Summer interview attire for sweaty, fat bastards?

[slackerinabox]

I'm overweight and trying (30+ pounds so far!) but still have a ways to go. I'm kicking up my job search soon and dread summer interviewing here in NYC - from balmy subways to offices with hippy energy saving air conditioners that don't do shit, nyc is not a fat sweaty bastard wearing multiple layers friendly city. Other than the obvious embarrassment of walking into an interview looking like I just ran a marathon, it makes my confidence plummet and makes me super self conscious. Suggestions?

I'm a fashion know-nothing so what are some fabric suggestions for suits, things to look for to know if suits are summer friendly, etc. Heck, I'd consider deodorizing products (mitchum does work, have considers slathering on my forehead!). I've shown up early to de-sweat but often spend time roaming the streets looking for a bathroom that's not disgusting, which is difficult in office building predominant areas. I'm thinking about buying a garment bag and keeping my suit in there for the subway commute, but then I'd have to stash the bag somewhere during the interview (where some homeless dude will probably nick it).

 

[DigDog]

business casual.

source: also a fat bastard.

 

[purbeast0]

i sweat like a mofo but i would never not go to an interview in a suit. i always just keep my jacket hanging in the car, and drive with my tie not tightened all the way up and keep the top button unbuttoned. then when i park, i tidy all of my neck area up and put my jacket on as i get out of the car and walk to the building.

if you're worried about the subway and walking around, then get a taxi or uber to the interview.

 

[slayer202]

cotton or linen lightweight suit. white shirt, don't put the jacket on until you get there

don't take the subway

pre-plan a nearby bathroom if you need

http://www.amazon.com/Gatsby-Deodor...sheets&qid=1465477398&ref_=sr_1_1_a_it&sr=8-1

 

[PottedMeat]

remember: if you wear pants to the interview they'll expect you to wear pants all the time

 

[slackerinabox]

cotton or linen lightweight suit. white shirt, don't put the jacket on until you get there

don't take the subway

pre-plan a nearby bathroom if you need

http://www.amazon.com/Gatsby-Deodor...sheets&qid=1465477398&ref_=sr_1_1_a_it&sr=8-1

Other than the subway suggestion (I don't have a choice, try driving into mid-down during rush hour - not only is the traffic horrible and unpredictable (20 minutes or 2 hours) we're talking $50 with toll and parking), thanks very much for the suggestions. Linen suits as wrinkle prone as linen shirts? Also those cooling sheets seem amazing. I use baby wipes as is but they're lint prone and very temporary, cooling wipes seem like a great idea. thank you!

 

[slackerinabox]

remember: if you wear pants to the interview they'll expect you to wear pants all the time

True, but "when in doubt, whip it out" didn't go so well at the last interview...

 

[slackerinabox]

business casual.

source: also a fat bastard.

I'm very old school, I just don't feel right not wearing a suit but I hear you.

 

[zinfamous]

silk undies.

 

[Kntx]

Wear some light comfortable clothes that breathe and look nice. Bring an extra shirt/undershirt along with you. Find a cool and comfy cafe near to your interview. Arrive an hour early. Hang out at the cafe before the interview and use the time to relax and get your body temp under control. Use the extra shirts if you need them.

 

[Homerboy]

get their WAY early (just dont' "check in")
Let you body calm down and stop sweating from the hike. Let it dry off.
Wash your face up to freshen up.
Slap on some D.O. if you need to.

 

[DigDog]

i used to wear a suit as any-day wear .. being both italian and snotty, it was the natural thing to do.

once i slowed down in life and got plump, suits won't fit me anymore. these days i wear:
1. suit trousers + belt
2. black or brown leather trainers which look like business shoes
3. shirt, no tie
4. a grey "sports" jacket with no logos, no color, no designs. it's basically a windbreaker.

imho i look better than the "elegant balloon" who dresses in a super-sized suit.

edit: also, Homerboy's advice is a very good one - get to the place early, and before you check in, relax and stop sweating.

 

[slackerinabox]

get their WAY early (just dont' "check in")
Let you body calm down and stop sweating from the hike. Let it dry off.
Wash your face up to freshen up.
Slap on some D.O. if you need to.

Good advice, I guess I've rarely shown up early because wandering for an hour in the heat is often worse and I'd chain smoke and just get more anxious - I def. should research places to cool off before hand and have an actual plan.

