Hot weather can be a real challenge. The sun’s relentless heat can make it difficult to get anything done, let alone complete labor-intensive tasks in optimum conditions. A regular cotton shirt may temporarily provide some relief, but choosing the right construction shirt for scorching weather conditions can help make all the difference.
There are plenty of construction shirts designed specifically for hot weather that can help workers keep their cool and look great while doing it.
The best construction shirts for hot weather are those that are lightweight, breathable, and moisture-wicking. The hot weather can’t be escaped, but it can be managed with the right apparel.
The 5 Best Construction Shirts for Hot Weather (Comparison Table)
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What are the Best Construction Shirts for Hot Weather? Our Top Picks
If hot and humid days are making construction work difficult, then you need to invest in a work shirt that can help keep you comfortable and protected. Below are our top five picks for the best construction shirts for hot weather:
1. Carhartt Force Relaxed Fit Midweight Short Sleeve T-Shirt
- Carhartt Company Gear Collection
- Fabric wicks away moisture for comfort
- Stain-release finish
- Raglan sleeves increase range of motion
This classic t-shirt by Carhartt is crafted from 100% Cotton with a unique pull-on closure. With a focus on comfort and style, this men’s t-shirt is sure to be your go-to for any kind of weather.
The Carhartt Company Gear Collection is designed to help keep you comfortable and dry throughout the day. The fabric wicks away moisture for optimal comfort even during strenuous activities and its stain-release finish allows you to easily wash off any dirt or mess, so you can get back to work without missing a beat.
If you’re worrying about its fit, it also features Raglan sleeves that offer a full range of motion and a flexible fit. Plus, its tagless back neck label enhances comfort by reducing the irritation or itchiness caused by tags.
Pros:
- 100% Cotton fabric
- Moisture-wicking technology
- Stain-release finish for easy cleaning
- Raglan sleeves for a full range of motion
- Tagless back neck label to reduce irritation or itchiness
Cons:
- Some sizing inconsistencies have been reported
2. 32 Degrees Cool Short Sleeve Crew T-Shirt
- FEATURES: Quick Dry, Anti Odor, 4 Way Stretch, Lightweight, Breathable, Soft Touch, Short Sleeve, Tag Free Label
- SLIM FIT: Please refer to photo size chart for chest, waist, hips, and length measurements. For body conscious slim fit, follow your size as on the chart. For a more forgiving relaxed fit, you should go 1 size up.
- FABRIC: 90% Polyester – 10% Spandex. Same great fabric as our popular 32COOL polos and boxer briefs. Lightweight knit jersey with a lot of stretch. Lightly brushed on both sides for added softness. Exceptionally durable construction that remains in-tact and color that doesn’t fade after multiple washes.
Take your style to a whole new level with the 32 Degrees Cool Short Sleeve Shirt for Men. This shirt is perfect for any active lifestyle, featuring lightweight fabric that is both breathable and stretchy. With quick-dry technology and anti-odor features, this shirt will keep you cool and dry all day long. Plus, its soft touch fabric is sure to provide ultimate comfort without sacrificing style.
This detailed craftsmanship ensures that this shirt will stay looking fresh and new, wash after wash. The 90% Polyester – 10% Spandex blend is lightweight yet durable, making it ideal for outdoor activities and hot weather days. This quick dry fabric helps keep you cool and comfortable while you move throughout your day without sacrificing style or performance.
Additionally, this men’s short sleeve shirt is designed with a slim fit silhouette for a modern look. For a body conscious fitted look, refer to the size chart or opt for one size up for a relaxed fit.
Pros:
- Lightweight and breathable fabric
- Moisture-wicking and quick-dry technology
- Anti-odor feature
- Slim fit silhouette
Cons:
- May not be suitable for those who prefer a looser fit.
3. Dickies Short Sleeve Performance Cooling Tee
- Temp iq intelligent cooling for advance temperature control
- Wicking technology to move moisture away from the body, keeping you dry
- Raglan sleeves for improved mobility
- Ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) rating system measures the UV protection provided by the fabric
Designed with the active man in mind, this Dickies Performance Collection Cooling T-Shirt for men is perfect for keeping cool during intense workouts or outdoor activities. Crafted from a lightweight blend of 50% polyester and 50% cotton, this breathable t-shirt allows maximum comfort and mobility no matter what your activity level is.
