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Original poster

cool clothes for hot open plan office and commute

60 replies

Phunkychicken · 13/05/2025 14:06

Just moved to a new office and it's boiling. The set temp is 21.5 degrees, which is far too hot.

I don't want to wear vests, am 50 and quite overweight and have to walk 2+ miles plus 45 minute train so needs to be practical.

I already have to wear natural fibres due to sweats, and often find linen too hot and scratchy.

What kind of tops/dresses are loose and wafty but not too revealing. We're quite casual so doesn't need to be corporate smart.

5ft 8, 14 stone (size 18)

OP posts:
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13
Daughn · 15/05/2025 15:03

GreenFressia · 14/05/2025 23:32

Are these non iron?

Show quote history

Some of the newer versions are. And the others I have been able to put on a hanger and they dry quite well. I do have a steamer I take with me when I am staying away and it's very effective and getting everything looking presentable.

Daughn · 15/05/2025 15:04

TheJoanCollins · 15/05/2025 08:13

I have 5 of these cheesecloth blouses and I wear them, on rotation, in our very hot and sticky office. Lightweight, sort of floaty ( if you buy a bigger size) and best of all, don’t need ironing. Ignore the price. La Redoute always have a code. This month it’s 40% off with “may”. True to size. Look lovely with jeans, wide leg line trousers or city shorts ( remember those)

https://www.laredoute.co.uk/ppdp/prod-350307418.aspx#productRating_350307418

Those are lovely

WrinklesShminkles · 15/05/2025 17:13

Phunkychicken · 15/05/2025 10:47

Wow thanks - some really good suggestions. And solidatiry to all the fellow peri sweaters/furnaces.

I have a desk fan, hand held fan and a neck fan too - happy to use on transport and occasionally in the office but does rather draw attention which I'd rather not.

The suggestion to wear one top in and get changed is brilliant, I change my shoes when I get in so no idea why I didn't think of changing my clothes too. Though my new locker is the size of a pea.

And overall I think it is just me, I'm currently sleeping under a 4 tog duvet and still getting hot, until I hit late 40s DH and I used to have different duvets as I ran so cold, it's so weird how it all completely changed as I hit peri.

Also off to see if can justify that One Hundred Stars dress too, it's so gorgeous

I've got a 1 tog duvet from M&S which I completely recommend for summer!

Yakacm · 15/05/2025 21:49

I'm the same, I feel hot in the office even when it's not particularly warm outside, god knows why. I'm 60 and 5.10 and probably 20 stone these days, oh and male. I've always felt hot, even when younger and slimmer. I make sure I always have a desk fan, although I keep it on the floor under my desk, blowing up. But I also use a neck fan when it's really hot. If you haven't got a neck fan, do yourself a favour and get one. I find working from home is better than using fans. At home I can wear a short and vests and open the windows.

Behaveyourself88 · 18/05/2025 19:43

I’m a hot sweaty lady too and suffer in the summer or if it’s too warm anywhere. I like Box 2 seersucker trousers or the jersey ones and I tend to wear cheesecloth tunics over the top which are baggy and airy but with a nice necklace still looks smart. I’ve also got a couple of dresses from Froxx clothing online Orientique which are extremely cool and are long so would be excellent for a tall lady such as yourself.

gardenflowergirl · 18/05/2025 21:26

Have you considered hormone replacement therapy? It stops the sweats and stops you reacting to heat.

Original poster
Phunkychicken · 18/05/2025 21:28

I'm on the highest strength you can take sadly, still just hot. I'm trying to lose weight and get fitter as that will help

OP posts:
S0j0urn4r · 19/05/2025 14:32

A lot of workplaces are becoming more menopause friendly. I guarantee you're not the only one suffering like this, to a greater or lesser degree.
Would it be worth a chat with HR to see what they can do to make office more menopause friendly?

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