 

[z1ggy]

Depends on job. If it's an office type gig, then suit up. Get suits made mainly of light weight stuff like cotton. Do not go for anything with wool.

I have a mostly cotton suit made by Bar III that I got last year for about 200 bucks. I wore it in mid August and was totally fine.

 

[master_shake_]

i agree with business casual.

 

[DigDog]

suits for interview are on their way out. unless you are trying to land a law job, or another similar ultra-conservative position; i personally see suits as someone who's trying to compensate, tryhards who will probably not perform well under pressure.

i once walked into a recruitment day (a job interview with multiple people attending) and i swear to god, everyone had suit and tie on.
the job: Sainsbury (UK supermarket chain) shelf stacker.

if your interviewers are smart people (not saying they all are, far from it), they know that "walk into store and purchase suit" is not much of a skill.

Also, wearing suits n all is cool but, do you look good in said suit? I personally look horrendous now, so a suit would make it even worse.

I've also seen people wear skinny suits and couple them with the worst imitation-italian shoes .. ghastly.

Unfortunately, people who interview you might be so ignorant, they genuinely see someone with a Walmart suit and think "oh he's so elegant". Obviously that outfit won't land you a job at Goldman Sachs, but if you're trying to scoop a spot at the Comcast call center, it will do.

]
it's like to add a quote that might or might not be true, from a paint merchant from imgur:
"you won't sell anything if you show up wearing a suit; i have made sales because i had pain stains on my arms".

 

[dave_the_nerd]

silk undies.

Or wick-away / underarmor stuff, yeah.

Take a cold shower right before you leave for the interview, and use some of that super-antiperspirant.

 

[kt]

True, but "when in doubt, whip it out" didn't go so well at the last interview...

Or you can always wear a skirt. No judging.

 

[CraKaJaX]

God, I hear you on the subway. Was just in the city last weekend for the GF's graduation. I left the jacket at home - just did undershirt /w dress shirt and pants and even then I wanted to die. I'm not overweight, either ... so I can only imagine your situation. You think you won the lotto when you get one of those really nice, new, AC'd subway cars. The old ones don't really work worth a shit - especially when there's 70 people crammed in each car. Anyways, here's my thoughts:

1) Wear an undershirt to catch tit/pit/back sweat ... and any other upper-body sweat you may have.
2) Wear some 'active' underwear ... not cotton.
3) Skip the subway. Get an Uber to and from. Won't have to deal with people, heat, smell, worry about time, etc. Less of a hassle is good.
4) Bring a bag with some water, a small towel, anything else you may need.

 

[z1ggy]

God, I hear you on the subway. Was just in the city last weekend for the GF's graduation. I left the jacket at home - just did undershirt /w dress shirt and pants and even then I wanted to die. I'm not overweight, either ... so I can only imagine your situation. You think you won the lotto when you get one of those really nice, new, AC'd subway cars. The old ones don't really work worth a shit - especially when there's 70 people crammed in each car. Anyways, here's my thoughts:

1) Wear an undershirt to catch tit/pit/back sweat ... and any other upper-body sweat you may have.
2) Wear some 'active' underwear ... not cotton.
3) Skip the subway. Get an Uber to and from. Won't have to deal with people, heat, smell, worry about time, etc. Less of a hassle is good.
4) Bring a bag with some water, a small towel, anything else you may need.

We both know you're a fattie.

 

[SamQuint]

See if you can schedule interviews as early in the morning as possible. It may still be hot but not as hot link in the afternoon sun.

 

[CraKaJaX]

We both know you're a fattie.

ohi

 

[thomsbrain]

Linen suits are much lighter and cooler than wool or even cotton. I have one for my California summers. +1 for the Uber, at least to get there. +1 for the undershirt; even though it's hot, it will help a lot with hiding any sweat. And of course, everyone will know it's hot out so I suspect they will notice/care a lot less than you think.

 

[Jaepheth]

I thought tropical weight wool was cooler even than linen? (Problem is in finding a true light weight, light woven wool)


Anyway, if desperate you could take the interview clothes separate, and when you arrive take a whore bath (wipe down with a wet washcloth) in a stall before changing clothes.

Could also wear sweat absorbing pads under your clothes. I've never used them so I can't vouch for them, but I know they exist.

 

[z1ggy]

ohi

That's right, z1ggy lives on