Featuring a chest pocket with carpenter pencil divisions, flatlock seams that reduce chafing, and a reflective logo on the pocket, you will always feel safe, sound, and stylish.
The classic crew neckline design can be worn alone or layered over another top for added warmth. With its simplistic color palette and timeless style, this shirt pairs easily with just about any look – from shorts and jeans to lounge pants – making it a wardrobe staple all year round!
Pros:
- Lightweight and breathable fabric blend
- Chest pocket with carpenter pencil divisions
- Flatlock seams reduce chafing and irritation
- Reflective logo on the pocket
Cons:
- It may run small, so refer to the size chart before purchasing.
4. Arctic Cool Cooling Crew Neck Workwear
- ✔ MORE THAN MOISTURE WICKING - As you begin to sweat, the advanced HydroFreeze X fabric wicks moisture away from your skin while also dispersing it throughout. It's lightweight, breathable and quick drying. When combined with airflow, Arctic Cool's EXCLUSIVE HydroFreeze X Fabric design acts as a radiator and INSTANTLY COOLS your body through controlled evaporation...NATURALLY. Cooling that won't wash out. Now you can do the job...more easily, longer and comfortably!
- ✔ LIGHTWEIGHT BREATHABLE AND COMFORTABLE - Made with a generously cut 4-way stretch polyester and spandex fabric blend, the Arctic Cool Men’s Crew Neck Pocket Workwear Instant Cooling Short Sleeve Shirt provides a greater range of motion for any job setting. Now you can keep cool AND do the job!
- ✔ PERFECT FOR ANY JOB - With Arctic Cool Moisture Wicking Instant Cooling Workwear Shirts for men you can be your best and most comfortable on the jobsite for construction, landscaping, HVAC, steel working, farming and anytime you need maximum comfort and cooling.
Experience the ultimate in cooling comfort with the Arctic Cool Cooling Crew Neck Workshirt for men. Made from a blend of polyester and spandex, this generously cut shirt offers a greater range of motion, regardless of the job setting. Its advanced HydroFreeze X fabric wicks moisture away from your skin while dispersing it throughout, allowing for quick drying and ultimate breathability.
Additionally, it also provides UPF 50+ sun protection to ensure your skin stays safe when outdoors. Other than that, its exclusive design acts as a cooling system, keeping you feeling refreshed and energized all day long.
Pros:
- Instant cooling
- UPF 50+ sun protection
- Moisture wicking fabric
- Comfortable stretch. The 4-way stretch feature allows for a full range of motion
Cons
- The largest size is XL, which might not be suitable for larger physiques
5. ARIAT Rebar Cotton Strong T-Shirt
- Greater Arm Mobility seam construction for maximum range of motion
- 6 oz durable jersey
- Rib-knit crewneck
- Raglan construction
- Reinforced chest pocket
It’s no secret that a great t-shirt is essential to any wardrobe, especially when you’re in the workplace. And with the ARIAT Mens T-Shirt (Cotton), you get exactly that – a classic, comfortable style that works for the office, construction site, or anywhere in between.
Made with 100% lightweight cotton fabric, making it the perfect shirt for hot weather conditions. Its detailed construction ensures lasting durability, with greater arm mobility seam construction, and rib knit cuffs for that extra bit of comfort.
It features a classic crew neckline, and the left chest pocket makes it easy to store your phone or other small items without getting in the way. Plus, this t-shirt is also machine washable so you can easily keep it clean on busy days.
Although there’s no active odor control feature, the all-natural cotton fabric ensures to keep you feeling fresh all throughout the day.
Pros:
- Lightweight 100% Cotton Fabric
- Detailed construction with greater arm mobility
- Rib-knit cuffs for added comfort
- Left chest pocket for convenience
- Machine washable for easy cleaning
Cons:
- No active odor control feature
Buyer’s Guide: Things to Consider When Shopping for Construction Shirts for Hot Weather
Here are some characteristics to look for when selecting a construction or work shirt that’s designed to keep you feeling comfortable during hot weather:
1. Sun Protection
Not all shirts are created equal in terms of sun protection. Some are designed purely for regulating body temperatures while wearing them outdoors and won’t offer much coverage from harmful UV rays at all. While temperature regulation is important, so is protecting skin from the sun’s harmful rays.
