of our Cooling + Cleansing Wipes in your back pocket and wipe your face down when no one’s looking. The Aloe and Menthol inside will give a nice cooling effect that will leave you feeling refreshed. They also help reduce redness so you don’t appear as flushed.

Execute a wardrobe change

Need to get out of that dress shirt ASAP? For after hours parties, it’s fine to switch to a casual shirt made with linen or cotton that still goes with your dress pants. It’s an easy way to stay cool. But if you just need a quick cool-down, try changing your undershirt or losing it altogether.

Stay Cool at Your Next Wedding

Now you know the best way to look and feel cool at your next summer wedding. Prep for your upcoming engagements with clean skincare from Oars + Alps!