Job Discussion Forums

[Theriel]

I have a bit of a random question, mostly for the men. For those of you who have to wear suits or otherwise nice clothes, how exactly do you manage to stay looking decent on your way to work? I'm living in Finland right now and it's been a while since I've had to deal with warm climates, but i remember when i worked in Boston the summers were horrendous, over 35 degrees and very high humidity. When I drove to work I was soaked in sweat and I often had to change when I got there.

I imagine people going to work on scooters in high humidity with even hotter weather/frequent rain and i'm rather curious. Do you wear one set of clothes, just shorts and a t-shirt, and then just change when you get there?

Don

[markholmes]

Teachers wear shorts and t-shirt here most of the time. I also find riding a scooter to work really kept the sweat levels down. An under-shirt (vest in the UK) helps when wearing a shirt. It doesn't help the sweating, but at least you don't look like you just jumped out of the shower.

I remember getting the train to work in Japan. It was like walking into a steam room, very unpleasant.

[BJ]

Suits normally are for city jobs, if so leave the jacket and tie at work.
I leave a jacket in my office just in case its needed, but normally I teach in closed toe shoes (open backed) slacks and short sleeve shirt/polo shirt. This dress code will work for nearly all places.

Shorts and T shirts for kindy/bushibans is normally acceptable although dress codes are normally informal some places may have a specific one. As long as its clean and presentable you should have no worries.

As to sweat, scooters help if you ride, but generally just walking will see you sweating. Air conditioned office and classrooms help, as well as walking through shops if your in town:)

An umbrella, funny as it sounds are also employed here to keep from getting a tan/help shade from the harsh light. Although this practice seems to be diminishing.

[BigWally]

for sweat: wear loose fitting shirts that breathe well, maybe consider those nike dry-fit shirts as undershirts which wick the sweat off your body

for rain: if its a really wet day consider bringing extra pants, socks, or shoes, as if you're on a scooter you can become a soaking wet mess very quickly if you're just wearing a regular style rain jacket

[forest1979]

Avoid polyester. Wear cotton.

[Jrario]

I live in Rio de Janeiro Brazil not TW but I imagine the weather is close to the same. This only applies to some people, but if you have any excess fat on you, lose it. I stopped being a fat ass and now don't sweat near as much as before.

[markholmes]

Jrario, I agree completely. Getting rid of the fat helps enormously.