Ideally, you’d want to purchase a work shirt that has a UPF rating. The UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) rating measures the amount of protection a garment provides against UV radiation. It’s especially important to take this into consideration if your job takes place outside for extended periods of time.
2. Breathability
No matter how much UPF protection you get, if you’re wearing clothing that doesn’t allow your skin to breathe, you’re going to get uncomfortably hot. Breathable shirts are designed with fabrics that allow air to circulate and evaporate sweat, keeping you cooler in the process.
For instance, shirts made with merino wool, bamboo or even synthetic materials are better at regulating temperature than standard cotton workwear.
3. Odor Control
Hot weather can mean more sweat, which means body odor can be a real problem. Considering the number of hours you’ll likely be wearing your work shirt, it’s important to find something that has odor-controlling properties. This means looking for fabrics that can prevent bacteria from building up and causing unpleasant odors.
Body odor is caused by a lot of things: sweat, bacteria, and dirt. The humidity and warmth in hot weather only make things worse, so it’s essential to find workwear that can help prevent the buildup of bacteria and keep odors at bay. Some shirts and fabrics will contain an “odor-fighting” technology which helps reduce the accumulation of bacteria and thus, body odor.
4. Overall Comfort and Fit
When hot weather hits, it can make a day of hard work even harder. Regular cotton shirts can be hot and uncomfortable in the summer sun, but having a shirt that fits properly and is made with lightweight, breathable materials can make all the difference.
Ideally, you’d want to find a work shirt that’s soft and comfortable against your skin, so choose one that has a bit of stretch for comfort. Also, make sure there is enough room to move in the shirt, so you can work freely without feeling restricted by its fit.
5. Durability
All of these other factors are rendered useless if the shirt isn’t built to last. Working in the construction industry or outdoors, in general, can be a tough job that requires clothing that can withstand wear and tear. Most work shirts are designed to be durable, but it never hurts to check the fabric’s thickness and weight for added protection against rips and tears.
Also, this doesn’t mean that the clothes should be too thick too – remember, breathability and comfort are still important. But the fabric should be able to withstand some friction without ripping or deteriorating in quality too quickly.
6. Moisture Wicking Properties
With sweat dripping from your brow and an unrelenting heat beating down, it’s easy to become overwhelmed with the heat. Fortunately, there are specialized work and construction shirts that are designed for hot weather that can help keep the heat away. How will you know what’s right for you?
Look out for shirts with moisture-wicking properties, lightweight fabrics and breathable mesh panels, optimal-length sleeves that don’t cause you to overheat as you work, and a light color palette that will reflect the sun’s rays instead of trapping them against your skin. The perfect hot-weather construction shirt should be able to keep you cool and dry while you work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions and answers related to construction shirts:
What is the best material to wear when it comes to construction shirts during the summer?
Cotton is often a strong favorite due to its breathable yet durable fabric. However, there are a few other materials that may make an ideal choice. Fabrics like polyester blended with natural materials such as cotton provide both moisture-wicking and breathability to keep you feeling cool during those long hot summer days.
Is UV protection a must-have feature in any construction shirt?
Yes, UV protection is an important feature to look for in a construction shirt, especially during the summer months. This can help protect your skin from harsh rays and keep you safe from any possible sun damage.
Although not all construction shirts have this feature, some may include a UPF rating (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) to indicate the level of UV protection it offers. This can help you pick out the best construction shirt for your needs.
Does the size of a construction shirt matter?
Yes – size does matter! If it’s too oversized, the fabric can get caught on equipment or tools leading to potential hazards. A too-snug shirt can restrict movement, making it difficult to maneuver around worksites.
The best construction shirts are those that fit well and provide the necessary range of motion for optimum safety. Look for adjustable features like flexible cuffs and hems, as well as easy access pockets to further ensure a comfortable fit.
Final Thoughts
When outdoor construction work is required in the heat of summer, you’ll need gear that will keep you feeling cool and comfortable. Whether it’s quick-dry technology, lightweight materials, or an extra breathable design, choosing the best construction shirts for hot weather can make all the difference. Your comfort is the top priority, and so is your safety.